For those who love well written social commentary, slow burn romances, and bullying short people,  “Abbott Elementary” is just the perfect series for you.

I am a huge fan of sitcoms in all shapes and sizes, especially ‘mockumentaries.’ However, I have watched many new sitcoms and mock-up documentaries that have come out in recent years, and none of them have ever truly held my interest. 

That was until I found my recent obsession and masterpiece of a comedy, “Abbott Elementary,” which I cannot help but try to share. Words cannot describe how much I adore this series, but they can talk about how brilliant it is. 

Here’s a quick synopsis: the story follows teachers at an elementary school in Philadelphia, which, you guessed it, is called Abbott Elementary. These teachers are constantly filmed by a crew who wishes to capture the lives of public educators. They follow this eccentric group of teachers and their trials throughout school years facing parents, students, school boards, and all other tribulations that educators must face.

Where to start on what I love about the show? The diverse, lively, and realistic characters? The hilarious jokes lacking “dark humor?” The representation of a serious topic done respectively, that truly opens eyes? There really is too much to choose from.

Original Characters

The writing in “Abbott Elementary” perfectly balances well known archetypes while still making all of their characters, minor or major, well rounded and complex. These characters are a breath of fresh air from the one dimensional stereotypes that most comedies create. After all, what other TV show is going to have a wacky janitor that ignores sub plans to teach kids about the Illuminati?

On first watch, the characters are easily distinguished with their strong personalities, and the stubborn Janine can be quickly told apart from the put-together Barbara. The dynamics of all these teachers, a mush pot of backgrounds and personalities, create a delicious found family that warms hearts.

What I appreciate about these characters though, is how their initial strong personalities do not become too overworked. They make sure to develop their characters, so what seems like the arrogant principal, Ava, is actually a caring but cool diva. “Abbott Elementary” gives their character’s justice and does not succumb to lazy writing throughout the seasons.

Comedy Done Right

Due to the show’s setting being in an elementary school, the comedy used is complementary to the environment the teachers are in. This type of humor is not too grown, but nonetheless enjoyable. In fact, I think it makes the show even more brilliant because of it stepping away from a dark type of comedy which is common nowadays.

The jokes are genuinely funny without being insulting or offensive – not to mention some of the funniest cold opens I have seen in TV history. I personally love this type of comedy that “Abbott Elementary” has utilized, one that allows you to watch it around your parents without the fear of being judged.

A Creative Call to Action

What I may appreciate most about this show is its message about the struggles of education. It cleverly gives teachers the recognition they deserve for all they put up with, and shows just how flawed our public education system is.

Again and again, the plot circles around how teachers do the impossible despite low funding and oppressive bosses. It is enlightening to see this side of the story, as most of us in elementary school were too young to understand the lengths that teachers went through to give us the best learning experience possible. 

The origin of this show makes this message even stronger. The creator of “Abbott Elementary,” Quinta Brunson, (kudos to her, she is brilliant) was inspired to write the show because of her mother being a teacher herself. It makes the watching experience feel even more special, if that is possible, knowing that this show came from a real passion to bring awareness to what was experienced first hand.

This light-hearted show remains a relaxing watch while still maintaining its overall focus on educators’ struggles.

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There are probably thousands of more reasons why I will always love and praise this show, but those were the three I hope will convince others the most to watch it themselves. 

Overall, “Abbott Elementary” is a show that is lovingly made by the hands of those who are extremely passionate about what they are doing. It is a love letter not only to teachers everywhere, who act as everyday heroes, but also a testimony to love that can be found in everyday relationships that truly make life vibrant and exciting.

“Abbott Elementary” is what I consider the perfect modern day sitcom, and deserves to be on everyone’s watch radar.