Abbott Elementary is one of the funniest and cleverest sitcoms of modern times, with its blend of strong humor, dynamic performances, and weighty themes. The show has so far run four seasons and 71 episodes, with Abbott Elementary season 4 currently in development, and expected to air on October 1, 2025.
The show follows Janine Teagues, an optimistic second-grade teacher at the underfunded Abbott Elementary, a predominantly Black public school in Philadelphia. The show has received critical acclaim, with nominations for 24 Primetime Emmy Awards, and 4 wins, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for star Quinta Brunson.
Abbott Elementary has a fun, interesting, and socially relevant premise, and explores the extremities of life as an education professional. But, a little-known 2015 pilot episode pretty much nailed the show’s premise right off the bat, and was hugely popular and beloved, despite not being picked up at the time.
Get Educated Nailed The Teacher Mockumentary Back In 2015
The Show Was Seemingly Too Ahead Of Its Time
Get Educated perfected the teacher mockumentary formula a decade ago, with a highly-acclaimed pilot episode. IMDb shows a rating of 8.9 out of 10.0 for the pilot episode, titled ‘First Day of School.’
The pilot was written and directed by Jordan Imiola, and the synopsis reads: ‘Coach Flynn becomes the first female football coach at Millard Fillmore Middle School. The football team makes her life a living Hell. Miss Hewitt teachers drunk. Mr. Garret deals with his divorce. Principal Ward calls dibs on his ex-wife.‘
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Despite the amusing premise, and laying the groundwork for shows like Abbott Elementary to shine and become successful, Get Educated didn’t wind up being picked up, and no episodes were produced beyond the pilot. But it has seemingly become an important and influential pilot, that no doubt paved the way for Abbott Elementary‘s success.
Abbott Elementary Does One Thing Get Educated Failed At
The Show Has Excelled In One Particular Area
One of the greatest strengths of Abbott Elementary is its exploration of important and pertinent social issues, especially those facing Black Americans. The diversity element of Abbott Elementary is one of the strongest and most interesting parts of the show, and this is one of the things that Get Educated did not achieve well.
However, it is important to note that the pilot was released a decade ago, when the world was different, and social values were different. But the pilot’s lack of diversity feels jarring and noticeable against the diverse cast and themes that Abbott Elementary season 5 will continue to expand on.
Source: Get Educated/IMDb
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