Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Empathetic mockumentary about teaching has comedic chops.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Abbott Elementary
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 28 kid reviews
Kids say that this show is an excellent mix of humor and relatability, particularly praising its representation of teachers and the diversity among characters. While it contains mild language and some suggestive themes, viewers feel it's generally family-friendly and perfect for older kids and tweens.
- funny
- diverse characters
- family-friendly
- relatable humor
- teacher perspective
- mild language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, a young, optimistic teacher named Janine (creator/writer Quinta Brunson) finds herself over her head at an underfunded elementary school in South Philly. But with the help of veteran teachers Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), bright-eyed and bushy-tailed colleague Jacob (Chris Perfetti), and neurotic newcomer Gregory (Tyler James Williams), Janine quickly finds support among her peers. School principal Ava (Janelle James) and janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) especially have unconventional methods to getting things done. But in the end, the adults at Abbott Elementary are always watching out for their students—and for one another.
Is It Any Good?
This award-winning comedy brings knowing humor to the plight of the overwhelmed school system. The writing is upbeat and fun—sassy without being mean—but it's the memorable characters who make Abbott Elementary sing. Optimistic newbie Janine idolizes the kindergarten teacher, Barbara, practically tripping over children in order to get closer to her. Tough Italian American teacher Melissa "knows a guy" who can help with just about anything. Add to the mix a principal who lacks principles and epic David-and-Goliath battles between the school and the rule-abiding district—or against a hoity-toity golf course sucking up the resources from the neighborhood—and you've got all the makings of a solid comedy about the education system.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork in Abbott Elementary. How do the teachers work together to help their students? How can teamwork elevate a challenging work or school environment?
Janine is a new teacher who approaches her job with optimism. At what point is her optimism challenged? How does her perseverance help her succeed?
Kids at Abbott Elementary are shown learning to use technology on new computers and iPads. How can technology help with education? Are there apps that you find are helpful in your educational journey?
Unlike most TV shows that take place in schools, Abbott Elementary centers around a predominantly Black student body. Which scenes or jokes are culturally specific? Which themes are more universal?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 7, 2021
- Cast : Quinta Brunson , Sheryl Lee Ralph , Lisa Ann Walter , Tyler James Williams
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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