ABBOTT ELEMENTARY: SEASON TWO
Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis
Creator: Quinta Brunson
AMARÚ
I was late to the Abbott Elementary train because, as a teacher, I was pissed off at the atrocious truths the pilot presented about the American education system. But, once I got past that, I fell in love with this intelligent, tightly written, and hilariously relatable show. The second season has twice the number of episodes as the first, which equates to twice as many opportunities to showcase creator Quinta Brunson’s writing genius, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s legendary status, Tyler James Williams’ dry brilliance, and Janelle James’ revelatory outrageousness. And that’s only half of the amazing cast. This show is perfect. I have no notes.
ADRIANO
I don’t see how anyone can claim they don’t love Abbott Elementary unless they haven’t seen it. Season Two of Quinta Brunson’s mockumentary doubles down on everything lovable about the first season: hilarious in ways most shows wish they could be, an iconic cast of characters played to comedic perfection by the phenomenal ensemble, and its continued critique of the U.S. educational system. This season elevates the series to peak television by deepening its characters and increasingly grounding them to humanity as we learn more about them. It’s a reminder that network television is still an untapped goldmine.
JACOB
For what is essentially another hangout show, one would think Abbott Elementary wouldn’t really need an evolution of its own, and yet, this show grows as it continues to be one of the funniest and most easily watchable shows on television. The expansion of episodes in Season Two allows the characters not only to be more free in their comedy, but also to explore deeper topics like race education or self-care boundaries. The rotating list of guest stars this season also was stepped up a big notch, and while the finale doesn’t 100% land, it works for this story.
