7 Barbara Howard. As we see when they fight over Taylor's career in Season 1's "Open House,"Barbara can be a bit of a smothering helicopter parent. These Philadelphians will not hesitate to bring up every single instance of a "ruined" family recipe. What's even funnier is how her rapport with Barbara involves a mutual understanding of these traits. Abbotts character development is well executed and makes some of its more unfavorable characters (were looking at you, Ava) grow and become somewhat likable over time. Given that this ABC series is a great comedy set in a school, it makes sense that some of its best characters would be some of the students. This element of her personality can be a detriment from an administrative standpoint. While he can at times be a bit overenthusiastic in his efforts to connect with his students, it's clear that he does genuinely care about their well-being and wants to give them the best education that he possibly can. Meet the cast and hosts of Abbott Elementary, read their bios, top moments, and view their photos, videos and more at ABC.com She has a zero-tolerance policy for foolishness, which enables her to be a truly excellent educator. Zach's (Larry Owens) introduction occurs during the iconic "Desking" episode from Season 1. While she can be a bit cold toward her fellow teachers, she consistently shows that she truly does have her students best interests at heart. However, it's hard to deny that she does have an excellent eye. Though there are several characters that emerge from the sitcom Abbott Elementary, only a few of those can be said to be among its best. Poised, wise, and hard-working, Barbara has been a teacher at Abbott for over thirty years and is one of the most respected teachers among colleagues and students alike. Not only does she work relentlessly, she does so in an inspiringly creative manner, constantly coming up with innovative ways to overcome the many, many obstacles in her path. The shows writers have brought fully formed Black characters into the mockumentary age. Though her heart seems to be in the right place, she does tend to ride roughshod over Janine, including using a box of textbooks to make an art installation. Ava Coleman (Janelle James) is an inept employee at best and reckless one at worst, but shes also Abbott Elementarys principal. As one of the more intense signs of the zodiac, it's only right that Scorpio be represented by Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter), one of the most hardcore teachers at Abbott Elementary. That is, until its not. ABC's hit series, Abbott Elementary, immediately impressed with its diverse cast of seasoned actors and up-and-coming stars. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Additionally, Jacob often tries to connect with Janine and especially Gregory during their lunch breaks, but it usually turns out awkward and unintentionally hilarious. Additionally, theycan all be ranked by how much intelligence they display during the course of the series. Interestingly enough, Jim would always talk about the fact that he didnt want to get stuck working at Dunder Mifflin forever. She can generate laughs with anything, from her dazzlingly bright smile to her righteous fury when it's time to put her foot down. Scorpios are marked by being very protective and prideful. My worst moment: 'Abbott Elementary' writer Brittani Nichols and the For these reasons, shes just like The Office's Dwight Schrute. Fortunately, total irreverence for education, and her total disinterest in the well-being of her students, stem more from selfishness than actual malice. When it comes to Melissa and all the good she's done for Abbott despite years of impossible challenges and letdowns, respect is the least of what she deserves. Here, we have a secondary character who is much cooler than the protagonist of the show: Courtney (Lela Hoffmeister). Relentlessly idealistic protagonist Janine, adorably awkward Jacob, tough-as-nails Melissa, elegant Barbara, attention-seeking Ava, dependably calm Gregory, and confusingly eccentric Mr. Johnson are a truly unforgettable bunch. Able to remain optimistic in the face of whatever life (or the school district) throws at her, the way in which her schemes crash and burn is often the comedic centerpiece of Abbott's episodes. While the show's writing and direction are both razor-sharp on their own, a series like this doesn't become as big as it has without a rock solid cast of characters. Opinion | Political TV Shows Have Never Been Worse. Sitcoms Are the Each character is hilarious and entertaining, but theyre also relatable and empathetic. Insults to their dignity, reputation, or loved ones are met with swift retribution. Abbott Elementary 22 Reviews 100+ Ratings What to know Critics Consensus Class is back in session and the plucky teachers of Abbott Elementary remain an absolute delight, with creator/star. While she clearly got the job not through talent but through good luck, she still shows that she is intelligent, if only by avoiding work as much as she possibly can. RELATED:10 Of The Best Modern Period Comedy Series. At first, he seems