Shows like this are always dear to my heart because I feel real connected when it’s produced by someone you saw literally come from the bottom. I’m talking Vine compilations. Yes little child move along, y’all don’t know what Vine is with your Gen-Z TikToking ass! Quinta is a talented angel. She’s both the creator and stars of the show. If you’re familiar with her content then you will definitely feel her influence all over the show.
The show style is in the form of a documentary, or the politically industry correct term is mockumentary. Think of “The Office” but in a public school. A non existent camera crew which in turn is us the viewer, following the teachers around the school documenting their everyday life and interactions with both themselves and the children. It just works. It amplifies every joke and just augments the humour all round. What it does is it makes us, the viewer, an extra character in the show and increases the engagement levels. It’s a formula that’s been done a few times and still works. Breaking the 4th wall is the go to now.
The setting is Philadelphia so it just incorporates some very interesting characters. Quinta is the main character here which we follow the most but all the characters get their moments to shine and there are some good characters here. If I had to choose standout characters besides Quinta my go to will be Janelle James as Ava and William Davis as Mr Johnson aka the Janitor. They play those roles where they can pop out of anywhere at any time and deliver some quick quirky line then just disappear. I love it. This show mimics one of my favourite shows like Scrubs and the characters are almost like for like. Madam Sheryl (Primetime Emmy Winner) so we address her properly, is excellent. For me she’s always been one of those TV mothers that you just have to respect with her no nonsense stance. From the days of Sister Act 2 she just strikes that fear in you with her look. I struggled to accept this next character. I struggled with even just looking at Tyler Williams. Like he’s grown, super buff with this deep voice. “Chris” is ready to roll back to Bed-Stuy and whoop everybody’s ass ?
With all that to one side there are some really good lessons in the show (pun intended, because it’s based in a school.. get it?). It dives in heavily on parenting and different ways of getting through to your kids. Solid talks on relationships and friendships. There are lots of feel good and wholesome moments which just makes the show one for all the family.
The show does take a few episodes to warm up before it kicks into gear and when it does, its full steam ahead. Season 1 ended well on a decent note and then season 2 picks up exactly where it left off and it’s just more of the same incredibly funny, creative and unique excellence. I really hope this show expands further and goes the full distance with the minimum 6-10 seasons. With the right expansion tools i.e. characters, stories, lessons, locations, etc. this could be a timeless classic. Quinta has done a hell of a job here and I warn you from now… “Don’t Tell Her To Relax”.
Quote of the show:
A dream can be a distraction just as much as it can be a goal…
How did you hear about this show? Who was your favourite character? Was your school like this? How did you turn out in life? Are you also hoping for a Season 3 and beyond? React and comment below…
Hilarious show!! It’s got the office and everybody hates Chris vibes.
Really loving S2 so far! Can’t wait to finish it off.