Abbott Elementary has become America’s favorite sitcom as ABC’s ratings and viewership continue to increase. The sitcom’s success is the first time the network has had a top-rated series since Modern Family ended its 11-season run in April 2020. Since then, the show has brought in record-breaking numbers with a stellar performance from the cast in the second episode, Deadline reported.

The comedy, created, written, and starring Quinta Brunson, is about a Philadelphia public school in need of funding while displaying the hardships the staff members face each day. Still, the passionate teachers provide comedic relief and express their joy by educating the youth. 

Additionally, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Janelle James also stars alongside Brunson. On Jan. 4, the premiere brought in a total of 9.0 million viewers and a 2.93 rating in adults 18-49 viewing across linear and digital platforms. After Modern Family’s departure, the new telecast has gained recognition from ABC, critics, and viewers who utilized social media and Tweeted their reactions to the episodes. 

Though grateful for the success, Brunson said she was taken aback at how quickly the series’ became a popular hit.

“To have only had a few episodes [air] and just for it to be an abundance of love, conversation, and just enjoyment of the show is just so, like, I don’t know. I am just so happy, so overwhelmed,” she told

BAZAAR.com. “It was weird to feel like I had to pull back from Twitter because of too much positivity. I was like, ‘I don’t know what to do with so many nice messages and nice comments.’”

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Brunson opened up about Abbott Elementary and why it holds such a special place in her heart.

The Philadelphia native revealed that she named the fictional school after her sixth-grade teacher Ms. Abbott. Brunson’s character, Janine, is an optimistic yet, naive second-grade teacher whom her co-workers find slightly annoying. However, they all put their differences aside and support one another as they care for their students. 

Fans couldn’t get enough of the television show after casting actor Orlando Jones to play the father of Williams’ character, Gregory Eddie. Jones said the two are not related, despite their resemblance, per Sis2Sis.

Brunson recently tweeted that the show will be on a three-week hiatus and suggested that everyone catch up on past episodes if they haven’t watched the series yet.

Abbott Elementary is on every Tuesday at 9 p.m. on ABC.