easy to write off as the stereotypical incompetent oaf. Janine views Barbara as a mother figure and admires her professionally, as shes the kind of teacher she aspires to be. Much like Janine, Jacob is one of those characters who only seems to get funnier with every new mishap. A character like Ava Coleman is in her own lane. It has failed in every single regard.The comedy is awful and not funny.It just name drops things like NFTS and cryptocurrency and uses "modern" slang like "L" and "Roasting" to try to seem hip and cool.It is very lazy humor.It is unrealistic of a school setting.A lot of the time it feels like the teachers never teach and have so . Initially, the kids dismiss the comedy troupe as corny, but Jacob talks things over with Janine and finds a way to make the performance accessible for his students and colleagues. Of particular note is the student, Courtney, who ends up transferring out of Melissas class and into Janines. I'm interested in seeing if any large personality differences with Jacob emerge in season 2 of the mockumentary series. I think Ashley has a lot to offer comedically even more than Jacob because her character is one of the few who can easily influence the children. Numerous series have emerged that give viewers characters that genuinely seem to want to make the world a better place and do everything in their power to stay positive. An absolute force of nature, every time Ava struts into the frame you know you're about to laugh. Even if something isn't a sure thing, as long as there's even the slightest chance that it might be the next step on the path to their success, they're going for it with a running start. Here, Brunson previews the first season of "Abbott Elementary," including how she developed her mockumentary style, finding her own character's voice and how hard she's leaning into a will . In true Libra fashion, Sahar is also passionate about peace, justice, and societal harmony. Well, except remarry, which isexactly what Collins conveniently happens to do. Melissa endeared many viewers earlier in the show, for despite her tough exterior, she showed audiences that much of the toughness shown is a defense mechanism. "Abbott Elementary" garnered a lot of comparisons to "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation" when it debuted in 2021, and for a good reason. If Leslie was as bad at her job as Michael Scott, was Parks and Recreation trying to say something about women in government? Like so many Pisceans, Jacob is also incredibly creative, and lets his imagination guide his idealism. The dorkiness of Jacob is a well that's so deep it becomes its own strength. Season 2's Finale Promo Teases Sex and the City's Samantha Jones Cameo, How to Watch the Pokmon TV Series in Order, Netflix's One Piece Shares New Image of Sanji's Faithfully Recreated Old Mentor from the Manga. Abbott Elementary: MBTI Types Of The Main Characters - Screen Rant We immediately experience this at the beginning of season 2. She wrote and starred in Black Monday, a joke-driven machine satirizing the worst of the 1980s. Though she can be prickly, she still shows that she has the type of emotional intelligence that allows her to be a good friend, even if she sometimes loses patience with people like Janine who assume that they know everything about teaching. Most of her jokes have devastating implications, and I cannot resist a chuckle if I tried to. So far, we haven't seen much, so he's at the bottom of my list. For readers unfamiliar with Abbott Elementary, the series focuses on the everyday shenanigans surrounding elementary school teachers at the eponymous Abbott Elementary. "Abbott . Who is she to deny anyone access to her intoxicating presence? These folks areincredibly ambitious go-getters. A CSULB film graduate and amateur filmmaker, Micahis drawn to stories with compelling characters and interesting stories. As we see when he offers to help the Abbott Elementary teachers amidst their desking epidemic in Season 1's "Desking," Zach wants nothing more than to spread love and help others, even if they've only just met. Every good sitcom needs a Mr. Johnson, but there's only one Mr. Johnson. He's even offered a job touring in New York in the show's Season 1 finale, "Zoo Balloon." His writing on film, TV, and popular culture has appeared in Screenology, FanFare, Primetimer, Cinemania, and in a number of scholarly journals and edited collections. And in 2018, the Janelle James Comedy Festival debuted. Nevertheless, she makes the school better just by being there. A perfect metaphor for Janines character, this moment is relatable as it reminds viewers that sometimes it is best to leave things alone even if you think you can positively influence them. She has no interest in learning about new technology either. While the timing couldnt have been worse, to run a festival with Covid-19, the festivals hiatus and quarantine gave her time to give Abbott Elementary a shot. Thankfully, he's one of the best twists on the trope we've seen in a long time, with such a strict and orderly lifestyle that it makes him just as quirky as everyone else. Mr. Johnson's