Abbott Elementary Series Review

Teachers make a difference.

Abbott Elementary premiered on television in 2021. Teaching at one of the worst public schools in the country, a group of teachers learns how to make each day work. As they expand their grounds of teaching, they also overcome life challenges of their own.

I had no idea how much I would enjoy Abbott Elementary when I first started watching it. The series takes its time to get into its flow. Each episode follows the same routine. Other than establishing the world of teaching, the series imposes coming-of-age themes for adults.

Abbott Elementary has the best ensemble cast. Each character could have an essay written about them. There’s a lot more under the surface of each character than one thinks.

Janine (Quinta Brunson) is the best example. Janine is over-optimistic, seeks attention, and fixes problems way over her head. Analyzing her past, she is finding her pathway and learning. I related to Janine. Brunson is fabulous in the role.

Tyler James Williams’ (Gregory) expressions made me laugh. Jacob (Chris Parfetti) also has a unique way of looking at things. Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is warm and intelligent. Ralph was excellent in the role. Barbara and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walker) shared the best interactions.

I also like how the school’s janitor, Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) is recognized. Abbott Elementary is the first school show to do this.

Janelle James is the highlight as the unprofessional principal, Ava. She had a ball in this role. Her character can be annoying with her crass remarks and unapologetic behavior. Only one episode has explored her background. Going forward, more episodes of Abbott Elementary should evolve Ava’s character.

An ensemble of children joins the cast as chaotic school kids. Abbott Elementary also includes recurring characters. Everyone is memorable. All the characters are written well. Tariq (Zack Fox) is not the most responsible boyfriend for Janine, but he is sensitive and cares.

More credits include Courtney Taylor, Vince Staples, Larry Owens, and a memorable appearance by Taraji P. Henson. Her role was quite the contrast from Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures. Every actor’s abilities are tested.

Abbott Elementary is hilarious. Line deliveries, reactions, and realistic situations make the show what it is. My favorite part was whenever characters gave the camera a side eye. School teachers have commented that the show matches a public school setting.

Each episode runs on the usual formula where a character has a problem leading to the characters talking about it (or poking fun at one another) until resolving it. Some storylines were filler, such as handling issues with students or storylines that could have been set outside the school.

However, don’t give up on the series. I kept watching this series because I knew there was more. Abbott Elementary’s central theme is growth. Quinta Brunson created a show about discovering yourself. Doing an excellent job studying relationships, the show is impactful. The final episodes in season 2 were deep.

Janine and Barbara’s relationship is the best example. Taking the time to get to know Janine and observe her life, Barbara becomes the mother figure that Janine always needed.

Janine and Gregory had cute moments. I giggled at several moments between them. Season 2’s finale frustrated me, but after thinking about it, this ending matches the theme. Take time to discover yourself. Everyone needs time.

I cannot wait for season 3 to return. Abbott Elementary is a wholesome show. I recommend that you binge on Abbott Elementary on Hulu. I had fun watching each episode.