Abbott Elementary Review
Abbott Elementary perfectly captures the nuanced challenges faced by educators in America. Image courtesy of ABC.
Abbott Elementary season 1 review by Zianna Weston
Created by: Quinta Brunson
Rating: 🏆 most excellent
Abbott Elementary School is one of Philadelphia’s many underfunded schools. Lead by an incompetent Principal (Janelle James), and staffed by hardened veterans (Lisa Ann Walter and Sheryl Lee Ralph) and recklessly optimistic newbies (Quinta Brunson and Chris Perfetti), this hodgepodge group must work together to educate the next generation.
The comedy in this show works on several levels. While certain scenarios may be heightened for comedic purposes, as a former educator and inner city youth worker, I confess that way too many aspects of this show are absolutely realistic. From the ineffective use of funding, to the ever-changing curriculum and programs, to the cut throat sass of a group of children, Abbott Elementary had me laughing from start to finish.
Our protagonist Janine Teagues faces each day with a level of optimism and energy than can only be rivaled by Leslie Knope. While the veteran teachers may appear to be heartless at first, we soon begin to realize that their weathered attitudes are what keep them going and enable them to return to their often thankless job year after year. The students are both lovable and infuriating and as someone who has worked with a lot of children over the years, this show brought me right back to my days in the classroom. One scene in particular which involved the roasting of the middle school social studies teacher was too real and made me remember why I ultimately decided that I was not cut out for the jungle that is a middle school classroom.
If you’re looking for a LOL with a side of social commentary on the American public school system, look no further than ABC’s Abbott Elementary! Now streaming on Hulu.
Tyler James Williams in ABC’s Abbott Elementary. Image courtesy of ABC.