other best lines are unrelated non-sequiturs that may (or may not) be Chekov's guns in disguise. That's how powerful her presence is on screen. Her delivery can convince you to laugh at nearly any idea, no matter how strange or off-putting. Good thing he has his Taurean stability to keep him sane. Over the first couple of episodes, she felt like a tired archetype without many nuances to her character. Jacob. I don't understand him, but he's great. What Abbott Elementary Character You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign Dominik Bindl/Getty Images. He values integrity and honesty and ensures his work is well-researched and fact-checked. Mr. Johnson is the type of character who tells you he was a nude model in a past life but then never mentions it again. Episode 22 Franklin Institute. Shes also similar to The Office's Pam Beesly because even though she can be trusted to get her work done, she can also occasionally get a little flustered and shy in moments where she feels intimidated. Though he is only a secondary character, Mr. Johnson still demonstrates that he is a very intelligent person. In this case, she has poured her life and energy into the school, and she is always willing to go the extra mile for any student that needs it, to such an extent that she sometimes forgets that her own needs are important, too. In the latest season of "Abbott Elementary," Melissa has to teach the 2nd and 3rd graders in her class. Helmed by Quinta Brunson and some of the minds behind Parks and Recreation and The Office, Abbott Elementary has already found itself being compared to the two popular, long-running programs. But Scorpios also stand a good chance of commanding people's respect. RELATED: ' 'Abbott Elementary' Teaches You How to Embrace Your Corny Side'. While a charitable mindset is definitely one of this sign's strengths, it can also be one of their weaknesses. This sign is incredibly creative, often funneling their unique talents into the arts. Characters Pam Beesley, Janine Teagues, and Dwight Schrute. We see them grow apart gently. When the series begins, it seems as if Gregory is going to be a temporary presence at the school, and he doesnt seem especially invested in improving his pedagogy. This passionate cleaner and full-time conspiracy theorist is a wild card that we can't wait to see even more of. Thomas J. Ava Coleman reminds me of another unlikely star of broadcast television: Gene Belcher from Bobs Burgers. Ava's viral TikTok career and desire to hang out with anyone she thinks is cool" at the moment gives off total Kelly vibes. This element of his character goes beyond utility as well. Abbott Elementary - Rotten Tomatoes Abbott Elementary: Created by Quinta Brunson. She truly does love what she does, and though her enthusiasm can sometimes get in the way of her actual good intentions, she nevertheless shows that she is still one of the series most intelligent characters. Just like Darryl, he doesnt exactly take his job too seriously. A public institution that educates a predominantly Black student population, Abbott doesn't get the money, support, or management it needs, which leaves the teachers and staff to fend for themselves. Reddit, Inc. 2023. This threat causes the staff to struggle to conceive ways to raise funding, but Ava swiftly devises a plan for Abbott to host a festival and collect signatures from the community. So it's unsurprising that Sheryl Lee Ralph's outstanding portrayal of this character won her an Emmy. She commands every space she enters with her cutting wit and infinite wisdom. They act now and think later, often diving head-first into situations without so much as a life jacket. They're both observant while simultaneously lacking self-awareness. If anyone could bring to life a Black female character in prime time who needed to be both a villain and likable, James was always the person who could pull it off. Some sitcoms seem destined to become classics of the genre. On day one, we all felt it . Ava forces viewers, and the rest of Abbott Elementary 's tired teachers, to laugh to keep from crying. This character is the reigning queen of Abbott Elementary, and it's a cardinal sin to believe otherwise. Abbott Elementary's First Season Earns Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score However, they're also incredibly independent and have a strong aversion to authority. Ava is one of the most humorous people in the show, even if she isnt fated to be seen as one of the best TV school principals. Avas breakout success is the result of a comedian who has honed an incredible voice over her career. Abbott Elementary is one of those series that goes out of its way to remind people of the good in the world. ABC Kicking this list off is Derek Collins, the oh-so-serious superintendent. This might seem harsh, but when you've been teaching as long as she has, it's hard not to be cynical or stubborn. Janine is so convinced she can fix every situation that her aspirations often feel like foolish fantasies to everybody else. As we see in Season 1's "Student Transfer," Courtney isn'table to fool everyone. The relationship reaches a natural conclusion as Tariq heads to New York to pursue his rap career. These traits shine bright in Tariq Temple (Zack Fox), Janine's now ex-boyfriend. The most upbeat and cheery person at Abbott (and possibly the entire world), Janine is an absolute ray of sunshine. Abbott Elementary TV Episode Recaps & News - Vulture Being enemies is like a second full-time job. All it took was a single "desking" attempt from the dorkiest teacher to shut that student-run operation down. Next up is the protagonist of the show who definitely sees herself as the star of Abbott Elementary even though she unintentionally is a constant source of chaos. 