'Abbott Elementary' Impresses the Critics

         On October 9, 2024, ABC premiered the fourth season of 'Abbott Elementary', which has earned rave reviews from critics. In the series, "A group of dedicated, passionate teachers -- and a slightly tone-deaf principal -- find themselves thrown 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." The ensemble cast includes Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Stanford Davis, and Chris Perfetti. Read the full review round-up below.

        Samantha Coley of Collider says, "Class is back in session for the Abbott Elementary gang, and Season 4 looks all set to pass with flying colors. When we last left off with our faves at Abbott, Janine (Quinta Brunson) was throwing the perfect end-of-year party catering to each of her co-workers in ways that only Janine can, and — perhaps most importantly — Janine and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) solidified their place in the will-they-won’t-they hall of fame with a steamy, season-ending kiss.We won’t spoil what the future may bring for Teddie (aka Teagues + Eddie), but we can confirm that Brunson continues to breathe fresh life into the very best sitcom tropes with Season 4. In the opening episode, titled “Back to School,” Janine is fully integrated back into daily life at Abbott after her time at the district, and we’re introduced to what will likely be a season-long source of conflict as the construction of a new golf course brings a wave of gentrification to west Philly. Though Janine has left the district, we’ll still be seeing some familiar faces from her personal and professional past pop up in guest capacities, bringing the jokes and some fun narrative conflict for our favorite teachers. Meanwhile, shifting dynamics keep the show's familiar formula from getting stale, and moving into the show’s fourth season, the cast only continues to feel more cohesive and lived-in."

Photo Courtesy of ABC/Disney and Gilles Mingasson

       Sarah Little of Screen Rant notes, "As if there was ever any doubt, Abbott Elementary season 4 continues the show's tremendous track record of providing a multitude of laughs, exciting character developments, and intriguing new conflicts that directly affect Willard R. Abbott Elementary School. Quinta Brunson's ABC mockumentary sitcom revolves around Abbott's teachers and staff workers, including Brunson's Janine Teagues. The series focuses on their relationships with one another and their personal and work struggles. The Emmy Award-winning series has routinely been praised for its humor and willingness to address real issues in the public school system, and season 4 isn't any different." Continuing, "The Abbott Elementary season 3 finale paid off Janine and Gregory's story. After a season full of obvious pining for one another, it ended with them kissing in her apartment while the documentary crew tried to sneak a peek inside. Although this development was exciting for those rooting for the couple, many also worried that season 4 would backtrack and separate Janine and Gregory once again. The good news is that Abbott Elementary season 4 rectifies its past mistakes while also taking what has worked in the past and making it new."

       Joshua Harris of Paste Magazine praises the series, stating, "Abbott’s writing remains as sharp as ever, seamlessly lending laugh-out-loud moments with earnest and heartfelt interactions. With a season-long arc focused on gentrification, the series promises to deliver fresh narratives while preserving its charm."