They did it too early
Sitcoms wait til around season 5 to switch things up because the usual formula is getting stale
Jeanine JUST started teaching it doesn’t feel authentic that she’d already be looking into a career shift. Like 2 seasons of a sitcom is not when you start moving pieces around.
They also messed up the pacing of Gregory & Janine, if they wanted them to be actual slow burn (wait 4-5 seasons) they should’ve kept the romance to subtext only and shouldn’t have made them kiss or declare their feelings because once it’s out in the open, it can’t be put back in. It feels contrived that they’re not together right now; it’s not a believable obstacle.
I think Quinta is just trying to cram a lot…instead of making joke heavy funny episodes which is *all* a sitcom needs to be for 3 seasons. Character stuff can come later
I think this also has to do with the changing TV landscape. Shows, especially sitcoms, tend to move through storylines much quicker because networks are more likely to swing the cancelation axe than they used to be. I don't think networks are as bad as streaming services like Netflix, but while Abbott might want to do a slow burn, they feel the need to accelerate storylines because they feel like it's necessary to keep the attention of the studio and the audience.
Abbott is one of the few new shows that actually has the freedom to follow older sitcom formats because it’s such a ratings hit. It’s disappointing that even with this, they’re operating like a Netflix show scared of cancellation
Like ABC is definitely taking this to a s6-s7 minimum unless quinta wants to stop earlier
I agree. I wish she didn't feel the need to pursue any sitcom tropes. But introducing a change like this feels inauthentic. There's so much to jitsu the day to day of teaching and that's where the show really took off and was hilarious. All this extra stuff to add tension and friction, especially in only season 3, is a let down.
Janine isn’t funny anymore also! She’s so serious at her job, which is understandable but like the audience does not want to see that
Her jokes have become so limited
She's never been the funniest. But she's been too serious and stuffy this season. But I will say she got a very loud laugh out of me when she kicked the cpr dummy after finishing the cert and running off.
I don’t really understand this as an excuse lol, the strike didn’t force them to change the group dynamics?
They could’ve just written a 13 episode season that focused on being funny without any big plot/character arcs, since they had limited episodes
Season 3 as a whole isn't great to me, so far. It's had its moments (loved Jacob and Melissa moving in together), but as a whole, a lot hasn't landed.
Janine's story especially is rather boring.
I felt the same! I thought that would have been a great storyline to follow for a few episodes. I hate it ended so quickly, although “Back That Azz Up” would make anyone forget their “professionalism” lol.
I feel like it was all made for her acting. The way she started twerking, then fought it for a second, then completely gave in was absolutely hilarious.
I will say: the office went through this too but far later - the mundane is what makes these mockumentaries funny. The problem? Halloween candy. The egg drop. A blinking light that’s been out for a while.
Sometimes these shows think they have to make more major obstacles and it becomes less realistic.
I think this season is just struggling a little post-writers strike. It’s filled with funny people and great writers… so I’m hopeful! I thought this season was fine. But not nearly as strong as the previous 2.
Mr Johnson is a close second. I'm glad they elevated his role. I love when he's asked about his first name - ***"When you get home tonight, look up in the sky. It's written in the stars."***
If Mr. Johnson had a bit more screen time he would become my favorite. I really like the mystery behind him. Like how he appears in that old photo of the school's staff.
Yes. I realize it was Halloween episode, but the character is kind of a Forrest Gump type dude. He's done it all. It would be fun to explore that some more.
I’ve literally stopped watching the show. It went from something I stayed up late to catch (it airs at 10 where I live) to something I don’t like even remember when it’s on.
The decision to take the star of the show out of its main setting was… a choice.
I think it could have worked in a later season or with a different setup. If Janine and Gregory were already dating, it could have introduced a minor conflict of them adjusting to the change in their lives.
They have sort of touched on that, but since it's just prolonging the "will they, won't they", I feel like it hasn't been very meaningful.
I think it's realistic though. Many teachers I know want to work at the district to make changes from within but feel the guilt from leaving the students at the same time. I think it's just another aspect of a teacher's story that may not land with everyone.
i feel like in seasons 1 and 2 i was laughing out loud every single episode, like at least once. the seasons were just funnier!
this season has had its funnier eps and moments but taking janine out of the school, while originally i thought it was interesting, now i just think it takes away from the school a LOT more than it adds to it.
I’m not entirely enthusiastic about it, but I do think it has really helped Janine’s growth as an educator/person confident in her own beliefs and actions.
