The Most Hilarious ‘Abbott Elementary’ Scenes That Still Live in Our Heads Rent-Free

Since its debut in 2021, “Abbott Elementary” has become one of the most beloved sitcoms on TV—and with good reason. The mockumentary-style comedy, created by and starring Quinta Brunson, follows the teachers and staff at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia, and serves up both laughs and heart with every episode.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view

‘Origin’ Star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Ava DuVernay Is “A Freedom Fighter Posing As A Director”

view video

‘Origin’ Star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Ava DuVernay Is “A Freedom Fighter Posing As A Director”

But what truly sets “Abbott” apart in today’s sitcom landscape is its relatability. It’s not just funny for funny’s sake, but its rooted in the everyday chaos, joy, and community of public school life.

Whether it’s Barbara’s church mother wisdom (played by the fabulous Sheryl Lee Ralph), Gregory’s quietly hilarious awkwardness (played perfectly by Tyler James Williams), or Ava’s unhinged principal energy (played by a delightfully chaotic Janelle James), these characters feel like folks we know. And thanks to the show’s sharp writing, spot-on casting, and hilarious timing, it’s no secret why fans have fallen hard for the “Abbott” crew.

So, as season four nears its finale on April 16, we’re rounding up the funniest moments that had us wheezing, rewinding, and quoting for days. Let’s get into it!

The Teachers Discuss Their Drugs and Drinks of Choice

Season: 3

Episode: 4

The way I personally have this scene memorized in my head should get me some sort of reward. They all played off each other so well, there was no way this wasn’t getting included.

Tariq’s F.A.D.E. Rap

Season: 1

Episode: 8

If it wasn’t for this episode, we would’ve never gotten to see Janine and Tariq (played by Zack Fox) do their iconic hand shake. The rapping was just the icing on the cake.

“Abbott on Abbott on Abbott”

Season: 2

Episode: 19

Once again, Fox’s character is extreme gold in this episode. Between the raps and his definition of the Black Power fist, he’s really becoming the MVP of the show.

Gregory’s Gardening Skills Get Exposed

Season: 2

Episode: 12

“Why would you sow secretly? Why would you prune privately? Why would you cull clandestinely?” I mean, do I really have to say more here?

Abbott Elementary Relay Race

Season: 3

Episode: 13

Talk about an amazing ensemble performance here, everybody played their roles perfectly!

“Parent Teacher Fight Night”

Season: 4

Episode: 5

I can’t be the only one who loved how comedian Langston Kerman came in and shook Abbott all the way up. Like seriously, who picks a fight with someone as chill as Gregory? Somebody unhinged and chaotic and Kerman nailed that perfectly.

Janine Throwing Down on Her First Date

Season: 2

Episode: 13

There is literally no reason why Janine was going so hard on those ribs—especially when she was told not to order them. But it gave us comedy so, I can’t complain.

Everyone, Meet Jacob’s Boyfriend

Season: 1

Episode: 11

At this point, the one-liners in this show have to be in some TV Hall of Fame because they just keep on getting better and better! I also won’t be able to hear the name “Zach” the same for a long time.

Somebody Get Ava A Chair

Season: 1

Episode: 8

Arguably one of the first scenes that made us all fall in love with “Abbott,” the way Ava delivered this line will live rent free in all our heads for a long time.

Jacob’s Ringworm Letter

Season: 4

Episode: 2

You know when something starts off with “I know that’s wrong” whatever follows is going to be just as funny and thankfully it was.

F.A.D.E. 2.0 Fail

Season: 3

Episode: 4

Abbott needs to bring back Tariq ASAP because this new iteration of the say no to drugs campaign didn’t hit as hard as when he was over it but it was still hilarious.

Janine Nails Barbara and Melissa

Season: 3

Episode: 14

As if this cast doesn’t get enough credit for nailing their respective characters enough, it was taken to an even better level in this episode thanks to Janine’s impersonations.

Battle of the Shemmentis

Season: 2

Episode: 16

Watching to dynamic between Melissa and her sister was too good. They really know how to drum up the Italian and make it hit when they need to.

Gregory Admitting He Hates Pizza—and Hot Fruit

Season: 1

Episode: 9

“Fruit should not be hot” will go down in Abbott history.