11 Shows Like ‘Abbott Elementary’, from ‘Kim’s Convenience’ to ‘The Office’
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Abbott Elementary is one of the best sitcoms on TV right now. And if you haven’t watched the series, then it’s time to climb out from under that rock and catch up on both seasons, STAT.
The Emmy Award-winning mockumentary, which follows the staff at a Philadelphia elementary school, features a stellar cast and smartly uses humor to tackle relevant issues. (Not to mention Principal Ava’s pop-culture references and Gregory’s classic side-eye moments.)
If you’re on the lookout for similar shows to keep you entertained, keep reading for the 11 best shows like Abbott Elementary.
1. Teachers
Cast: Caitlin Barlow, Katy Colloton, Cate Freedman, Kate Lambert
Number of seasons: 3
Before Abbott Elementary, there was Teachers, a laugh-out-loud sitcom that follows six female teachers who work at Millard Fillmore Elementary School in Chicago. It’s a bit sillier and raunchier than Abbott, and it doesn’t feature as much social commentary. But it does give some insight into the lives of educators who don’t have it all together.
2. The Office
Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
Number of seasons: 9
We love a good mockumentary-style comedy, especially when it features an unconventional boss and at least one ship-worthy romance. The NBC show follows the employees at the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. And yes, it features quite a few characters who will remind you of your favorites from Abbott. (Speaking of, does the school janitor remind anyone else of Creed?)
3. Welcome to Flatch
Cast: Holmes, Sam Straley, Seann William Scott, Jaime Pressly
Number of seasons: 1
A documentary crew heads to Flatch, Ohio to learn about small-town life and meet the eccentric residents. The sitcom features a stellar cast, smart writing and plenty of dry humor, but it maintains a light-hearted and quirky tone.
4. Parks and Recreation
Cast: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman
Number of seasons: 7
Leslie Knope is relentlessly cheery and optimistic, just like Janine from Abbott Elementary. The series revolves around a group of government workers in Pawnee, Indiana as they pursue new projects in hopes of improving the town. And according to Abbott creator Quinta Brunson, the sitcom inspired her to create the ABC show. She said, “In Parks, everyone felt very inviting…I just thought more characters there were like, ‘Yeah, welcome to our story.’ And I think I studied a lot of that for Janine." Yep, makes sense.
5. Superstore
Cast: America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Mark McKinney
Number of seasons: 6
Superstore follows an unlikely group of employees who work at Cloud 9, a megastore located in St. Louis, Missouri. The workplace comedy is so fun to watch, thanks to its refreshing take on deeper issues and the talented diverse cast. Superstore also has its fair share of meaningful moments, and the romances are just the icing on the cake.
6. Ted Lasso
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster
Number of seasons: 3
Meet Ted Lasso, a cheery college football coach who is hired to lead the English Premier League soccer team, even though he has zero experience with the sport. Although he’s destined for failure, he uses his charm and optimism to positively impact the team.
7. 30 Rock
Cast: Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer
Number of seasons: 7
Inspired by Tina Fey's experiences working on Saturday Night Live, the satirical sitcom follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of a sketch comedy series. Her job becomes more challenging when her scrupulous boss forces her to hire a selfish movie star.
8. Reboot
Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Johnny Knoxville, Rachel Bloom
Number of seasons: 1
Since we’re practically living in the age of reboots, this show couldn’t be timelier. The Hulu series follows the cast of an old sitcom who reunite to film a revival of the series. Old drama resurfaces and new conflicts arise as they try to navigate a media landscape that has drastically changed.
9. Schitt’s Creek
Cast: Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, Catherine O'Hara
Number of seasons: 6
When the wealthy Rose family are scammed by their business manager, they’re forced to relocate to a small town called Schitt's Creek because it’s their only remaining asset. While the show doesn’t have much in common with the plot of Abbott Elementary, fans will be drawn to the smart humor and upbeat tone. (Expect to hear all the “Ew, David” one-liners.)
10. Modern Family
Cast: Ed O’Neill, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell
Number of seasons: 11
From Gloria’s fiery rants to Phil and Claire’s hilariously awkward moments, there’s never a dull moment in this classic mockumentary. The show follows three interrelated families as they deal with the ups and downs of family life in Los Angeles.
11. Kim’s Convenience
Cast: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang
Number of seasons: 5
This charming, feel-good sitcom follows the misadventures of a Korean Canadian family who run a convenience store. Aside from the genuine laughs, the show offers valuable insight into the reality of raising a family in a different culture.
ABC Renews ‘Abbott Elementary’ for Season 3 After Huge Golden Globes Win
