People might have forgotten over the last couple of years but there was a time when kids physically went to school. Back then, incomplete notebooks, unkempt hair and sneaking in a mobile phone were enough to send you to every student’s least favourite place on earth—The Staffroom. But maybe if it looked anything like ABC’s Emmy-nominated comedy series Abbott Elementary, the fear wouldn’t be warranted.

Set in a Philadelphia public school, Abbott Elementary—created by Quinta Brunson—is the heartwarming mockumentary we’ve been craving ever since our favourite Scranton branch went off the air. Teachers who are afraid to admit they don’t like pizza, a principal who is too busy being an influencer and kids saying the darndest things—you’ve got it all. But while the show is dishing out laughs, it doesn’t fail to talk about larger aspects of American society including the public education system, race and privilege.

The show’s cast will keep you glued to the screen with their performances, some of which were nominated for the Primetime Emmy Awards earlier this year. Janelle James’ performance as Principal Ava Coleman and the stoic substitute who is slowly discovering his love for teaching played by Tyler James Williams earned them nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The show’s protagonist, the glass-half-full optimist who believes she can change the world one student at a time, Janine Teagues played by Quinta Brunson bagged a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

The 13-episode debut season did a great job of taking us behind the scenes of a classroom, talking about real problems faced by teachers and their impact on impressionable kids. We didn’t miss a beat before clicking on the Season 2 premiere, which dropped on Hotstar last week and we strongly recommend you do too!