“Abbott Elementary”

‘Abbott Elementary’ charms viewers past its midseason

BY MARY-KATHRYN WERT

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Educators have it hard. That is the one thought that circles through my head as I watch the crazy antics of the Abbott crew.

As someone who has grown up with a parent who works in the education field, this show has given me a sense of familiarity I have never experienced with any other sitcoms. Each storyline gives me deja vu to “ something I’ve heard from my mother the moment she got off of work.

This work of genius by Quinta Brunson is award-winning for a reason — perfectly mixing the realities of a Philadelphia public school with the hilarities of situations involving elementary school students.

With three Emmys under its belt after a year of running, it is clear to audiences that this show has an excellence only found in a certain few shows in the days of over-saturated television.

But why should you watch it? I can firmly say as a day one viewer, “Abbott Elementary” is better than ever coming off of its midseason finale and is a perfect watch for lovers of the fun and funny.

Season two continues to follow the character we know and love. Our veteran teachers Barbara, with her motherly presence and knowledge of “Black” celebrities, and Melissa, our favorite Philly teacher with dubious connections.

Jacob, resident history teacher and the cheesiest of the cast, only second to Janine; Mr. Johnson, custodian extraordinary with a quick wit and quicker tongue; and Ava, the best principal to never have gone to school to be a principal.

That brings us to our budding couple of the season, Janine and Gregory.

Janine, played by Brunson, and Gregory, played by Tyler James Williams, perfectly portray the growing romance of two characters who are so awkward that you can’t help but cringe despite your love for them. Janine, with her romantic interests and misguided dreams, is a character that you instantly feel drawn to and root for enthusiastically. These characters come together to form a hodgepodge family but after watching more than a season, they start to feel like your family too. The actors’ portrayals instantly pull you into their universe and make you feel like you belong there as well — the recipe for a hit sitcom.

To sum up my opinions in three words: hilarious, heartwarming and refreshing. There is nothing better than coming home on a Wednesday night, putting on pajamas and watching my favorite people in action.

There is nothing better then coming home on a Wednesday night, putting on pajamas and watching my favorite people in action.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT