Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary

A wry mockumentary with a big heart

The Very Best

8.5

TV Show

United States, United States of America
English
Comedy
2021
Chris Perfetti, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter
22 min

What it's about

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.

The take

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.

Comments

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.

Add a comment

What did you think? Who should watch it?

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

More like this in

Phoenix: Eden17

A short yet powerful anime adaptation of one arc of the unfinished classic Space Age manga

8.0

Ethos

A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality

9.9

Agent Elvis

The King of Rock and Roll reimagined as ultimate 60s spy, let down by the humor

6.5

Miraculous Brothers

A mystery K-drama solved through a compelling manuscript, empath abilities and found family

7.6

Killer Coaster

A charming cast and farcical fun save this otherwise predictable murder mystery

7.0

Better

A gripping crime thriller with a refreshing point of view

7.9

Caliphate

A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.

8.9

Pretend it’s a City

A wildly entertaining series of interviews with a New York legend

9.2

Miseducation

A fun and catty South African university life series that misses out on emotional depth

5.7

Occupied

Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.

8.7

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2023 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.