Pilot (Abbott Elementary)

Last updated

"Pilot"
Abbott Elementary episode
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 1
Directed by Randall Einhorn
Written by
Production codeT11.10144
Original air dateDecember 7, 2021 (2021-12-07)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
—		Next →
"Light Bulb"
List of episodes

"Pilot" [1] is the first episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary . It was written by series creator and star Quinta Brunson, and was directed by Randall Einhorn. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on December 7, 2021.

Contents

The episode sees the introduction of the primary school teachers portrayed by Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter and Sheryl Lee Ralph, with Janelle James portraying Principal Coleman [2] at the poorly-funded Willard R. Abbott Elementary, a fictional predominantly Black school in Philadelphia. The pilot has achieved numerous awards and nominations for its writing, directing and acting by the ensemble cast. [3] [4]

Plot

Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) reveals that she has been teaching at Abbott Elementary for a year and, although she is proud to have survived the Philadelphia school system, her main problem is the school's lack of money. When Janine's student Jamal pees on the classroom rug, Janine is forced to remove the rug. She tries to get her students to sit down to no avail, until Kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), a senior teacher at Abbott, gets them to sit down easily. [5]

In the teachers' lounge, Janine tells her fellow teachers Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti) and Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) that she needs a rug, and it turns out that both Jacob and Melissa also need rugs. The school's principal, Ava Coleman (Janelle James), walks in and asks the teachers what they think about the camera crew she brought into the school, to which Melissa replies that it's "distracting" and makes their job harder. The teachers are informed that overwhelmed first grade teacher Tina Schwartz (Kate Peterman) kicked a student in the hallway. This incident results in Tina being fired and Ava has Mr. Johnson, the school's janitor, temporarily teach Tina's class. [5]

Later that day, Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) arrives to sub for Ms. Schwartz. The following day, Janine goes to Barbara for her opinion on the rug request email she composed for Ava. Barbara insists that she shouldn't expect anything and to just do her job. Ava then makes an announcement via PA system about some improvements to the school. However, it is revealed that Ava had used the entire provided budget for a new school sign instead of hiring the much-needed aides and the requested rugs. Janine is indignant and decides to e-mail the superintendent about what Ava has done. However, Barbara and Melissa inform her that the superintendent never receives any of their e-mails and that they are bounced back to the person in charge of where they came from, which is Ava. Ava makes another announcement telling all the teachers to report to the library during lunch for a "trust workshop" because of disrespect she has received. There, Ava openly criticizes Janine and tells the other teachers to do the same, but the other teachers refuse. Janine tells everyone that she was the one who disrespected Ava and apologizes to everyone. Before she walks out, she explains that she did it because of Ava spending the money on a sign and because she cared about the students. The other teachers follow her out. [5]

Janine shows the other teachers one of her students who is napping on the classroom floor. Barbara suggests that they chip in for a new rug, but Janine tells her that they don't have the money for it, but Melissa uses her contacts to get them new rugs. Janine lays out the new rug in her classroom and her students cheer. Janine is happy that even without help from the higher-ups, she is still able to help her students and the school. [5]

Reception

Viewership

The episode was viewed by 2.88 million people during its first broadcast on ABC. [6] Including viewership recorded over a 35-day period through "linear and digital platforms" (known as MP35) after its original broadcast, the pilot episode on December 7, 2021, increased to a 2.4 demographic rating, with 7.1 million viewers. ABC said the 300% increase was its "largest percentage growth for any new comedy premiere". [7] [8]

Awards and nominations

The episode has racked up numerous awards, including Brunson winning the Outstanding Writing, Comedy Series award for writing the pilot at the Black Reel Television Awards. [9] At the Hollywood Critics Association Awards, Brunson won the Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy award, while Randall Einhorn was nominated for Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy for his directorial duties in the pilot. [10] At the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, Brunson won the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for writing the episode. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lisa Ann Walter</span> American actress (b. 1963)

Lisa Ann Walter is an American actress, comedian, and television producer, best known for her roles as Chessy the housekeeper in the romantic comedy film The Parent Trap (1998) and Melissa Schemmenti on the Peabody Award winning ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021–present), for which she received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sheryl Lee Ralph</span> American actress and singer (b. 1956)

Sheryl Lee Ralph OJ is an American actress and singer. Known for her performances on stage and screen, she earned acclaim for her role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls (1981), for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Since 2021 she has starred as Barbara Howard on the ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, becoming the first Black woman in 35 years to win the award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natasha Rothwell</span> American actress and writer (born 1980)

Natasha Rothwell is an American actress and writer. She worked on the HBO television series Insecure as a writer, series regular, and supervising producer. She went on to star in HBO's The White Lotus, which earned her a nomination for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In September 2024, her original scripted show How to Die Alone debuted on Hulu. It is a production of the Onyx Collective, a division of ABC Productions. She is the show's creator and also the lead actress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quinta Brunson</span> American actress, writer, comedian and producer (b. 1989)

Quinta Brunson is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She is best known for creating, executive producing, co-writing and starring as second-grade teacher Janine Teagues in the ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary (2021–present). Brunson gained prominence for her self-produced Instagram series Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date. She went on to produce and act in videos for BuzzFeed Video, and developed two streaming series with BuzzFeed Motion Pictures.

