My favorite show is called “Abbott Elementary.” It was released in 2021 and is a mockumentary about four teachers, Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams), Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) and Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph). These hard-working teachers work under their not so hardworking boss, Ava Coleman (Janelle James) in a low funding Philadelphia public school. 

I feel like the strongest aspect of the show is its accuracy of the Philadelphia school system. As a Philly native myself, it was interesting to me how well the education system in Philadelphia was depicted. Growing up, you really had those teachers that cared, ones that cared too much and ones who did not care at all, so it was very entertaining seeing my elementary school experience in an award-winning television show. 

There is a good mix of funny and lighthearted moments; I think the show overall does a good job with mixing the two. They aired the third season of “Abbott Elementary” on Feb. 7. The first episode introduced us to some surprising changes in the characters' lives and I feel that it was a good route to go down so the show does not become repetitive and boring. I also like the writing and creativity of the show. After not being on air for 10months, we finally get to see our favorite faculty members grace our screen.

In the show, to explain the months-long writers’ strike, they make it out to be that the camera crew got robbed and spent the last few months saving up for new camera equipment. The 2023 WGA strike lasted for 148 days. The strike is tied with the 1960 strike for being the second longest labor pause that WGA commenced.

 I feel like the whole explanation for the writers’ strike in the show was perfectly executed and a good touch. They show over the break when there are no video cameras that on the security cameras Ava had installed that problems occurred in Janine and Gregory’s relationship development. If you’re rooting for the relationship, do not hold your breath. I can see that they will continue to prolong the long-awaited intimate relationship between Gregory and Janine. I personally think the whole slow burn trope is getting old. At this point, I do not even want them together. I am hoping to see more progress in their relationship though as it is also the third season — let’s get a move on! I am 100 percent rooting for team Grenine.

During the break off the air, it shows that Janine has taken a job with the district, putting her first idea into action – a career day. The career day starts out great until Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts pops in virtually in Ms. Schemmenti’s class. The kids in the other classes are not interested in the cosmetologist, zoologist or any professions once they catch wind of the football superstar. Joining Hurts was center, Jason Kelce, and defensive end, Brandon Graham. I think that Abbott does a great job at including Philly icons into a show about Philly. Given that Brunson is from Philly, she does a great job at incorporating said celebs into the show. 

Meanwhile our sly teachers try to find a way to bring back Ava who recently got her diploma at Harvard, and by that she means using their free wifi on the campus and getting her diploma on an online college course. When Gregory’s charm and the hip hop duo City Girls fail to break her, they turn to their last resort, Juvenile’s “Back That A** Up.” Getting Ava to break her strict principal mindset with Juvenile was such a great touch. If you are from Philly, then you know nobody over the age of 20 can resist that song. It is played at every function, every cookout and any get together you can think of. I am pretty sure it was played at a field day I had in the 6th grade. We were just a bunch of kids screaming lyrics we had no idea of the meaning behind. 

The season premiere focuses more on seriousness than jokes, so while there are a few funny moments we have a more significant amount of firmness. Nonetheless, every season is so spot on when creating scenarios that it makes me want to see what happens next. Seeing my experience on television is so rewarding in many ways because I know loads of people can relate. Not even just people from Philadelphia. I love “Abbott Elementary” and Quinta Brunson so I am super excited to see what she brings more of as the season progresses. You can watch “Abbott Elementary” every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on CBS or you can stream it the next day on Hulu. 

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