'Abbott Elementary' 's First Season Earns a Perfect 100 Percent Score from Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

The cast of Abbott Elementary.Photo: Pamela Littky/ABC via Getty Abbott Elementaryhas scored one exciting feat! The ABC series has earned aperfect scoreonRotten Tomatoes, becoming one of the highest-rated television shows on the critic website. “Abbott Elementary earns top marks for its empathetic yet sidesplitting critique of the U.S. education system, plus some extra credit for a deftly handled will-they-won’t-they dynamic,” Rotten Tomatoessaidabout the series. That high score puts the series in great company.

'Abbott Elementary' 's Janelle James on Her 'Huge Learning Experience' Touring with Chris Rock: 'Just Surreal'

Janelle Jameshas received acclaim — and a2022 Primetime Emmy nomination— for her breakout role onAbbott Elementary, and the actress owes her on-point comic timing, in part, to her roots in standup.In 2017, her act received a major boost when she toured with comedy superstarChris Rock.“That was just surreal,” says James, who plays the delightfully self-centered principal Ava Coleman on theQuinta Brunson-created hit ABC sitcom, which airs its season 2 finale on April 19.

'Abbott Elementary' 's Janelle James Was 'Drunk' When She Interrupted Sheryl Lee Ralph at Golden Globes

Photo: Rich Polk/NBC via Getty Images Abbott Elementary’s Janelle James revealed the hilariousreasonshe interruptedSheryl Lee Ralphat theGolden Globes. When Ralph, 66, stepped up to the mic in January to accept the best music or comedy series award, she thanked the audience and said the win “proves God is good.” As her costar continued to speak, James cut in with a special shout-out: “I love you Mom!” “First of all, I was drunk,” she toldJennifer Hudson.

'Abbott Elementary' 's Quinta Brunson Cries as Steve Harvey Says He's 'Proud' of Her in Front of Former Teacher

It’s only tears of joy forQuinta Brunson. “Let me tell you something, this is a bad girl here right there,” said Harvey, 65. “I’m really proud of you, because the way you did it, you don’t even know.” Nearly bursting into tears, Brunson said, “I’ve gotta stop crying on television. Thank you!” “No, what you’re doing is hard,” Harvey added. “Trust me, I know.” ABC/Christopher Willard Brunson then teared up and grabbed a tissue from one of her teammates.

'Abbott Elementary' 's Quinta Brunson Gets Surprised by 6th Grade Teacher She Named the Series After

Abbot ElementarystarQuinta Brunsonhad a good reason to get emotional during her recentJimmy Kimmel Live!appearance. “I got to talk to her recently,” said the actress. Chiming in, Kimmel, 54, said: “You did? Well, let’s talk to her again.” To Brunson’s surprise, Ms. Abbott appeared on a video call — and sparked an excited shriek from Brunson, who then started to tear up at the sight of her former teacher. Ms. Abbott remarked on what a “driven” student Brunson was.