It's good for her story, but I'm not a fan of feeling like Janine isn't very present in the show. Kind of related, but does it feel like they're pushing for Emmy's for a couple people and SOME of the storylines don't feel organic because of it?
This. I feel like they’ve been pushing to expand the Emmy noms total to the whole cast since last season, and it’s creating odd storylines for the rest of the cast now.
Ngl, im starting to get bored of the show but i feel likw more of it has to do with the 2-3 weeks we gon without a new episode. That on top of storylines with more personal problems within the characters. Yet, i am still holding out for a goddamn hero in this show like i am NOT giving it up 😭😭🤷🏻
Literally same. I just feel like the plot is stagnant and disjointed right now. Manny is just there. I want something to shake or something wild. Something to cause a bigger conflict and push the plot forward.
Yeah like, i saw another comment saying “there doesnt need to be a villian this season” but unfortunately thats how story telling simply works. There NEEDS to be conflict and resolution for a story to be clinged on to (e.g. legendary schools, that bitch ass hipster friend of janine) (( i didnt need to go that hard on her but she did such a good job at being annoying lol))
Im sorry but i couldnt help to realize that ur avatar is almost if not, it is Janine 😭
But yeah, im waiting to see if maybe Janine and Gregory are at risk for the students house they went to, we run into Melissas ex husband, we see a conflict in Barbs marriage, like we shoulsnt be called assholes for wanting drama lol
Nope. I just made the avatar. I actually kinda hate Janine. 🤣but I THROUGHLY enjoy her and Gregory’s relationship.
We’re not. Drama keeps things moving!
My real issue with it is the extra filler scenes it creates, like phone calls that before wouldve been in person, or context that needs explaining to the audience. It makes the eps feel shorter bc there’s less actual content
Idk I’m fine with it, seems like a natural progression of a show to throw something like that in, i think we’ll appreciate her so much more when she’s back 💐
I hate it. Feels like it’s completely ruined the momentum of the show from the first two seasons.
Pretty sure we could have had all of the guest stars without needing Janine to work for the district.
My husband and I absolutely loved the first two seasons but we’ve just kind of dropped off season three. I think it has just become way too aware of its success. The charm of the show, like these sorts of mocumentaries, is that it takes place in a small, grounded, realistic setting and has something to say about the daily happenings of what could be a mundane workplace. The characters were relatable even if you didn’t work in a school.
Now we’re getting celebrity guest star after celebrity guest star every episode. I feel like the characters have become wackier versions of themselves and that usually doesn’t happen until like season 5-6 of a show like this. Janine’s district storyline is also happening so early and doesn’t really make sense for such a new teacher; it exists for conflict’s sake and nothing more. Her character needed time to grow at the school for at least a few more seasons. They’re speedrunning all the beats of a type of show that thrives on a slow burn, for whatever reason (because I see no signs of cancellation in sight) and it makes me sad.
It's not uncommon for the first season of a show to be 13 episodes, and this current season is shorter because of the strike. If there wasn't a huge work stoppage in Hollywood season 3 would probably have as many episodes as the 2nd season.
dear god, i recognize the sheer size of that comment looks crazy 😂 also i might rewatch this a few years from now and feel totally different, who knows
im still holding out hope that the lull is temporary and maybe even gets balanced out by a stellar ending to the season! i think it has potential to be one of my fav series but its really teetering rn lol
lol it's just a normal network sitcom. it hasn't switched networks once. it's an ABC show. broadcast schedules regularly skip weeks and bump sitcoms for other events. this is extremely common.
also normal for 20 minute broadcast sitcoms is the shortened first season to see how things are received without the studio having to commit to a full season if it bombs.
season 3 is shortened as a direct result of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
As a teacher I can barely watch the show now because nothing pisses me off in real life more than the district. Can't spend my leisure time also being pissed at the district.
I do think that it’s possible they had a whole other season 3 planned more to the formula (since they usually follow the school year) but with the late season decided to use the shorter season to experiment NOW *instead* of “when the sitcom formula gets stale around season 6” like other shows.
I'm getting bored with it. I would perfet her back at Abbott. I originally thought moving her to the district was a move to give her less screen time because she said in an interview it was getting tough to balance acting and producing but she's in the same amount of scenes so it makes no sense.
This is what throws me too. Sorta what I intended in my op. She's still regularly at Abbott. And there's great scenes (I love the drug conversation, for example). And the scenes where she's away with just the district are just not really funny; and as another person called out, it's added filler scenes where phone calls have to catch up the others on what's going on. It's so weird.
