ABC's 'Abbott Elementary' Earns Best Ratings Since 'Modern Family' Finale

Following a record-breaking series premiere, ABC's Abbott Elementary has made network ratings history again.

In the month-and-a-half since Abbott Elementary solidified itself within ABC's Tuesday night lineup, the mockumentary-style sitcom created by Quinta Brunson has generated massive social media buzz, and has earned the ratings to match.

Earlier today, Deadline reported that the sitcom's second episode, which aired on Jan. 4, amassed 9.0 million viewers and a 2.3 rating in adults ages 18-49 after 35 days of viewing across multiple platforms, marking the best MP35 performance by an ABC comedy since the Modern Family series finale in April, 2020.

MP35, which accounts for viewership across ABC's linear and digital platforms, was first adopted by the network in 2019, replacing traditional live-plus-same-day (L+SD) ratings.

The second episode of Abbott Elementary, which grew by 5.6 million viewers over its first 35 days of multi-platform streaming, saw a 358 percent increase in the 18-49 demographic. The episode also bested the sitcom's series premiere, which became the first ABC comedy debut to quadruple its L+SD ratings in MP35.

Episode 2, titled "Light Bulb" was up 27 percent in total viewers (9.0 million vs. 7.1 million) and earned a 24 percent higher rating (2.93 vs. 2.37) than its predecessor, per Deadline.

Abbott Elementary, which stars Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, and Chris Perfetti as teachers at the fictional Willard R. Abbott Elementary School in Philadelphia, has earned must-watch status from many social media users.

However, while Brunson and the rest of the Abbott Elementary cast have planted themselves firmly in the hearts of viewers, comedian Janelle James has provided some of the sitcom's biggest laughs.

Starring as Principal Ava, James floors viewers with sarcastic one-liners and a barrage of insults mostly aimed at second-grade teacher Janine Teagues, played by Brunson.

In an interview with Variety, James expressed her love for Principal Ava and said she hopes to play the character for years to come.

"It's weird, because I don't have any goals for her, because I think she's perfect," James told Variety. "I love that she's hilarious and inappropriate. And I hope she stays principal for a long time."

"It's not good for the kids, but it's good for the show," she added.

James, who maintained her focus was on stand-up comedy (and not acting) before Abbott Elementary, said that Brunson was a major factor in her decision to audition for the role of Principal Ava.

"I wasn't an aspiring actress. I've always been a standup. But when I read [the Abbott Elementary pilot script], I was like, let me give it a shot," James said. "And for whatever reason — probably because it was Quinta — I read it and was like, oh, sh*t. Let me set up my lights and build a camera and set up the computer."

"My relationship with Quinta, I just look up to her," she added. "I've always admired her and knew she was hilarious. And even more after working on the show...She knows what she wants. And it's evident in the product that we're putting out."

Despite the buzz surrounding the new ABC sitcom, Brunson announced last night that Abbott Elementary will be going on a short hiatus, before returning next month to finish out its first season.

"After tonight's #AbbottElementary, we'll be on break for three weeks, then back with more," Brunson tweeted. "(There are thirteen episodes this season.)"