Abbott Elementary has just finished its third season, with the finale airing May 22nd. The series creator, Quinta Brunson, is a comedic star and internet alum. Brunson got her start creating sketch comedy videos on various platforms and producing for BuzzFeed. After leaving the company in 2018, Brunson brought her comedic talents to Facebook Watch with the show Quinta v.s. Everything that she wrote and produced. She also starred in A Black Lady Sketch Show, created by Robin Thede. Finally, Abbott Elementary premiered its pilot episode in 2021, forever changing the sitcom formula as we know it. The multiple Emmys that the show has won prove its intelligence. However, its relationship with internet culture adds to the show’s greatness.
The sitcom formula has been mastered by various shows ranging from The Jeffersons to New Girl. A good sitcom has to appeal to the masses, commenting on current social events and issues that everyone can understand, not just a general audience. While it may seem cheesy, a good sitcom has to pull at the heartstrings, investing the audience in characters we love to hate or reluctantly love. What sets Abbott apart from classic sitcoms is its connection to online culture, which Brunson is familiar with. This is why everyone loves Abbott Elementary. If you are chronically online, the show’s humor stands out even more than it already does.
Brunson has changed the sitcom game by applying her previous experience as a Black female comedian in a world of white male comedians. Even though they have set the precedent, Brunson continues to raise the bar with her specific humor that appeals to everyone. With her impressive comedy (If it helps, Brunson is responsible for “A large?” You got money—he got money! Get it all for him!”) With her experience in sketch comedy and improvisation, Brunson just knows how to make people laugh. She is also great at showcasing current content creators. Comedian and rapper Zack Fox stars as Janine’s boyfriend, Tariq. TikTok personality Sabrina Brier (Oh!) guest-starred as a substitute teacher during the third season. Brunson featuring social media stars on the show is reminiscent of her participation in internet culture. It’s pretty cool to see.
Besides online references, Abbott Elementary checks all the boxes of what makes a good, if not outstanding, sitcom. Abbott follows the mockumentary style of sitcoms, seen with classics such as The Office and Parks and Recreation, which serve as some of Brunson’s inspirations. The mockumentary style has been done many times and still works with Abbott because of the interaction between the characters and the audience. Part of what makes the characters on Abbott so likable is understanding how they think and why they act the way they do.
As we follow a relatively new teacher, Janine Teagues, in a Black public elementary school in West Philadelphia, the setting is never dull. Brunson based Teagues’ experience on her mother’s career as a public school teacher. Abbott balances the dynamic of its appealing audience with Gregory Eddie and Jacob Hill, young teachers like Janine, navigating their positions. There to help them are veteran teachers Barbara Howard and Melissa Schemmenti. Witty jokes and snide comments from eccentric characters like de facto principal Ava Coleman and janitor of all trades Mr. Johnson leave the audience in fits of laughter. And Janine’s dedacaition to her craft, not only as a teacher but as a creative, speak to the passion of teachers and artists everywhere. That’s another thing that sitcoms are known for: character development. Be honest, would you watch a show, season after season, where characters haven’t changed from their first appearance? I would hope not. Brunson’s character has her cheery and go-getter personality challenged countless times by the reality of the public school system. Instead of surrendering, she adapts to her environment and continues. This is the heartstrings part I was talking about. Everyone likely has a Janine Teaugues in their life, which makes Brunson’s character so endearing and honest.
Where other sitcoms struggle with representation onscreen and settle for tasteless jokes (that fit the standard during the time but are more embarrassing during a rewatch), Abbott’s writers prioritize representation in the show. For example, the Black excellence of the series cannot be ignored. From legend Sheryl Lee Ralph to Tyler James Williams of Everybody Hates Chris fame, it is refreshing to see Black people and people of color at the forefront of comedy and drama instead in the background, fighting for screentime and respect. Brunson talks more about representation in her interview with the New Yorker. She says, “Especially being a Black woman, you carry a lot of responsibility. With that responsibility, I still need to be able to do what I want to do.” Whether you know Brunson for her internet presence or sitcom fame, there is no doubt that she is an impressive inspiration. The fourth season of Abbott Elementary is confirmed, and I cannot wait to see more of Brunson’s creative comedic genius.