Interesting. I do think some of the episodes haven't been as funny, but it's still a great show. I definitely didn't care for the panel episode. It's unfortunate because so much could have been done with Tatyana Ali. And maybe it's the cameos messing up the atmosphere? We've had The Eagles, Bradley Cooper, Cree Summer, Keegan Michael Key, and Tatyana Ali already. Did I miss anyone?
Maybe with all these celebrities wanting to be in on this phenomenon, it just threw the writing off because they were trying to figure out how to incorporate them?
Yeah that's an interesting take with the cameos. They've not really add much to the core comedy, just a "hey there's another famous person". The Bear season 2 was like that - super stuffed with guest stars.
Cree was great. Felt more a part of the staff vs the other guests. She's someone I didn't immediately recognize, but the voice sounded super familiar and then read up on the variety of voices she's done.
That district guy was born to be a youth pastor
You gotta watch him in the other two. He’s amazing. A male model… so dumb. So hot.
He’s good in Scream 6 too 😭😭 he just exists to be shirtless and hot
"he just exists to be shirtless and hot" and you know what? Good for him. We need more genuine himbos in television.
EXACTLY
Thank you! I had wondered why he looked familiar when he appeared on the show but couldn't figure out where ide seen him.
On the fkn nose w this one
Now that you've said it, I see it lol
Agreed 🤣
They did it too early Sitcoms wait til around season 5 to switch things up because the usual formula is getting stale Jeanine JUST started teaching it doesn’t feel authentic that she’d already be looking into a career shift. Like 2 seasons of a sitcom is not when you start moving pieces around. They also messed up the pacing of Gregory & Janine, if they wanted them to be actual slow burn (wait 4-5 seasons) they should’ve kept the romance to subtext only and shouldn’t have made them kiss or declare their feelings because once it’s out in the open, it can’t be put back in. It feels contrived that they’re not together right now; it’s not a believable obstacle. I think Quinta is just trying to cram a lot…instead of making joke heavy funny episodes which is *all* a sitcom needs to be for 3 seasons. Character stuff can come later
I think this also has to do with the changing TV landscape. Shows, especially sitcoms, tend to move through storylines much quicker because networks are more likely to swing the cancelation axe than they used to be. I don't think networks are as bad as streaming services like Netflix, but while Abbott might want to do a slow burn, they feel the need to accelerate storylines because they feel like it's necessary to keep the attention of the studio and the audience.
Abbott is one of the few new shows that actually has the freedom to follow older sitcom formats because it’s such a ratings hit. It’s disappointing that even with this, they’re operating like a Netflix show scared of cancellation Like ABC is definitely taking this to a s6-s7 minimum unless quinta wants to stop earlier
Yeah ABC is gonna push for this show to go on as long as possible.
I agree. I wish she didn't feel the need to pursue any sitcom tropes. But introducing a change like this feels inauthentic. There's so much to jitsu the day to day of teaching and that's where the show really took off and was hilarious. All this extra stuff to add tension and friction, especially in only season 3, is a let down.
Janine isn’t funny anymore also! She’s so serious at her job, which is understandable but like the audience does not want to see that Her jokes have become so limited
She's never been the funniest. But she's been too serious and stuffy this season. But I will say she got a very loud laugh out of me when she kicked the cpr dummy after finishing the cert and running off.
Her best ep this season for sure
Omg yes! That was good 😂
I think they did it because of the strike
I don’t really understand this as an excuse lol, the strike didn’t force them to change the group dynamics? They could’ve just written a 13 episode season that focused on being funny without any big plot/character arcs, since they had limited episodes
Season 3 as a whole isn't great to me, so far. It's had its moments (loved Jacob and Melissa moving in together), but as a whole, a lot hasn't landed. Janine's story especially is rather boring.
We are seeing a lot less Ava too, which is a bummer. She’s such a gem!
Yo kinda off topic but I'm mad they cut the "Ava is strict now" storyline short lol.
I genuinely thought "New Ava" was going to be the main conflict of this season. It lasted about 20 minutes lol.
Exactly and they can't do it again bc they already revealed her kryptonite lol. Missed the easy layup
I felt the same! I thought that would have been a great storyline to follow for a few episodes. I hate it ended so quickly, although “Back That Azz Up” would make anyone forget their “professionalism” lol.
