10 Shows and Movies Like Abbott Elementary (2021)

Description: Scrubs shares Abbott Elementary's blend of workplace comedy and heartfelt drama. Both shows feature young professionals learning the ropes in challenging environments, with a mix of surreal humor and genuine emotional moments. The narration style is also similar.

Fact: The show's medical accuracy was praised by real doctors. The Janitor character wasn't supposed to be a regular until Neil Flynn's improv skills impressed producers. Many episodes were inspired by real medical stories from the show's consultant.

Description: 30 Rock shares Abbott Elementary's fast-paced, joke-dense writing style and workplace comedy format. Both shows feature a strong, funny female lead navigating a chaotic professional environment, with eccentric coworkers and systemic challenges.

Fact: Many storylines were based on Tina Fey's real experiences at SNL. The show holds the record for most Emmy nominations for a comedy series in a single year (22 in 2009). Tracy Morgan often improvised his lines.

Description: Like Abbott Elementary, Parks and Recreation is a mockumentary-style sitcom that focuses on a group of quirky, dedicated professionals working in a public service setting. Both shows highlight the humor and heart in everyday workplace challenges, with a strong ensemble cast and a positive, uplifting tone.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real-life Libertarian government employee. The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of The Office. Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which was written into the show.

Description: Community shares Abbott Elementary's clever, meta humor and strong ensemble chemistry. Both shows feature a group of people thrown together in an institutional setting, finding family in each other. The shows also share a similar balance of absurd humor and genuine emotional moments.

Fact: The famous 'Paintball' episodes were inspired by action movies. Donald Glover wrote many of Troy's funniest lines. The show was nearly canceled multiple times during its run.

Description: Modern Family shares Abbott Elementary's mockumentary format and blend of humor and heart. Both shows feature diverse ensembles where each character brings unique comedic perspectives, with storylines that balance workplace and personal life.

Fact: The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series five years in a row. The child actors had their school lessons on set between filming. Many storylines were inspired by the writers' real family experiences.

Description: New Girl shares Abbott Elementary's warm, character-driven humor and focus on found family dynamics. Both shows feature quirky but lovable characters navigating personal and professional challenges with humor and heart.

Fact: Zooey Deschanel was pregnant twice during filming, requiring creative costuming. The famous 'True American' drinking game was almost cut for being too complicated. Prince appeared as himself in a surprise cameo.

Description: Brooklyn Nine-Nine shares Abbott Elementary's workplace comedy format and diverse ensemble cast. Both shows balance humor with heartfelt moments, and feature characters who are passionate about their jobs despite systemic challenges. The fast-paced, joke-heavy writing style is also similar.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after 5 seasons but revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher (Captain Holt) had never done comedy before this role. The Halloween heist episodes became an annual tradition loved by fans.

Description: Schitt's Creek shares Abbott Elementary's balance of eccentric humor and genuine emotional growth. Both shows feature characters making the best of less-than-ideal circumstances, with a focus on personal development and found family.

Fact: The show was created by Eugene Levy and his son Daniel. Catherine O'Hara created Moira's unique accent and vocabulary herself. The show swept all major comedy categories at the 2020 Emmys, a first in history.

Description: Superstore mirrors Abbott Elementary's focus on blue-collar workers navigating the absurdities of their workplace. Both shows use their settings (a big-box store and a public school) to comment on larger societal issues while maintaining a warm, character-driven comedy style.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Justin Spitzer's time working at a Target. The background shoppers are often doing bizarre things as sight gags. America Ferrera directed several episodes in later seasons.

Description: While more philosophical in nature, The Good Place shares Abbott Elementary's clever writing, diverse cast, and perfect balance of humor and heart. Both shows feature characters trying to do good in imperfect systems, with plenty of witty banter along the way.

Fact: The show's philosophy consultant was a real Harvard ethics professor. The neighborhood's frozen yogurt shops were a dig at Los Angeles trends. The twist at the end of Season 1 was kept completely secret during production.