Abbott Elementary:
The Complete Third Season
review by Bobby Blakey
The workplace comedy is one of those sitcom genres that offer up so many layers and types of characters that you can’t help but laugh and connect to it. Shows featuring the film crew like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Superstore mastered this style to hilarious results. In 2021 Quinta Brunson brought her own take on this style of comedy with Abbott Elementary co-starring Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Currently the show is in its fourth season and already renewed for a fifth so what better time it is to revisit the third season now.
Abbot Elementary follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — who are brought 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.
In the third season, it's the season for change for the teachers of Abbott Elementary. Janine leads ambitious growth initiatives for the school while navigating personal and professional challenges. Gregory embraces his role as the "cool" teacher. Ava surprises with moments of unexpected leadership. From Career Day to a heartfelt end-of-year celebration, the Abbott staff prove that with teamwork- and Janine's relentless drive - they can handle anything.
I’m not sure why I waited to check this show out as I thought the trailers looked funny, but for whatever reason I did. I am so glad that I got the chance to go back and check it out because it is damn funny. The use of a school and the crazy world of teachers is perfect for this kind of thing, but this show works
more than anything on the great writing and stellar performances across the board.
It is no surprise that this show continues raking in award nomination at the Emmy’s because it delivers on all fronts. The stories are often over the top with both subtle jabs and flat-out ridiculousness. Every member of the cast is fun to watch with Brunson bringing both heart and laughter to the mix. While I love everyone here, I think that Janelle James’ Principal Ava is both the most frustrating and entertaining of them all with custodian Mr. Johnson being a close second.
Like most of these shows each character gets their time to shine and every one of them works to perfection with each other. The running gags coupled with interaction with the kids and each other just work. You can imagine the hijinks that can ensue in this setting, but it’s more of the banter about being a teacher or the annoyance of the kids that really brings the fun. Under all the fun is still a nod to teachers and their love for trying to help the young minds despite being broke while they do it.
This collection features all 14 episodes of the season and is worth adding to your collection. Head back to school for a dysfunctional education with Abbott Elementary: The Complete Third Season when it comes to DVD on April 1st from Warner Bros Discovery Home Entertainment.