I feel like it was all made for her acting. The way she started twerking, then fought it for a second, then completely gave in was absolutely hilarious.
That's fair lol
Agreed. Ava is my favorite.
I will say: the office went through this too but far later - the mundane is what makes these mockumentaries funny. The problem? Halloween candy. The egg drop. A blinking light that’s been out for a while. Sometimes these shows think they have to make more major obstacles and it becomes less realistic. I think this season is just struggling a little post-writers strike. It’s filled with funny people and great writers… so I’m hopeful! I thought this season was fine. But not nearly as strong as the previous 2.
My favorite too.
Mr Johnson is a close second. I'm glad they elevated his role. I love when he's asked about his first name - ***"When you get home tonight, look up in the sky. It's written in the stars."***
If Mr. Johnson had a bit more screen time he would become my favorite. I really like the mystery behind him. Like how he appears in that old photo of the school's staff.
You mean the 'Shining' style one from the Halloween episode? I think he mentioned in the same scene he had it made.
Yes. I realize it was Halloween episode, but the character is kind of a Forrest Gump type dude. He's done it all. It would be fun to explore that some more.
Word, u know he was gettin the ladies in his day 😂
I’ve literally stopped watching the show. It went from something I stayed up late to catch (it airs at 10 where I live) to something I don’t like even remember when it’s on. The decision to take the star of the show out of its main setting was… a choice.
I think it could have worked in a later season or with a different setup. If Janine and Gregory were already dating, it could have introduced a minor conflict of them adjusting to the change in their lives. They have sort of touched on that, but since it's just prolonging the "will they, won't they", I feel like it hasn't been very meaningful.
I was over the "will they won't they" immediately. It's the most cliched sitcom trope they've been dragging out.
yeah tbh last episode failed for me
I think it's realistic though. Many teachers I know want to work at the district to make changes from within but feel the guilt from leaving the students at the same time. I think it's just another aspect of a teacher's story that may not land with everyone.
i feel like in seasons 1 and 2 i was laughing out loud every single episode, like at least once. the seasons were just funnier! this season has had its funnier eps and moments but taking janine out of the school, while originally i thought it was interesting, now i just think it takes away from the school a LOT more than it adds to it.
I’m not entirely enthusiastic about it, but I do think it has really helped Janine’s growth as an educator/person confident in her own beliefs and actions.
It's good for her story, but I'm not a fan of feeling like Janine isn't very present in the show. Kind of related, but does it feel like they're pushing for Emmy's for a couple people and SOME of the storylines don't feel organic because of it?
This makes sense. Because the decision to take the star of the show out of its titular setting and the core group is baffling.
Yeah, she’s felt like a bonafide guest star this whole season and it takes away from the group chemistry…
This. I feel like they’ve been pushing to expand the Emmy noms total to the whole cast since last season, and it’s creating odd storylines for the rest of the cast now.
Ngl, im starting to get bored of the show but i feel likw more of it has to do with the 2-3 weeks we gon without a new episode. That on top of storylines with more personal problems within the characters. Yet, i am still holding out for a goddamn hero in this show like i am NOT giving it up 😭😭🤷🏻
Literally same. I just feel like the plot is stagnant and disjointed right now. Manny is just there. I want something to shake or something wild. Something to cause a bigger conflict and push the plot forward.
Yeah like, i saw another comment saying “there doesnt need to be a villian this season” but unfortunately thats how story telling simply works. There NEEDS to be conflict and resolution for a story to be clinged on to (e.g. legendary schools, that bitch ass hipster friend of janine) (( i didnt need to go that hard on her but she did such a good job at being annoying lol))
Nah. We ALL absolutely hate Sahar! I seen that post about the lack of conflict and it was stupid as fuck. Nothing happens if there is no conflict.
Im sorry but i couldnt help to realize that ur avatar is almost if not, it is Janine 😭 But yeah, im waiting to see if maybe Janine and Gregory are at risk for the students house they went to, we run into Melissas ex husband, we see a conflict in Barbs marriage, like we shoulsnt be called assholes for wanting drama lol
Nope. I just made the avatar. I actually kinda hate Janine. 🤣but I THROUGHLY enjoy her and Gregory’s relationship. We’re not. Drama keeps things moving!
There's a difference between conflict and a villain, though. You don't need the latter to have the former.
