Onix Honorable Mentions: Quinta Brunson & The Abbott Elementary Journey

Quinta Brunson's Journey to Creating Abbott Elementary

​Quinta Brunson's journey to creating the critically acclaimed sitcom Abbott Elementary is a story of perseverance, leveraging a unique perspective, and drawing inspiration from her Philadelphia roots and personal life. The show, which is a workplace mockumentary in the style of The Office and Parks and Recreation, has earned her multiple awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes, for her writing and acting.

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​Early Career: From Digital Star to Traditional Media

​Brunson, born and raised in West Philly, began her comedy career in the digital space. After attending Temple University, where she studied television, film, and advertising, she decided to pursue comedy in Los Angeles. She initially gained a significant online following around 2014 by posting viral comedic videos on Instagram, notably her "Girl Who's Never Been on a Nice Date" series.

​Her success led her to work for BuzzFeed until 2018, where she further honed her creative skills. Following her time there, she began transitioning into traditional media, selling a few TV pilots and taking on acting roles in shows like Big Mouth and A Black Lady Sketch Show. This period laid the groundwork for her later breakthrough.

​The Inspiration for Abbott Elementary

The core inspiration for Abbott Elementary came from Brunson's deep connection to the public school system in her hometown, Philadelphia, and the dedicated educators within it:

• ​Her Mother's Career: The single most significant inspiration was her mother's 40-year career as a kindergarten teacher in the public school system. Brunson's mother, a consistent presence in her school life, exposed her to the realities of underfunded public education. Brunson specifically based the character of veteran teacher Barbara Howard (played by Sheryl Lee Ralph) on her mother.

• ​A Favorite Teacher: The show is named after Joyce Abbott, one of Brunson's favorite elementary school teachers.

• ​The Setting: The show is set in her hometown of Philadelphia. It was originally pitched under the title Harrity Elementary, named after the school she attended.

  
  

Brunson created the show to blend comedy with poignant insights into the American education system, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by teachers in underfunded schools.

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​Developing and Selling the Show

​Brunson is a huge fan of workplace comedies and their dynamic of bringing together people who might not otherwise interact. She specifically chose the mockumentary format because she wanted to go "behind the veil" of the one-dimensional view people often have of teachers and use the format to explore the realities of public school life, including the lack of resources. She found it unique to use this format with Black characters at the forefront.

​She successfully pitched the show to various networks, eventually finding a home at ABC, which saw the potential in her concept. The pilot, which premiered in late 2021, was met with critical acclaim and high ratings. Brunson not only created and wrote the show but also starred as the optimistic second-grade teacher, Janine Teagues. The success of Abbott Elementary is a testament to Brunson's talent and persistence, establishing her as a powerful creator and showrunner who sets the tone for her production.