In a mock letter sent from the desk of fictional principal Ava Coleman (played by comedian Janelle James), the hilarious and sometimes-narcissistic leader of Willard R. Abbott Elementary School confirmed what viewers have expected for the last couple of weeks.
“The camera crew I hired to showcase all that I’ve made happen at our beautiful school thinks I’m a star,” the letter begins. “With that said, it is with great pleasure that I share they’ll be returning for the 20220-2023 school year! That’s right—Abbott Elementary Season Two is coming to a screen near you.”
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style comedy series created by Quinta Brunson.
Starring Brunson, alongside Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti, ABC’s latest success showcases a group of teachers as they attempt to educate and enrich the lives of students at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia.
Initially premiering last December, the first episode of Abbott Elementary quickly broke the network’s record for MP35 (multi-platform viewership after 35 days of streaming), boasting a 300 percent increase in viewership.
Its second episode, which aired nearly a month after its premiere, was ABC’s most-watched comedy episode since Modern Family ended in April 2020.
Reacting to the news that the quickly-beloved sitcom has been renewed for a second season, fans took to social media to express their jubilation.
“This is GREAT NEWS!!,” Twitter user @MellyMel1908 exclaimed.
“Legitimately one of the best shows right now,” @pswayne7 wrote, including a couple of celebratory, hands-in-the-air emojis.
“WELL. F*****G. DESERVED,” another user added. “If you’re not watching Abbott Elementary, you’re wrong.”
Commenting on Abbott Elementary’s official Instagram account, numerous fans said they couldn’t help but read the Season Two announcement in Principal Ava’s voice, and one fan said the show’s long-awaited renewal deserves an extended celebration.
“This calls for a month long weekend celebration,” Instagram user @blessyourheart commented.
Back on Twitter, fans commended Brunson for her work on the budding sitcom.
“So proud of Quinta Brunson as her hit show Abbott Elementary is now the biggest ABC comedy series since Modern Family which is huge!,” one user wrote. “I’m so excited for the rest of this season & so hyped for Season 2!”
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James also sang Brunson’s praises and sent his congratulations to the Abbott Elementary show runner.
“Ayyyyyeeeee!!! That’s cause @quintabrunson is a BEAST!!!!,” James tweeted. “Congrats QB.”
Earlier this month, Brunson appeared on The Shop, James’ show on Uninterrupted.
Speaking with James, entrepreneur Maverick Carter, Atlanta creator Donald Glover, artist J Balvin, marketing executive Paul Rivera and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Brunson commented on the early success of Abbott Elementary, and explained what sets it apart from other sitcoms.
“I felt that we were making something good. Everyone felt that we were making a good thing,” Brunson said. “I think that’s unique. I’ve been on other sets and shows, and you go, this will be mid…you’re going through the motions.”
“I think audience members think we’re super passionate about everything we do, and that would be a dream come true, but with my show, with Abbott Elementary, I got to feel my passion,” she added.
Currently, Abbott Elementary is on a month-long hiatus.
Set to return to its 9 p.m. Tuesday night slot on March 22, Season One (which will have 13 episodes, according to Brunson) will continue with “Open House,” the series’ tenth episode.
