By Celia Papavasileiou,
“Abbott Elementary” is a predominately Black, underfunded and mistreated public elementary school in West Philadelphia. With an unqualified principal, a lack of supplies and even non-working lights, there isn’t much to work with. But Abbott has a gift not many people are lucky enough to have: Its dedicated and passionate teachers, who we get to follow through the lens of a camera crew documenting the schools’ workings.
We follow the story of Janine Teauges (played by Quinta Brunson), a young, extremely optimistic and caring second grade teacher. It’s her second year working at the school and, even though there are unimaginable difficulties along the way, she loves her job. “I think the job is trying to make things better”, she says at one point in the show. And that’s exactly what she does. Janine is a happy person, but she’s not necessarily confident. Everything changes the moment a substitute teacher must work at Abbott: Gregory Eddie (played by Tyler James Williams). He is kind and always willing to help—and has a huge crush on Janine as well. As their relationship starts to grow Janine becomes more confident in herself and in her work.
Janine is heavily influenced by another one of her coworkers. Barbara Howard (played by Sheryl Lee Ralph), a religious, sweet and self-aware teacher becomes a mother figure to Janine. She believes in her and pushes her to become better when she needs it, like she does with her students. Along with the nerdy history teacher Jacob Hill (played by Chris Perfetti), the mysterious Melissa Schemmenti (played by Lisa Ann Walter) and the witty janitor Mr. Johnshon (played by William Stanford Davis), the characters have an unbreakable bond and create the perfect team when it comes to the challenges they have to face.
The biggest surprise in the series so far is the character development of the uninterested principal, Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James). As she gets to know the job she becomes an integral part of the school. In her own way, which at moments can be flawed, she also grows attached to this family and can’t help but love them. Throughout the series, we follow the teachers through their daily lives—whether that is a disastrous presentation, an attempt of a field trip or just typical day to day drama.
The role of Janine is played by the creator of the show, Quinta Brunson. Daughter of a kindergarten teacher, Brunson grew up in West Philadelphia and always loved school and the learning environment. It was at middle school, though, when she met the teacher who inspired her to become the person she is today and, thankfully, create the show: Ms. Abbott. She was always positive and supportive, inspiring the students to love themselves and fulfil their potential.
Barbara Howard is heavily influenced by Ms. Abbott. She is always urging Janine, as well as the rest of the teachers and students, to become better. In a discussion with Janine she explains how important it is to be self-aware and not let external opinions form your internal world: “People have thrown dirt on my name, and others have given flowers. It’s all a garden to me”. Abbott becomes a magical garden, where kids get to grow despite the underfunding of the school.
Nevertheless, Brunson’s experience is an exception compared to the norm of the American education system. In her own words: “Our country doesn’t care as much about its lower classes as its richer class… and because of that, schools like Abbott are suffering“. “Abbott Elementary” is a commentary on the state of America’s educational system, highlighting its systemic prejudice and inequality that continues to exist within it.
So far, “Abbott Elementary” has been met with great critical acclaim. It has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes Awards. The first episode aired on ABC Network on December 7 of 2021 and the last episode until now aired on April 16 of 2025. The show has been renewed for a fifth season, for which I am extremely excited about.
The series has the key ingredients for the perfect sitcom. It’s undeniably funny and sarcastic, presenting everyday problems with an extremely entertaining and fresh way. Simultaneously, it brings up problems regarding the state of the American education system and makes the viewer think, doubt and criticize aspects of their daily lives that we usually tend to ignore. If that sounds appealing to you, “Abbott Elementary” is the show for you.
References
- Abbott Elementary review – the gags come so thick and fast they take your breath away. The guardian. Available here
- Quinta Brunson was ‘a scaredy-cat.’ Then she met the teacher who inspired her sitcom. LA times. Available here
