Abbott Elementary (Season 2)

Available on Disney Plus

On first glance, Quinta Brunson’s series is just another workplace comedy that is unafraid to wear the influence of The Office on its sleeve. But, with two seasons now under its belt and a third on the way, its clear that Abbott Elementary is very much its own entity.

In the context of its sophomore season, this is evidenced most by the development of characters such as Chris Perfetti’s previously inconsequential history teacher or Lisa Ann Walter’s no-nonsense Philadelphia native. Such growth complements the arcs of the show’s more prevalent personas, such as Brunson’s idealistic protagonist and the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ dynamic she shares with Tyler James Williams’ hunky, but hopelessly awkward, character.

While that budding romance makes for compellingly agonising viewing, Abbott Elementary is undoubtedly at its most endearing when focused on Janelle James’ hilariously inept principal or Sheryl Lee Ralph’s wise matriarchal figure, the latter of which was based on Brunson’s mother.

However, like any great sitcom, this show has a deeper meaning beyond its immediate events, something which is underpinned by the way in which it documents the travails underfunded public schools are made to endure. Fundamentally, this is a show about class and the impact hard working teachers can make on their students’ lives. The fact that it is so frequently charming and laugh-out-loud funny is merely a bonus.