50 Fun Facts About Abbott Elementary

Who created Abbott Elementary?

She also stars as Janine Teagues and was originally going to be a side character.

In which city is Abbott Elementary set?

The school is in West Philadelphia, where Brunson grew up.

What grade does Janine Teagues teach?

Melissa Schemmenti also teaches second grade.

What format is the show presented in?

Director Randall Einhorn insisted on 'rules' to keep the documentary honest.

Who plays Gregory Eddie?

He won a Golden Globe for the role and was once Chris on Everybody Hates Chris.

Who plays principal Ava Coleman?

Ava got the job by blackmailing the superintendent.

How did Ava Coleman get the principal's job?

Superintendent Denzel Collins had an affair she knew about.

Who plays the kindergarten teacher who mothers Janine?

She won the 2022 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy.

What grade does Melissa Schemmenti teach?

She shares the grade with Janine.

Who plays Melissa Schemmenti?

Melissa's questionable Philly connections come in handy for the school.

Which subject does Jacob Hill teach?

Chris Perfetti plays the awkward, well-meaning teacher.

What is Mr. Johnson's job at the school?

William Stanford Davis was promoted to series regular for season two.

What was Gregory Eddie's original position when he arrived at Abbott?

He had been rejected for the principal job Ava got.

Whom is Abbott Elementary named after?

Joyce Abbott taught in the Philadelphia School District for over 25 years.

Which character is based on Brunson's mother?

Norma Jean Brunson taught kindergarten for over 40 years.

What was the show's working title when ABC ordered the pilot?

Harrity was the real school Brunson attended, now a charter school.

On what date did the series premiere?

It aired before Black-ish, which was in its final season.

How many episodes were in season one?

Season two expanded to a full 22-episode order.

How many episodes did ABC order for season two?

It premiered on September 21, 2022.

Why was the third season shortened to 14 episodes?

It premiered February 7, 2024 with a two-episode opener.

Which show crossed over with Abbott Elementary in season four?

Both shows are set in Philadelphia.

What halted production in January 2025?

The show films in Los Angeles despite its Philadelphia setting.

Which Flyers mascot cameoed in the season two premiere?

He was meant to appear in season one but scheduling got in the way.

Which Channel 6 Action News anchor appears as himself in 'Light Bulb'?

The Channel 6 Action News anchor is beloved by the Abbott staff.

Which Hamilton star guest-starred as Draemond Winding in season two?

Lauren Weedman and Keyla Monterroso Mejia also joined as recurring guests.

What song serves as the main title theme?

The show uses no original score, only pre-existing and library music.

Which service was the show's next-day US streaming home as of 2025?

As of 2025 it also landed on HBO Max after each season finished airing.

On which network did the show air in Canada as of 2025?

As of 2025 episodes streamed next day on StackTV and the Global TV app.

How many Primetime Emmys had the show won by the end of 2024?

Wins by then included Lead Actress for Brunson and Supporting Actress for Ralph.

How many Primetime Emmy nominations has the show received?

It has also won three Golden Globes.

Which Golden Globe did the show win in 2023?

Brunson and Williams also won acting Globes.

What is the show's aggregate Rotten Tomatoes score?

Seasons two, three and four each sit at 100%.

Which real Los Angeles school provides the exterior shots?

Interiors are shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.

Who plays Janine's aspiring-rapper boyfriend Tariq Temple in season one?

Janine breaks up with him in the season finale.

Who plays Gregory's father Martin Eddie?

Richard Brooks plays Barbara's husband Gerald.

How many viewers did the pilot reach after 35 days of delayed viewing?

ABC called the 300% increase its largest growth for any new comedy premiere.

Which show aired right after Abbott Elementary during its first season?

Black-ish was in its final season.

Which studio did Brunson sign a five-year deal with in June 2026?

She left Warner Bros. Television Studios, the show's co-producer.

What Emmy did Brunson win in September 2022?

She was the first Black woman to win that award solo.

Brunson's 2023 Lead Actress Emmy made her only the next Black winner after whom?

Sanford won in 1981 for The Jeffersons.

Where did Brunson first build a fan base in 2014?

Her series Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date went viral.

For which media company did Brunson produce videos after going viral?

She later developed two streaming series with BuzzFeed Motion Pictures.

What does the name Quinta signify?

It comes from the Spanish word for 'fifth'.

Which HBO comedy series did Brunson star in during its first season?

She left season two over scheduling conflicts.

What is the title of Brunson's 2021 essay collection?

HarperCollins published it in June 2021.

Which school gave Brunson an honorary degree in 2024?

She had dropped out of Temple to move to Los Angeles.

Which classic cartoon character was Brunson announced in 2026 to play in a film?

She was developing the project with Mark Fleischer.

Barbara's actress earned a Tony nomination for which Broadway role?

She originated the role in 1981.

On which UPN sitcom did Barbara's actress play Dee Mitchell?

The role earned her five NAACP Image Award nominations.

Gregory's actor first found fame playing a young version of which comedian?

Everybody Hates Chris ran from 2005 to 2009.