5 reasons Abbott Elementary is the best new show of 2022

Abbott Elementary is one of the best network sitcoms to premiere in a long time. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the ABC show premiered last month — and is already making a huge splash. Here are five reasons we think it’ll join the ranks of recent classics like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family.

The humor is sharp

If there’s one thing a comedy has to be above all else, it’s funny — and Abbott Elementary makes us laugh hard and often. There’s not a minute that goes by that’s not hilarious, and the humor never feels like it punches down on any group. Instead, every character gets the chance to shine and dole out their fair share of jokes — and occasionally be the butt of them. Speaking of the characters…

The Abbott Elementary cast is outstanding

The cast is full of incredible performers. There is, of course, Quinta Brunson, who stars as passionate yet inexperienced second-grade teacher Janine, as well as Tyler James Williams as Gregory — who has some serious chemistry with her.

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY – “Pilot” – In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. 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. (ABC/Prashant Gupta)SHERYL LEE RALPH, CHRIS PERFETTI, QUINTA BRUNSON /

There’s also Janelle James, who plays the vain, social media-savvy (and scene-stealing) principal Ava; Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa, a scrappy, more experienced second-grade teacher; and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara, a no-nonsense but caring kindergarten teacher. Rounding out the cast is awkward, nerdy history teacher Chris Perfetti, who does his best to relate to his students — and the other faculty.

In addition, the child performers are fantastic, too. Special props to Levi Mynatt as Will in the episode “New Tech” and Lela Hoffmeister as Courtney in “Student Transfer.”

The writing is brilliant, and the cast truly takes it to the next level. They make each character feel fleshed out and relatable, and their chemistry with each other is second-to-none.

The directing is excellent

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY – ÒPilotÓ Ð In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers Ñ and a slightly tone-deaf principal Ñ are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do Ñ even if they donÕt love the school districtÕs less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children. (ABC/Prashant Gupta)TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS, CHRIS PERFETTI, QUINTA BRUNSON, SHERYL LEE RALPH, LISA ANN WALTER /

The thing about Abbott Elementary is that every element of it works together seamlessly. In addition to the writing and acting, the directing truly sets it apart. From the zoom-ins to the framing, the mockumentary style lends itself perfectly to this show, amping up the jokes and making the pacing feel punchy.

The specificity of Abbott Elementary’s setting is brilliant

Abbott Elementary nails two very specific settings: schools and Philadelphia. Integrating both the (unfortunately very real) struggles that educators face (like a lack of funding) and Philly-specific plotlines (like Janine teaching her class area slang) make the show feel both fresh and grounded.

It’s breaking records

This show is breaking records left and right — and for good reason. Not only does it have an unprecedented 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it’s also become the first ABC comedy to quadruple its ratings since it first premiered. The show is catching on and becoming a true cultural phenomenon, and rightfully so.

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