海角大神

鈥淎bbott Elementary鈥� is about halfway through its first season, and the comedy is earning praise from both viewers and teachers. That鈥檚 saying something, given that there isn鈥檛 much to laugh about in education at present. But what makes the series, airing on ABC, appealing is that it often includes what we鈥檇 like to see more of in discussions about schools today: compassion and connection.聽

Following a group of teachers and staff, the series takes place at a predominantly Black public school in Philadelphia that is struggling to stay afloat. Each episode explores聽the world of teaching,聽from mastering new technology to classroom management and lack of resources.聽

Former BuzzFeed personality and show creator Quinta Brunson (who plays the lead role of teacher Janine Teagues) collaborates with Randall Einhorn, notable director of 鈥淭he Office鈥� and 鈥淧arks and Recreation,鈥� to bring the 鈥渕ockumentary鈥� format to yet another workplace. And clearly, they鈥檝e found something that works; the series is breaking records聽for viewership on ABC for a new comedy.聽

Educator reaction ranges from loving it to not finding it funny or easy to watch after a full day in the classroom.聽The Philadelphia Inquirer had a local teacher watch the first two episodes and聽comment聽on what it got right (teacher turnover) and what seemed off (too few students in class). Brunson聽grew up in Philadelphia, and her mother was a teacher, she鈥檚聽noted聽in interviews. She鈥檚 said she has sought out people for her writers鈥� room who have experience with or connections to teaching.

In most episodes, the show follows second grade teacher Janine through her day. Sometimes she鈥檚 scaling a ladder, facing her fear of heights to fix a lightbulb. Other times she鈥檚 butting heads with the school鈥檚 principal, Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James), who knows far more about TikTok than running a school. While her character is reckless (and rarely flattering to principals), James is a scene-stealer, showcasing her roots in stand-up in every delivery.

鈥淎bbott Elementary鈥� (TV-PG) fits right into our current moment of Black writers curating and headlining their own comedic content. Writers like Issa Rae with HBO鈥檚 鈥淚nsecure鈥� and Donald Glover with FX鈥檚 鈥淎tlanta鈥� are spearheading a new age of television in which Black creators get to be the faces of their own stories. Now it鈥檚 Brunson鈥檚 turn.聽

While comedies set in schools often ridicule teachers, 鈥淎bbott Elementary鈥� chooses to celebrate them 鈥� on screen and off. (A campaign in early January brought supplies to teachers near the show鈥檚 setting.) The program is at its best when it highlights the training and collaboration that go into helping students 鈥� and what it is that keeps people in the classroom. When a new teacher, Mr. Eddie, played by sitcom veteran Tyler James Williams, senses his substitute position may last a lot longer than he鈥檇 planned, the show uses him as an opportunity to shine light on the importance of the student-teacher relationship.

Even though it鈥檚 rich with jovial themes, the series at times needs polishing.聽The mockumentary style is incredibly delicate. It requires a masterful balance of comedic yet naturalist writing with the ever-so-slight appreciation for the awkward camera stare. It鈥檚 an ambitious genre for a first-time television writer. Some episodes take a while to warm up comedically. While the charm is there, you may find yourself wishing for scenes to last just a little longer or for a moment to be more fleshed out or justified.聽

Although not set during COVID-19, 鈥淎bbott Elementary鈥� resists tone-deafness by emphasizing the importance of community. While not without its shortcomings, it trusts its audience and invests in its characters. It鈥檚 a show that listens and proceeds with an open heart.聽

鈥淎bbott Elementary鈥� airs Tuesdays on ABC (check local listings) and is available on Hulu on Wednesdays.

Editor鈥檚 note: The viewership records 鈥淎bbott Elementary鈥� is breaking have been clarified.