'Abbott Elementary' and 'The Office' are similar in plenty of ways. She's also quite two-faced, posing as an innocent child to further her mischievous plans. Here's Where You Know The Cast Of Abbott Elementary From After listening to the young man, Mr. Johnson reveals his storied past and the various opportunities he took advantage of due to his flexible and open mind. Seemingly contradictorily, one of this sign's greatest downfalls is a tendency towards pushiness. However, despite this revelation, he still supports her campaign to keep her job when its on the line. In fact, she'd be devastated if they weren't. This makes Jacob an amazing teacher, as does his Piscean empathy. As history teacher Jacob Hill, Chris Perfetti adds a down-to-earth feeling and a soft sense of concern to the role. This spot can therefore only be granted to Zach (Larry Owens), Jacob's adorable boyfriend. What makes "Abbott Elementary" truly special are its characters. This is a little like the zodiac: No matter what day you were born, there's a sign you fall under. It isn't a surprise that James, a veteran of dark comedy, has found a new tempo for Black . Her 2017 debut comedy album, Black and Mild, is, however, the best evidence of Jamess ability to jump from politics to family to drugs with a sardonic tone. Abbott Elementary's focus on its characters allows it to weave in social and political issues in a way that doesn't feel didactic or forced which, as the last several years of television have . Though no one could blame her if she did lose a little pep in her step from time to time, she somehow refuses to let herself be turned into a cynic by the lackluster system she's constantly going up against. Ever the fiery Aries, Taylor doesn't want to live her life according to her mother's plans, and resists all attempts to make her do so. James handles Ava at every turn, setting the characters pace. Published: Mar 07, 2023 at 5:30 am. Many of the shows viewers can relate to Gregorys struggle to remain calm and sane in an environment that seldom rewards it. Sahar (Mitra Jouhari), being an artist, is a great example of this sign. Every Main Character In Abbott Elementary, Ranked. Related: Abbott Elementarys Sheryl Lee Ralph Says a Famous TV Judge Sexually Assaulted Her. In season 2, the underpaid and overworked teachers are back, and their plight to educate the children of this Philadelphia school district makes for some of the best television in 2022. This is the trait that brings Gregory to Abbott Elementary in the first place: He applies for the principal's position, but gets beaten out by Ava (who has blackmail on her side). Like his fellow educators at the titular school, he really does care a great deal about his students, and he works very hard to make sure that they get the best education that he can provide. We see a strong example of this in the Season 1 episode Desking when Gregory confides in Mr. Johnson about his future. .css-o05pt{display:block;font-family:Didot,Didot-fallback,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-shadow:0 0 0 #000,0 0 0.01em transparent;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-o05pt:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-o05pt{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-top:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}The 35 Best Shows on Hulu, Ashley Park Joins 'Only Murders in the Building', Grace Van Patten on Toxic Love in 'Tell Me Lies', The Ultimate 'Handmaid's Tale' Glossary for S5, Abbott Elementary Season 2 Is Coming Soon, Consider 'Tell Me Lies' Your Next Sexy Binge Watch, 'Atlanta' Season 4 Premieres In September. We also learn how despite Barbaras seeming infallibility, her husbands recent health scare has been on her mind lately and has caused her to lose focus. RELATED: 'How 'Abbott Elementary' Speaks to Larger Issues Outside Education'. Read on to find out. After confessing this to Barbara, she was encouraged to go on a first date with Gary considering he was a sincere gentleman. Its almost a complete reveal of the caring, soft person deep inside Ava. We see this in Gregory's inability to communicate his feelings, both in Season 2's "Wrong Delivery" when he avoids breaking up with his girlfriend, and throughout the whole show, as he avoids his obvious feelings for Janine. Meet The Cast of Abbott Elementary Tiffany Raiford Updated Jun 4, 2023 Few people work as diligently and with such dedication as an educator. Characters Andy Bernard, Jacob Hill, and Toby