As the eligibility period for the 2021-2022 Emmy Awards comes to a close, one show continues to hold the spotlight: ABC's breakout network comedy hit, Abbott Elementary. The mockumentary series follows a group of overworked and underpaid teachers at a Philadelphia public school.
Since the series premiered, fans have taken to social media to express their adoration for the show. According to these devoted viewers on Twitter, there are a number of reasons why Abbott Elementary deserves to be remembered when the Emmy nominations are announced this summer.
Quinta Brunson's Vision
"Quinta Brunson, much like Issa, is having the run of a lifetime," writes @Yo_Bookie. Having previously written for Buzzfeed and the Emmy-nominated HBO series, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Brunson brings a wide range of experience as she steps into her new role as showrunner.
In recent years, the Emmys have honored numerous writer-performers, from Phoebe Waller-Bridge to Dan Levy. Quinta Brunson has achieved the same feat here: she has created, written, and starred in her own series with its own singular vision. That vision combines light-hearted comedy with heart and social consciousness.
The Return Of The Sitcom
@sulsulsimsam included Abbott Elementary on a list of half-hour comedies he recommends, before adding that Abbott is "the best new sitcom in like 20 years." Furthermore, @EmmaB_Videos tweeted that "this show helped fill a Parks & Rec sized hole in my heart."
The comparisons between Abbott and other mockumentaries like The Office are to be expected. However, while the sitcom never really left (Black-ish and Mom were both nominated at the Emmys last year), a pure half-hour network comedy has not had a real shot to win the top prize since Modern Family.
The Pilot Episode
The pilot of Abbott Elementary premiered in December 2021. Its popularity spread largely because of word-of-mouth on Twitter. One viral tweet written by @ScriptsByJames reads, "Finally watched the ABBOTT ELEMENTARY pilot... I've seen enough - give it ten seasons."
The pilot episode is a well-structured piece of writing, one that introduces the world of the show and its lovable cast of characters, from Janine to Barbara through conflict and contrast. For instance, the contrast between Janine's (Brunson) inability to control her classroom and Barbara's (Sheryl Lee Ralph) command over her students illustrates and establishes both characters instantly.
The Casting Of Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sheryl Lee Ralph's portrayal of Barbara Howard has created a devoted following online. @MadameZeti posted, "Barbara Howard is literally me when it comes to my job," along with stills of Howard's oft-quoted remark, "I do my work, I go home. I get my nails done every week."
Forty years ago, Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Not only is it wonderful to see a funny, dynamic Black woman over 60 play such a great character, but also it's a treat to see this great actress become a part of a new project that is part of the cultural zeitgeist 40 years after Dreamgirls.
The Character Of Principal Ava Coleman
"I'm ready for the Principal Ava stage in my life," writes @aaaubs. "Let me stumble upon an opportunity that will make me money while I do absolutely nothing." However, @Vanguard_James said it best when he tweeted, "'And the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series goes to Janelle James!"
Principal Ava, played by the hilarious Janelle James, has struck a nerve with Abbott's Twitter fans. The countless memes, GIFs, and clips that have spread across the internet exemplify the cultural relevance of this performance. James's use of physical comedy and perfectly timed glances at the camera, along with the character's ridiculous worldview, have made this performance undeniable.
The Jokes Are Memorable
A popular thread on Twitter began with @aliciaflcrrick's post of a compilation video from the series, entitled "abbott elementary once said." The viral tweet includes a string of one-liners from the show that prove why Abbott has gained this amount of traction: it's genuinely funny and very quotable.
Many hit comedies these days tend to veer towards darker subject matter. Even Ted Lasso had far less comedy in its second season. Abbott Elementary embraces its genre so wholeheartedly that its ratio of jokes per page is likely higher than many of its potential contenders in the comedy series race this year.
The Record-Breaking Ratings
According to @PopBase, the second episode of Abbott Elementary "had ABC's highest ratings for a comedy series since the series finale of Modern Family." @DEADLINE tweeted in late January that Abbott became the "First ABC Comedy Premiere To Quadruple Ratings."
The release of Abbott Elementary was meticulously and successfully crafted. The pilot premiered in December 2021 right before the holidays, when viewers would have the time to watch and share it with others before the second episode premiered nearly a month later. This strategy clearly worked, as word-of-mouth spread and the series hit numerous ratings milestones before the first season wrapped.
The Critical Acclaim
Abbott Elementary has consistently received critical acclaim throughout the airing of its first season. In fact, the official account of @RottenTomatoes tweeted in April that "Certified Fresh at 100%, Abbott Elementary's first season is among the best TV seasons of all time."
Rarely does a new series achieve that amount of consistent critical praise across its entire first season. Not only did the show receive excellent reviews, but also Abbott Elementary would go on to be discussed and analyzed beyond traditional art critics, such as Charles M. Blow's glowing op-ed in the New York Times.
Addressing Education Inequality
One fan of Abbott Elementary, Twitter user @paddington618, expressed a sense of gratitude that "we finally got a funny and mostly realistic look into how education works." In the midst of all the zany comedy, Abbott manages to address real issues affecting underfunded public schools.
Within the first few minutes of the series, Janine expresses how frustrating it is to have so few supplies, and the show frequently follows the ways in which Abbott teachers have to think outside the box. Part of what is so successful about how the series handles this subject matter is that these serious issues are tackled in a light-hearted way that allows the issue to be addressed while also providing entertainment.
The Spotlight On Teachers
The New York Times tweeted in early February that Abbott Elementary "has quickly become a talker among teachers who see themselves and their colleagues reflected in the show's main characters." Furthermore, Abbott Elementary has already gained a reputation for giving back to public schools and for sharing appreciation for teachers.
Many television series that shine a light on important issues, like income inequality, enter the awards conversation each year. What helps Abbott Elementary stand out is that its authenticity and heartfelt ode to educators all contribute to the quality and excellence of the series itself. Quinta Brunson's ability to accomplish that balance should and will resonate with Emmy voters come this summer.