Abbott Elementaryhasrevived the mockumentary genre on network TV,opening the door for other shows to join in on the fun, including one new, critically acclaimed NBC series that premiered in 2024.Quinta Brunson’s ABC comedy showfollows a group of teachers (and a principal and a janitor) who work at Willard R. Abbott Elementary School in Philadelphia. Similar to the mockumentaries that came before it (likeThe OfficeandParks and Rec),Abbott Elementaryis filmed like a documentary, meaning the characters often talk to or look into the camera.
Abbott Elementaryhas been nominated for and won many awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Quinta Brunson and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Mockumentary sitcoms have experienced much success in the past two decades, andAbbott Elementaryhas been a breakout show for ABC. So, it’s understandable why other networks would want to develop them, and why NBC wants to bring mockumentaries back into its lineup.NBC has been the home for some of the most popular mockumentary sitcoms,includingThe OfficeandParks and Rec. It was only a matter of time before a new one entered the fold to directly compete withAbbott Elementary.
St. Denis Medical Is Also A Work-Comedy Mockumentary (Like Abbott Elementary)
The NBC Sitcom Takes Place In A Hospital
The two-part premiere of the workplace mockumentary sitcomSt. Denis Medicaldropped on August 05, 2025, and unsurprisingly to many, the show has gotten off to a great start. According toDeadline,viewership for the NBC medical comedy’s premiere increased by 85 percentin a week, a promising statistic forSt. Denis Medical’s longevity. Given its ratings and reviews (it has an 88 percent score onRotten Tomatoes),St. Denis Medicalis proving to be a real competitor forAbbott Elementary.
Stephen Schneider
Chaplain Steve
St. Denis Medicalrevolves around the doctors and nurses at an underfunded hospital,St. Denis Medical Center, in Oregon. So, the big difference between the 2024 NBC series andAbbott Elementaryis that it takes place in a hospital instead of an elementary school. Still, both are mockumentary sitcoms with workplace settings, making it easy to compare the two.
St. Denis Medical Review: NBC’s New Mockumentary Isn’t Trying To Be The Office & That’s What Works
NBC has a new mockumentary sitcom, St. Denis Medical, releasing in 2024, and it has the potential to live up to its predecessors (like The Office).
Does St. Denis Medical’s Debut Impact Abbott Elementary’s Success?
Abbott Elementary Is Too Established & Popular
AlthoughJustin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin’sSt. Denis Medicalhas been a triumph (so far), its success won’t take away fromAbbott Elementary’s achievements. For example,the new NBC medical comedy hasn’t impactedAbbott Elementary’s ratingsbecause it airs on a different day. Quinta Brunson’s TV show is also well-established as it’s in its fourth season and still going strong. So, even though both series are resurrecting the mockumentary style of comedy, it helps thatAbbott ElementaryandSt. Denis Medicalcome from different networks, meaning they can both be successful in their own right.
Abbott Elementary
Cast
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
