There’s nothing like a good sitcom to lift your spirits and make you laugh, no matter how your day is going. There are a ton of fan favorites out there, many of which have still remained popular throughout the years after their last episodes aired. One of the most recent smash hits in this subgenre of TV is Abbott Elementary, a hilarious and heartfelt show centering around hard-working teachers at a public school in Philadelphia. In desperate need of more funding to make Abbott the best it can be, these educational professionals jump through hoops to create an excellent experience for their students, resulting in recognizable real-life struggles and hard-earned triumphs.
Showered with awards and well-deserved praise since it first aired, Abbott Elementaryshattered an ABC rating record and was nominated for seven Emmys, taking home three. As Quinta Brunson’s brainchild, the show sparkles with her creative vision and shines as an absolute success, despite its brief existence on air so far. The stellar cast, which includes Brunson herself, is a huge part of what makes the show so dynamic and memorable. Let’s take a look at the best characters from Abbott Elementary, ranked.
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7 Melissa Schemmenti
ABC
Lisa Ann Walter lights up the role of Melissa Schemmenti, emphasizing a personality as bold as her hair color. Being from South Philadephia, her distinct nature follows her into her place of work, adding her own attitude of individuality to a conglomeration of experiences and backgrounds. Alongside Janine, the two bring different approaches to the way their second-grade classes operate, with Melissa’s teaching style often reflecting her cut and dry persona. Assertive, strong, and brash, she’s willing to go the extra mile for her students and exert her personal assets to give them the best.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Gregory Eddie
Initially introduced as a substitute teacher in season one, Gregory Eddie was promoted to full-time status in the show’s second season, cementing him as more of a regular around the school. The surprised and wide-eyed looks that cross his face speak volumes whenever things tend to go wrong, as they often do around Abbott. Portrayed by Tyler James Williams, Gregory’s exterior may appear cool, but he’s also kind-hearted and hides some dance moves up his sleeve that get the kids going.
5 Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson, the janitor at Abbott, often brings a smile to the faces of the students and audiences at home. Sometimes filling in as a substitute, his influence always makes an impact on the kids, whether he’s joking around with them or working to make the school a better place in other ways. His memorable lines often stick out in viewers’ minds, like his bit about “Mr. Johnson’s Day Off,” making him a frequent fan favorite. William Stanford Davis plays this beloved character, who always has surprising stories to tell and memories to share with his fellow staff members.
4 Ava Coleman
Principal Ava Coleman’s zest shows through her everyday operations, much to the chagrin of her staff. Janelle James brings her to life and illuminates the character’s jokes and larger-than-life personality. While most of Ava’s wild ideas and unprofessional moments may leave the teachers shaking their heads, she brings a genuine excitement to her job, although she definitely cuts corners to get things done her way. A Harper’s Bazaar article analyzing her character called her “selfish, rude, and politically incorrect,” and “the ringmaster, the jester, and the villain all at once.”
3 Jacob Hill
As history teacher Jacob Hill, Chris Perfetti adds a down-to-earth feeling and a soft sense of concern to the role. Jacob is sensitive and sweet, and he often has something to say regarding the current state of the world around him. On the other hand, he’s “corny, sometimes,” according to Janine, and often gets roasted for this part of his personality, especially when a student named Raheem calls out his resemblance to “Arthur from PBS.” Jacob’s relationship with his boyfriend Zach exemplifies how he puts his genuine love into all aspects of his life.
2 Barbara Howard
Witty and tenacious, Barbara Howard’s no-nonsense persona positions her as a bit of an authority figure within the faculty of Abbott Elementary. Self-described as a “woman of God,” the strength of her character shines through in all she does, thanks to Sheryl Lee Ralph’s brilliant portrayal. Her nurturing energy towards her young students is complemented by her sharp remarks towards out-of-line actions. She’s generally as put together as her beautifully coordinated outfits, bringing an expert air to a messy work environment.
1 Janine Teagues
Of course, Quinta Brunson’s Janine Teagues deserves the top spot as the best character on Abbott Elementary. Janine’s earnest attitude and hard-working nature are complemented by her warm heart. She really comes into her own at the end of the first season, when relationship issues lead her to ultimately choose herself and her career for the time being. She does everything in her power with an overwhelmingly positive outlook to benefit the students in her second-grade class and beyond. She’s constantly advocating to get the best supplies and resources that will allow them to soar.
