“Abbott Elementary” is making the rounds as a hallmark television show of the 2020s. It’s no surprise that ABC renewed the show for a fifth season on Jan. 21, just halfway through the release of season 4.

“Abbott Elementary” is a workplace sitcom revolving around a group of chaotic and creative elementary school teachers who strive to do their best for their students in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia.

Like other mockumentary sitcoms such as “Parks and Recreation” or “Modern Family”, “Abbott Elementary” provides a refreshing balance of comedy and emotional depth that keeps viewers, like me, hooked on the show. Season 4 is no different, with the characters displaying immense growth while being consistently funny. 

I’m going to be reviewing the first 11 episodes— which aired weekly on Wednesdays since its premiere on Oct. 9, 2024 —  and dishing my predictions on the second half of Season 4 (Episodes 12-22) which will be released in upcoming weeks. 

In Season 4, a fancy new golf course begins construction near Abbott Elementary, causing a host of problems for the school. From the shut-down of the teachers’ favorite deli to damaged water supply at the school, “Abbott Elementary” examines the many ways gentrification can affect local communities and public schools. 

Another pertinent topic that “Abbott Elementary” addressed this season was strikes. In episode 11, “Strike,” teachers are forced to incorporate hybrid learning because the majority of their students take public transportation and are unable to attend school due to a bus drivers strike. Watching the students and teachers struggle with online classes was painfully relatable for most of us who were students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of characters,  season 4, episode 1 answers the big question many viewers were left with after the jaw-dropping finale of season 3: Do Janine and Gregory finally get together?

I won’t spoil the show, so don’t expect an answer from me. However, I will say that irrespective of their romance, Gregory and Janine’s bond really deepens in the first half of Season 4. 

Second-grade teacher Janine, played by former BuzzFeed icon Quinta Brunson, is insufferably energetic and positive, whereas first-grade teacher Gregory, played by Tyler James Williams, is patient and calm, but can be unintentionally monotonous. Their unique personalities lend itself to funny and surprisingly wholehearted interactions throughout the first 11 episodes. 

Surprisingly, even Abbott’s callous and unorthodox principal Ava Coleman, played by Janelle James,  grew a lot as a character in this season. The first 11 episodes proved that in spite of Ava’s vanity, she cares a lot for the students and staff, oftentimes prioritizing their needs over her own. 

Episode 3 introduces viewers to a potential love interest for Ava. While I like the character himself, most of his scenes with Ava felt corny and forced.

My only other critique for the first 11 episodes of Season 4 was that the humor ran out of steam in certain episodes. Sometimes, the jokes (especially in the cold opens)  were dragged for longer than the typical quick-witted humor that “Abbot Elementary” is known for. 

However, this is saying nothing because some episodes of this season are so comedic that I watched them at least four times. In particular, episode 9, “Volunteers” may have been the funniest TV episode I have ever seen in my life. 

Episode 9 is a crossover episode with another iconic comedy show set in Philadelphia: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The crossover featured unusual character pairings that resulted in hilarious shenanigans and rapid-fire jokes.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this season thus far, and I’m looking forward to what the rest of season 4 of “Abbott Elementary”  has to offer. Here are some of my predictions and hopes for episodes 12-22 of “Abbott Elementary.”

As gentrification is a major conflict of the series, I expect some sort of resolution to the issue by the end of season 4. However, it’s pretty unrealistic to think that systemic gentrification can be solved by a group of plucky, broke teachers and their careless administrator, so I’m curious to see how the show will navigate through this. 

Regarding the individual characters, I predict that the finale of season 4 will reveal if Ava pursues a relationship with her potential new love interest. However, I hope that there will be some meaningful interactions between the two characters leading up to the big reveal so that their relationship does not feel forced.

Another plot point that I believe we will see in the finale is that Barbara will decide to retire. Played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Barbara Howard, is both Abbott’s most experienced and traditional teacher. However, in season 4, Barbara grows a lot, oftentimes, giving up on her beloved traditions for her students to be happy. 

Frankly, I will be very sad if Barbara leaves the show, but given her tremendous character growth across the seasons, there isn’t much left for her character to do on the show.

Nonetheless, after having viewed the first 11 episodes of “Abbott Elementary” Season 4 multiple times, I have no doubt that the rest of the season will be just as humorous and heartwarming.

“Abbott Elementary” is a show that has something for everyone, kids, college students and parents alike. Almost everyone can relate to the experience of waking up in the morning, going to school and being greeted by the familiar faces of our teachers.

However, watching “Abbott Elementary,” is a unique experience because you get to see what elementary school is like from a teacher’s perspective. Seeing how hard these fictional teachers work both in and out of their classrooms for their students is merely a reflection of reality. Ergo, this show really made me appreciate the hard work and dedication of all my teachers who have impacted my life. I believe that any current or former student will feel the same way as I did when they watch this show.

If you haven’t already watched “Abbott Elementary,” I would highly recommend you to go watch it. It is the show that provides you with the ultimate comfort, laughter and joy in this cold winter. New episodes of “Abbott Elementary” season 4 stream on ABC every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.

Edited by Molly Levine | mlevine@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Ella McGuire and Emma Short | eshort@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com