Abbott Elementary brings laughs with a crew of passionate teachers tackling life in a struggling Philly school. From a dreamer principal to stressed-out teachers and wild students, it shows ups and downs of American education. Heartfelt moments and funny lines make it a gem. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a good chuckle and a solid tale. Don’t miss it, unless you love boredom!

Meet the characters from Abbott Elementary

Mr. Johnson

Okay, Mr. Johnson is that low-key legend of the building — cranky at first but actually a soft marshmallow if you prod him the right way. He’s the one who knows where every lost permission slip, forgotten lunchbox, and mysterious spare sock ends up (seriously, how does he do that?). He mumbles about kids these days but secretly keeps a stash of candy in his locker and will defend the teachers like a tiny, grumpy lion. Also, he swears he hates meetings but shows up early and brings the best coffee (maybe he likes meetings? I’m not sure).

Barbara

Barbara is vintage teacher energy in the best way — firm, no-nonsense, and impossibly kind once you’ve earned it, which might take, like, a week. She’s seen everything (centuries, probably) and has one-liners that slice through chaos, but also will bake you muffins and remember your aunt’s name for reasons no one understands. Don’t let the cardigan fool you; she’s quietly fierce about standards and kids’ dignity, and also has a soft spot for ridiculous classroom charts. Occasionally she’ll do something delightfully old-school and then act like it was a radical idea, and I love that about her.

Jacob

Jacob is pure, earnest sunshine mixed with paperwork — loud praise, endless stickers, and a spreadsheet for feelings (yes, really). He’s that teacher who will high-five you at 7:59 a.m. and then give an impromptu reflective talk about growth mindset at 8:03, and you’ll feel seen but a little judged in the nicest way. Also he’s surprisingly sarcastic when he’s tired (which is a whole other look) and has a weird habit of naming his plants after famous philosophers. He means well, tries hard, and somehow manages to be simultaneously chill and hyper-focused on standards.

Ava

Ava is chaos couture — glamorous, loud, totally self-possessed and the kind of principal who remembers everyone’s birthday (and will post about it, obviously). She’s a walking headline: narcissistic, hilarious, and occasionally wildly useful when she actually puts effort into the school (which, to be fair, she sometimes does). She says the wrong thing with confidence and then follows it up with a surprising moment of actual competence that makes you tilt your head. Also she has an uncanny ability to deflect blame with a smile and a meme, and I swear she owns more blazers than is humanly necessary.

Gregory

Gregory is the awkwardly charming guy who tries to be smooth and ends up being endearing instead — he’s earnest, a little fragile, and somehow very organized about feelings (like, meeting-for-coffee organized). He cares a lot, tries to be supportive in that slightly overthinking way people do when they actually care, and will fold a fitted sheet for you if you ask (probably). He oscillates between confident and quietly insecure in the most human way, and he’s suspiciously into hair products (don’t ask). Also, he’s the kind of person who’ll offer you honest feedback and then immediately apologize for it — bless him.

Janine

Janine is a ball of relentless hope and chaotic energy — hyper-focused on kids, bad at saying no to projects, and righteous about doing the right thing even when the odds are stacked. She has big ideas, bigger heart, and a tendency to over-prepare six weeks in advance (then forget her lunch), and she’ll give a speech about equity at the drop of a hat. Sometimes she’s painfully naive and other times she’s ferociously stubborn, and both are beautiful and exhausting to watch. Also, she literally believes in school supplies as if they’re a magical form of justice, which she might be right about.