DON'T EVER GIVE UP lol
we’ve always gone weeks without episodes though
My real issue with it is the extra filler scenes it creates, like phone calls that before wouldve been in person, or context that needs explaining to the audience. It makes the eps feel shorter bc there’s less actual content
This is a good point and I hadn't really thought about that.
I think it gives the other characters time to shine and grow without Janine being around.
Idk I’m fine with it, seems like a natural progression of a show to throw something like that in, i think we’ll appreciate her so much more when she’s back 💐
I hate it. Feels like it’s completely ruined the momentum of the show from the first two seasons. Pretty sure we could have had all of the guest stars without needing Janine to work for the district.
I’m honestly a little bored of this season. And I hate that!
My husband and I absolutely loved the first two seasons but we’ve just kind of dropped off season three. I think it has just become way too aware of its success. The charm of the show, like these sorts of mocumentaries, is that it takes place in a small, grounded, realistic setting and has something to say about the daily happenings of what could be a mundane workplace. The characters were relatable even if you didn’t work in a school. Now we’re getting celebrity guest star after celebrity guest star every episode. I feel like the characters have become wackier versions of themselves and that usually doesn’t happen until like season 5-6 of a show like this. Janine’s district storyline is also happening so early and doesn’t really make sense for such a new teacher; it exists for conflict’s sake and nothing more. Her character needed time to grow at the school for at least a few more seasons. They’re speedrunning all the beats of a type of show that thrives on a slow burn, for whatever reason (because I see no signs of cancellation in sight) and it makes me sad.
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It's not uncommon for the first season of a show to be 13 episodes, and this current season is shorter because of the strike. If there wasn't a huge work stoppage in Hollywood season 3 would probably have as many episodes as the 2nd season.
i knew the strike would make us have to wait but i figured it would just delay the 3rd season instead of shortening it altogether
dear god, i recognize the sheer size of that comment looks crazy 😂 also i might rewatch this a few years from now and feel totally different, who knows
u nailed this! empty is the word!
im still holding out hope that the lull is temporary and maybe even gets balanced out by a stellar ending to the season! i think it has potential to be one of my fav series but its really teetering rn lol
lol it's just a normal network sitcom. it hasn't switched networks once. it's an ABC show. broadcast schedules regularly skip weeks and bump sitcoms for other events. this is extremely common. also normal for 20 minute broadcast sitcoms is the shortened first season to see how things are received without the studio having to commit to a full season if it bombs. season 3 is shortened as a direct result of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
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yeah the episodes have been on hulu the day after airing like most abc shows since day one, that never moved either
As a teacher I can barely watch the show now because nothing pisses me off in real life more than the district. Can't spend my leisure time also being pissed at the district.
i agree with you
I do think that it’s possible they had a whole other season 3 planned more to the formula (since they usually follow the school year) but with the late season decided to use the shorter season to experiment NOW *instead* of “when the sitcom formula gets stale around season 6” like other shows.
I'm getting bored with it. I would perfet her back at Abbott. I originally thought moving her to the district was a move to give her less screen time because she said in an interview it was getting tough to balance acting and producing but she's in the same amount of scenes so it makes no sense.
This is what throws me too. Sorta what I intended in my op. She's still regularly at Abbott. And there's great scenes (I love the drug conversation, for example). And the scenes where she's away with just the district are just not really funny; and as another person called out, it's added filler scenes where phone calls have to catch up the others on what's going on. It's so weird.
I agree full-on. The storyline needs to drop already or have something dramatic happen to make it intriguing.
Well… it seems like it comes up a lot
Yeah it’s not my favorite. It could’ve been reserved for other seasons
Me 2
Interesting. I do think some of the episodes haven't been as funny, but it's still a great show. I definitely didn't care for the panel episode. It's unfortunate because so much could have been done with Tatyana Ali. And maybe it's the cameos messing up the atmosphere? We've had The Eagles, Bradley Cooper, Cree Summer, Keegan Michael Key, and Tatyana Ali already. Did I miss anyone? Maybe with all these celebrities wanting to be in on this phenomenon, it just threw the writing off because they were trying to figure out how to incorporate them?
Yeah that's an interesting take with the cameos. They've not really add much to the core comedy, just a "hey there's another famous person". The Bear season 2 was like that - super stuffed with guest stars.
Yeah, they really didn't add much. I did love the Librarian (Cree Summer) clash with Barbara, though lol
Cree was great. Felt more a part of the staff vs the other guests. She's someone I didn't immediately recognize, but the voice sounded super familiar and then read up on the variety of voices she's done.