<i>Abbott Elementary</i> American mockumentary television sitcom (2021–present)

Abbott Elementary is an American mockumentary sitcom television series created by Quinta Brunson for ABC. It stars Brunson as Janine Teagues, a perpetually optimistic second-grade teacher at the underfunded Abbott Elementary, a fictional predominantly Black public school in Philadelphia. The ensemble cast includes Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

<i>Abbott Elementary</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the American television comedy Abbott Elementary created by Quinta Brunson, premiered in the United States on ABC on December 7, 2021, concluded on April 12, 2022, and consisted of thirteen episodes. The series sees the introduction of characters portrayed by Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

<i>Abbott Elementary</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the American television comedy Abbott Elementary created by Quinta Brunson premiered in the United States on ABC on September 21, 2022, and concluded on April 19, 2023. The season consists of twenty-two episodes. Like the first, the season stars Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

"Light Bulb" is the second episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by series creator and star Quinta Brunson, and was directed by Randall Einhorn. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on January 4, 2022. The episode follows Janine, who attempts to fix a flickering light without the help of the school or electricians, and Gregory who must confront a parent of his class for bringing her son into school late.

"Wishlist" is the third episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Morgan Murphy, and was directed by Randall Einhorn. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on January 11, 2022. The episode follows Barbara, who refuses to promote her teachers wishlist with the internet, despite push from Janine and Ava.

"New Tech" is the fourth episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Brian Rubenstein, and was directed by Randall Einhorn. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on January 18, 2022. In the episode, Barbara struggles with a new learning program for her students; which prompts her to lie when she accidentally cheats the program.

"Student Transfer" is the fifth episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Brittani Nichols, and was directed by Randall Einhorn. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on January 25, 2022. In the episode, Janine deals with a troublesome transfer student from Melissa's classroom.

"Gifted Program" is the sixth episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Jordan Temple, and was directed by Matt Sohn, and the first of which not to be directed by Randall Einhorn. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on February 1, 2022.

"Art Teacher" is the seventh episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Kate Peterman, who also performs in the series as Tina Schwartz, and was directed by Jennifer Celotta. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on February 8, 2022.

"Work Family" is the eighth episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Justin Tan, and was directed by Jay Karas. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on February 15, 2022.

"Step Class" is the ninth episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Joya McCroy, and was directed by Shahrzad Davani. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on February 22, 2022. In the episode, Ava and Janine disagree on how to run the after-school step class. Meanwhile, Gregory must reveal his secret when Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob plan a pizza eating competition.

"Open House" is the tenth episode of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Brian Rubenstein and directed by Jennifer Celotta. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on March 22, 2022. In the episode, Janine prepares to meet a student's mother during the school's open house, while the rest of the faculty relaxes. Gregory is surprised to learn how Ava got the principal job, and Barbara's daughter visits.

<i>Abbott Elementary</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American television comedy Abbott Elementary created by Quinta Brunson premiered in the United States on ABC on February 7, 2024, and concluded on May 22. The season consisted of 14 episodes, fewer episodes than usual due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Like the previous season, the season stars Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

"Fire" is the fifteenth episode of the second season and the twenty-eighth episode overall of the American sitcom television series Abbott Elementary. It was written by Ava Coleman, and was directed by Jennifer Celotta. It premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on February 15, 2023.

<i>Abbott Elementary</i> season 4 Season of television series

The fourth season of the American television comedy Abbott Elementary was announced on February 10, 2024. Like the previous seasons, the season stars Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The season premiered on ABC on October 9, 2024.

References

  1. ↑ "'Abbott Elementary' – "Pilot"". Rotten Tomatoes . Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  2. ↑ Petski, Denise (March 26, 2021). "Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, 3 More Join Quinta Brunson In Her ABC School Comedy Pilot". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  3. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (May 18, 2021). "ABC 2021–22 Schedule: Big Sky On Thursday & Comedy Block In Fall, Black-Ish Farewell In Midseason". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  4. ↑ Pedersen, Erik (November 1, 2021). "ABC Winter Premiere Dates: Bachelor, Black-ish Final Season, Three New Series & More". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on March 7, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Eric Conner (December 8, 2021). "What Makes The Abbott Elementary Pilot So Engaging". New York Film Academy. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  6. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (December 8, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 12.7.2021 Updated". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  7. ↑ Darwish, Meaghan. "Abbott Elementary Becomes ABC's First Comedy Debut to Quadruple Its Ratings". TVInsider. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  8. ↑ Berman, Marc (December 8, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Respectable Live in Front of a Studio Audience Special on ABC". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  9. ↑ Valerie, Complex (June 16, 2022). "6th Annual Black Reel Television Awards Nominations Announced". Deadline . Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  10. ↑ Petski, Denise (July 7, 2022). "This Is Us, Succession, Severance, Ted Lasso Lead 2022 HCA TV Nominations". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ Trainor, Daniel (September 13, 2022). "Abbott Elementary 's Quinta Brunson Makes History With First Emmys Win". E! . Retrieved January 13, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.