Abbot Elementary is a mockumentary that follows a group of well-meaning but cash-strapped teachers trying to make their school a better place. The premise sounds simple enough, but the show’s big heart and sharp observations about the rotting U.S. education system make it a breath of fresh air in the sitcom world. Abbot Elementary’s characters are funny and likable, while also being fearless, defined, and nuanced.
The show manages to do the seemingly impossible: genuinely and lightheartedly uplift the people it represents. It shines some much-needed light on the public service these undervalued teachers provide, without ever sounding too preachy or patronizing: an impressive feat for such a progressive show.
"What’s most exciting about Abbott is its evident long game. The show is setting up a tangle of relationships that hint at a big emotional range."
— Doreen St. Felix
"Abbott Elementary is accessible to everyone, whether you’ve taught or not. But specificity is the show’s strong suit."
— Jen Chaney
In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
Golden Globes
2 wins, 8 nominations
SAG Awards
1 win, 3 nominations
Spirit Awards
1 win, 1 nomination
WGA
2 nominations
As a young person who quit teaching this year, I found this extremely accurate of what our education system has come to be. The show has kept a decent portrayal of reality while keeping it lighthearted and fun.
This show is not funny at all. I don’t see how anyone with a brain could even watch this. It puts black people in ambiguous and unflattering situations. Total thumbs down. Glad Gene Siskel didn’t live to see this.