“Abbott Elementary” Earns an A+
On the tail end of electrifying award wins, the second season of critically acclaimed sitcom “Abbott Elementary” premiered Sept. 21 on ABC and Hulu, receiving even more rave reviews than its first season. Filmed as a mockumentary, the first three episodes have brought in over eight million live viewers.
Excitement over the second season of the school-based sitcom was high after the Primetime Emmy Awards, where creator, writer, and lead actress Quinta Brunson and Hollywood veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph both won awards for the first time in their careers. Fans were not disappointed–the second season currently holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“‘Abbott’s’ characters have the winning persistence of people who work because they’re driven by purpose, and the wit of folks trying to make the best of things,” writer Daniel D’Addario said in a review. “They make the series feel fresh, and lend it vitality and pep.”
The humorous episodes of “Abbott” are not just a joy to watch, but they also represent the important difficulties of many teachers in underfunded schools.
“‘Abbott’s’ half glass full crew ends another optimistic half-hour in usual style: simultaneously making a call to action for more funding, while recognizing that teachers around the country will continue to forge through if they don’t receive it,” Den of Geek critic Shawn Laib said in his review of episode two.
The support for teachers isn’t just present in the show; the cast has advocated for educators off-screen, too. Show creator Brunson donated $20,000 to the middle school she attended in Philadelphia to help teachers.
“We chose to put the marketing money [for ‘Abbott’] toward supplies for teachers,” Brunson said in an interview with NPR. “It’s about being able to make those kinds of decisions that really excite me, things that can really materially help people.”
Equally important the message of “Abbott” is representation: the majority of the cast is Black, and diversity is beautifully integrated into an authentic portrayal of teachers, schools, and the city of Philadelphia.
“Part of my mission statement, if I had to have one as a creative, was to give creativity to the average Black male voice,” actor Tyler James Williams said in an interview with Revolt. “I hope that that two percent feels super seen.”
The series has certainly spoken to people all over the world; critics, sitcom fans, comedy enjoyers, former educator and First Lady Jill Biden, and teachers at Stone Bridge have all connected with “Abbott Elementary”.
“The show does a great job of presenting the stressors that come with teaching while also emphasizing the joy and sense of community that you get from the profession,” English teacher Jessica Cimino said. “I would absolutely recommend the show to other people! It’s honest, smart, and uplifting.”
“Abbott Elementary” episodes release on Wednesdays at 9 pm ET on ABC and Thursdays on Hulu.
