Abbott Elementary: A beacon of broadcast brilliance

A unique presence at Comic-Con

One of the most vibrant and engaging experiences at last month’s San Diego Comic-Con was the activation for ABC’s Abbott Elementary. Dubbed A.V.A. Fest (A Very Abbott Festival), this event drew thousands of attendees eager to participate in carnival-style activities. From hopping on a swing ride to sliding into a pool of plastic balls, and even testing their strength with a hammer, fans were also treated to free Abbott-themed trucker caps.

It’s quite remarkable for a show that doesn’t fit the typical Comic-Con mold. Unlike the dragons, superheroes, or zombies that usually dominate the event, Abbott Elementary has carved out a niche for itself. The ABC comedy has garnered a massive following, and Comic-Con, with its 150,000-strong crowd, proved to be the perfect venue to celebrate this unique show. The line for A.V.A. Fest stretched down the pier behind the convention center all weekend, showcasing the show’s widespread appeal.

The last primetime broadcast live-action scripted show standing

Abbott Elementary stands out in another significant way—it’s the last primetime broadcast live-action scripted show holding its ground at the Emmys. This is a notable achievement in an era where streaming platforms dominate the awards landscape. Reflecting on the past few decades, it’s astonishing to see how the landscape has shifted from a time when cable shows were the outliers in a contest dominated by ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.

Among the shows with five or more nominations this year, Abbott Elementary is the sole representative of broadcast television. While NBC’s Saturday Night Live leads all broadcast nominees with 17 nods, Abbott tops the primetime category with nine nominations. In contrast, other primetime series with five or more nominations are all unscripted, including The Amazing Race, Dancing With the Stars, and The Voice.

The state of broadcast series

The situation for broadcast series is quite dire. Even awards shows from other genres, such as the Oscars (seven nominations), Grammys (five), and Tony Awards (five), have outperformed most broadcast series. This trend isn’t new in the Streaming ’20s. The last broadcast nominee in the drama category was NBC’s This Is Us in 2021. The limited/anthology series category hasn’t seen a broadcast nominee since 2016, with ABC’s American Crime. Abbott Elementary has been the lone broadcast comedy series nominee since its debut in 2022.

Winning is even more challenging. The last broadcast drama to win was Fox’s 24 in 2006, and the last comedy was ABC’s Modern Family in 2014. Abbott Elementary hasn’t clinched the top comedy series Emmy yet, but it has performed admirably. Series creator and star Quinta Brunson has already won two Emmys for the show: comedy writing in 2022 and lead comedy actress in 2023. This year, she’s nominated in both categories again. Abbott stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, and Tyler James Williams are also nominated in supporting comedy fields, although Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti were once again overlooked.

Celebrating Abbott Elementary’s achievements

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Abbott Elementary and Quinta Brunson for their remarkable achievements. Despite the challenges, the show produced 14 episodes in Season 3, more than any of its competitors. In Season 2, they delivered a full slate of 22 episodes. The demands on a broadcast show are different, with stricter ratings and standards, yet Brunson and her team have managed to create something special.

The recognition from the Academy is well-deserved, and it’s heartening to see the show’s impact on fans, as evidenced by the enthusiastic crowd in San Diego. Quinta Brunson may not have set out to be broadcast TV’s hero, but her contributions are invaluable.

For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Abbott Elementary, you can check out the trailer and more information to see what all the buzz is about.

A call to action for Emmy voters

While Abbott Elementary is a shining example of broadcast excellence, there are other great series deserving of recognition. Shows like Ghosts also bring unique and compelling narratives to the small screen. Emmy voters, take note—there’s a wealth of talent in the broadcast realm that deserves your attention.

Abbott Elementary and Quinta Brunson have shown that broadcast television still has a place in the modern entertainment landscape. Their success is a testament to the power of great storytelling and the enduring appeal of well-crafted comedy.