Abbott Elementary season 1 has become this year’s Cinderella of television. At the start of the new year, Hollywood was all abuzz about shows like Law & Order returning after 12 years or the premiere of the highly anticipated The Thing About Pam starring Renée Zellweger. There weren’t that many voices talking about the new comedy on the block, Abbott Elementary. Even when the sitcom premiered on ABC, it did so to a modest number of viewers by most standards.
However, in the 35 days that followed, Twitter fans started bragging about the show. Their glowing endorsements helped propel the premiere episode via streaming networks to 7.1 million views, setting a record for ABC. Furthermore, the show’s growing popularity among television watchers has earned Abbott Elementary comparisons to television royalty, Modern Family.
Not only are both comedies shot in similar mockumentary formats, but the school-based show is now entering Modern Family territory in terms of overall audience size. Abbott Elementary season 1 is the most-watched sitcom on ABC since the Modern Family finale of April 2020. This begs the question, is Abbott Elementary the heir apparent to the network’s comedy throne?
Catch up on the season and you be the judge. Here is everything that we know about Abbott Elementary and its freshman season.
When is the next Abbott Elementary season 1 episode?
The first-ever season finale of Abbott Elementary aired on Tuesday, April 12. Thankfully for fans of the series, season 2 hits the ABC airwaves in the US on Wednesday, September 21, at 9 pm ET/PT.
Here's some good news for UK would-be viewers. Season 1 is currently available to stream on Disney Plus.
Abbott Elementary season 1 trailer
Here is a trailer for everyone’s favorite new sitcom, Abbott Elementary.
What is the plot of Abbott Elementary?
Through Abbott Elementary's humorous mockumentary style of storytelling, viewers get to see how a group of devoted educators manage to mold young minds in an underfunded school system. ABC describes as:
"A workplace comedy following a group of dedicated, passionate teachers and a slightly tone-deaf principal, as they navigate the Philadelphia public school system. Despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life, and though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do. Even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children."
As much as this show is a fresh comedic take on the public education system in the US, it also serves as a crash course on Philadelphia culture.
Who is in the Abbott Elementary cast?
One of the most remarkable aspects about Abbott Elementary is the show’s star Quinta Brunson. Not only is she the series lead, but she also serves as the show’s executive producer and creator. Brunson was able to take her mom’s experience as a teacher, as well as her own firsthand experience in the Philadelphia public school system, to develop a series that has so far resonated with millions of many people throughout the US.
While many people may not have been familiar with her work at Buzzfeed or on HBO’s Emmy-winning A Black Lady Sketch Show, they most certainly are discovering her talent as a writer and actor now.
Another notable actor on Abbott Elementary is Tyler James Williams. Viewers will recognize the once child actor from his time on Everybody Hates Chris or perhaps his brief stint on The Walking Dead.
Here is a list of the cast and their characters:
- Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues
- Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie
- Janelle James as Ava Coleman
- Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti
- Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard
- Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill
- William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson
Will there be an Abbott Elementary season 2 ?
From the desk of everyone’s favorite new elementary school principal, Ava Coleman, comes the exciting news that Abbott Elementary will be returning for a second season. This information isn’t a complete surprise given the show’s growing popularity. Be sure to check out the official announcement below.
Fresh off Ava Coleman's desk 😌 pic.twitter.com/6ZJjvScJklMarch 14, 2022
As reported in Variety, season 2 will debut on Wednesday, September 21, at 9 pm ET/PT.
How to watch Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary season 1 episodes are currently available to watch in the US on Hulu. For those without Hulu, the first season makes its way to HBO Max on August 20.
In the UK, season 1 is available on Disney Plus.
