Abbott Elementary’s Taraji P Henson Cameo Subverted Sitcom Formula

While Abbott Elementary pulled off an impressive coup by getting Taraji P. Henson to cameo as Janine’s mother, the workplace sitcom handled this guest appearance perfectly by subverting sitcom formula. With a regular audience of between 2 and 3 million viewers, Abbott Elementary is a seriously successful workplace sitcom. The series can boast viewership numbers that compete with Superstore and Brooklyn 99, and the critical acclaim heaped on creator Quinta Brunson’s comedy is enough to revive faith in the failing mockumentary sub-genre. However, Abbott Elementary’s two seasons have not seen the series face every major sitcom stumbling block so far.