Making its television premiere in early 2022, "Abbott Elementary" represents the inevitable next stage of Quinta Brunson's journey as a content creator, serving as creator, star, and writer of her own network television sitcom. A workplace comedy set in an elementary school, notes the ABC series' lead sheet, "Abbott Elementary" focuses on "a group of dedicated, passionate teachers." Brunson plays Jeanine Teagues, an earnest second-grade teacher.
Both Brunson's character and the show's title were inspired by one of her real-life teachers, a middle-school teacher named Ms. Abbott. "Ms. Abbott has always stuck with me throughout my life," Brunson told the Los Angeles Times. "In a way, I didn't know why she was my favorite ... I think that's what a good teacher does. I think it's like the Maya Angelou quote, 'People always remember how you make them feel,' and she always made me feel good."
Like much of Brunson's comedy, "Abbott Elementary" has a dual purpose, striving for laughs while also illustrating that inner-city schools catering to lower-income kids continue to suffer in America. "My goal with the show is to make people laugh, but I do hope that it gets people thinking," Brunson said.
