The last day of finals felt like running through the finish line of a months-long marathon, but not for the reason you may think. You see, Thanksgiving break had brought me the serendipitous opportunity to begin binge-watching a show; I chose Abbott Elementary. However, the November break, taken up by basketball and car rides to relatives’ homes, was not long enough for me to complete the show. So for the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I had only one thing motivating me from 8:30 to 2:40: starting season 2 of Abbott.
That’s a bit dramatic, but the mockumentary about public school teachers in Philadelphia is truly a gift to the world. The show remains light-hearted and unexpectedly funny while also illustrating the difficulties educators go through to fulfill their students’ needs. The audience follows Janine Teagues as she navigates her rookie years in the public school system. She learns from experienced teachers and students alike, embodying a dynamic character throughout the seasons. Quinta Brunson, the creator of Abbott Elementary, also gives us a window into Janine’s personal/romantic life and her growth in that area. I’ll admit, I got really annoyed by Janine in Season 1, but Brunson’s storytelling has transformed Janine into a character I ardently root for.
Other than Janine, there are a host of other teachers and side characters who add to the show’s comedic prowess. First, the principal of Abbott Elementary, Ava Coleman. There isn’t really a way to encapsulate the vibes of Ava, so you should definitely just watch the show to appreciate every aspect of her. Next, Gregory Eddie, a kindergarten teacher who frequently side-eyes the camera as if to say, “Are you seeing this too?” Barbara Howard and Melissa Schementti present an almost telepathic duo, always backing each other up and dishing hilarious roasts. There are a slew of other teachers, but I’ll end with the quintessential white boy, Jacob Hill (affectionately called Mr. C for ‘corny’ by his middle school students). Jacob is often the subject of Melissa’s sick burns due to his persona as the typical liberal white guy, but he is trying his best! All together, this group has got me hooked on the show, and I am (im)patiently waiting for Season 4 on HBO Max.