Flenderson. His best lines are the ones that sneakily punch at the situation any given character is going through in the series. He's downright adorable, and his heart is in the right place. Honestly, he's almost too kind, to the point that he occasionally annoys his friends and co-workers. Based on this trait alone, it's safe to say that Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) is a sturdy stand-in for these bull-headed members of the zodiac. Related: Tyler James Williams Says a Producer Told Him He Would Probably Never Work Again. She also shows that she truly loves her husband and values the relationship that they have. Characters Michael Scott, Ava Coleman, and Kelly Kapoor. At the same time, she repeatedly shows that she is very intelligent and that she knows what it takes to be a good and effective teacher. She is definitely one of the series best characters. Even if that wasnt the shows intent, it was still a characteristic used in bad faith against the show. This is something of a golden age for feel-good sitcoms. However, there's also a lot we don't know about her, as she tends to keep what goes on in her personal life under wraps. Heres how some of the Abbott Elementary characters compare to characters from The Office. Whats more, her intelligence allows her to set appropriate boundaries that work best for her and her own emotional health. RELATED:Abbott Elementary - The Main Characters Ranked By Likability. But as the first season continued, she demonstrated qualities I didn't expect to appear. She's always just the right amount of annoying. This sign can be manipulative, which Courtney definitely is: She lives to cause problems for her teachers. "Abbott Elementary" which premiered in December and has since quadrupled its ratings has drawn comparisons to "The Office," for good reason. With Season 2 nearly completed and Season 3 already in the pipeline, were looking forward to seeing the new shenanigans our favorite educational staff experiences next. Though the teachers occupy the center of most of the storylines, Abbott Elementary knows that every successful sitcom has to have its own side characters. Similar to James, Mirman also has his own blend of sincere and ironic comedy, showcased in the festival he founded in 2008. (That gets me every single time!) When it's Ava's turn to present Abbott's progress to the school board, his new marriage status causes a scramble to save Ava's job and secure much-needed funding for the school. Ava sees how hard the teachers work daily and is often willing to do her part to help them. He's incredibly kind, and always willing to lend others a hand. Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill. Equipped with a razor-sharp attitude as well as an endless stream of head-turning one-liners that land every time, this wannabe firefighter is an indispensable addition to the roster. The small bits of personal information she does share are always so impressive and intimidating, it's probably best we're kept in the dark about her dealings. There's a stubborn little imp underneath that amiable smile. Janelle Jamess performance as the scamming Principal Ava rewrites the rules of comedic performance for Black women actors. While there were some early whispers on Twitter about Coleman being bad representation for Black educators, the character quickly became a fan favorite. However, Janine only falls into this Aquarius pitfall on rare occasions, and usually bounces back in a flash. Wise and loving yet silly and mischievous, Barbara is a lovable and hilarious contradiction. My worst moment: 'Abbott Elementary' star William Stanford Davis and Whats more, hes also a very good gardener. Characters Darryl Philbin, Mr. Johnson, and Creed Bratton. Irrespective of his shortcomings, Jacob is a genuinely passionate teacher who cares for his students and job. The most striking similarity has to be their romantic situations; Gregory's crush on Janine in Abbott Elementary is just as obvious as Jims crush on Pam was in earlier seasons of The Office. It only makes sense, then, that Abbott's wisest teacher, Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) represents this sign. In letting him go, Janine lets a piece of herself go too. Janine, being the dedicated and observant teacher she is, sees past Courtney's trouble-making ways to the real problem: She's just too smart. This isn't anything to take lightly, as Scorpios are also very calculating, intelligent, and determined when they want someone taken down, they won't hold back. Like the other teachers, hes a very good teacher, and he finds new ways and strategies of getting through to them even if, as is the case with Gregory, they dont dont always pan out as well as he would like. Thankfully for those who have come to know and love this character, Gregory opts to accept a temporary (and eventually permanent) teaching position instead. Abbott Elementary feels like the natural evolution of the mockumentary format rather than something repackaged, but its still rare to see a show like this receive almost universal praise.

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