TV Writer Lily Adesina offers a review of the fourth season of Abbott Elementary so far, praising the writing, humour, and character dynamics
The long-awaited fourth season of Abbott Elementary, the beloved American workplace sitcom, has finally arrived in the UK, and if you’re like me, you’re hoping Disney+ speeds up the process of releasing the rest of the episodes so you can binge-watch the season. This show continues to be a genre-defining mockumentary, that expertly blends humour with the real struggles faced by public elementary school teachers in an underserved school in Philadelphia.
“This show continues to be a genre-defining mockumentary, that expertly blends humour with the real struggles faced by public elementary school teachers
Abbott Elementary follows a dynamic and diverse group of teachers, each of whom brings something unique to the table. We have Janine (Quinta Brunson), an over-eager yet naïve young teacher who’s learning the hard way that she can’t fix a broken system overnight. Then there’s Gregory (Tyler James Williams), the straight-laced yet lovable aspiring headteacher Janine’s love interest. Jacob (Chris Perfetti), the well-meaning, overly earnest white liberal teacher, while Ava (Ava Coleman), the severely underqualified but iconic principal, steals scenes with her selfish antics. Meanwhile, Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), the veteran teachers, offer sage wisdom, alongside the mysterious and endlessly funny Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis), a conspiracy-theorist janitor who is always ready with an outlandish theory or observation. Let’s talk about the character who has been a standout this season: Tariq (Zack Fox). Janine’s hopeless ex-boyfriend, now a stepdad and self-appointed leader of the PTA, has increasingly become a highlight despite his relatively small role.
Season four brings a welcome evolution in the relationship between Janine and Gregory. The much-anticipated will-they-won’t-they storyline has finally been resolved, and the couple is officially together. It rights the wrongs of previous seasons by no longer teasing us with this relationship. The dynamic between the two is refreshingly unproblematic—thankfully avoiding the toxic backslide that often happens in TV shows once characters finally get together (cough Friends). It’s genuinely heartwarming to see them in a wholesome, relationship, and I’m eager to watch it continue to blossom throughout the season.
I enjoy the shift away from the confines of the school setting into the after-school lives of the teachers. This shift injects new energy into the show, allowing the characters to feel less stagnant, which was a concern in earlier seasons. While some episodes are undoubtedly stronger than others, with a twenty-two-episode run, a few filler episodes are inevitable. I believe that these fillers enhance the show, helping to build a stronger connection with the characters and giving us a deeper understanding of their lives outside of the classroom.
“The 22-episode sitcom format is alive and well, and Abbott Elementary is proving that sitcoms can still thrive in this format without losing their heart or humour.
As we continue into Season Four, the show delves into more vulnerable territory, particularly for the more experienced teachers Barbara and Melissa. We see them wrestle with how their teaching methods and once-revered traditions are starting to feel outdated. The show remains a masterclass in tackling complex themes like bureaucracy, gentrification, and the inequities of the American public school system, all while keeping the laughs coming. Abbott Elementary handles these heavy topics with razor-sharp wit, making important points without ever losing its comedic touch.
Where the third season masterfully dealt with the Writer Guild of America Strike, season four has hit its stride and fleshed out the characters even more. Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of the show, has truly outdone herself this season. The 22-episode sitcom format is alive and well, and Abbott Elementary is proving that sitcoms can still thrive in this format without losing their heart or humour. The writing is as sharp as ever, and the entire cast, from the child actors to the veteran performers, brings their A-game, making each episode a joy to watch.
In conclusion, Abbott Elementary continues to be a rare gem of a show that only improves with time. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and always relevant. I can’t wait to see what the second half of the season holds, and I sincerely hope this show continues for many more years to come. It’s clear that Abbott Elementary has found its rhythm and is well on its way to becoming a beloved sitcom for the ages.
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