Abbott Elementary fans praise refreshingly casual gay teacher reveal: ‘Shows could learn from this’
Chris Perfetti stars as Jacob Hill in Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Abbott Elementary viewers are praising the sitcom for avoiding stereotypical plot points when confirming the sexuality of one of the main characters.
The ABC sitcom, created by and starring social media star Quinta Bronson, follows teachers at an underfunded school in Philadelphia and has already drawn comparisons to hit comedies such as The Office.
After eight episodes of seeing Bronson’s character, Janine Teagues, interacting with her friend and co-worker Jacob Hill (played by Chris Perfetti), the series revealed that Jacob had a boyfriend Janine didn’t know about.
The revelation left Janine feeling unhappy, however, it wasn’t for any homophobic reason, and instead saw the character freaking out about the fact her work BFF had not been sharing personal information with her like she assumed he would.
So back to #AbbottElementary… I really appreciate how they didn’t make Jacob’s sexuality a thing. They made it about him being in a surprise relationship — not about him being in a same sex relationship. A lot of shows could learn from this. Goddam I love this show. pic.twitter.com/Cn0WObcmv6
— Dino-Ray Ramos (@DinoRay) February 17, 2022
#AbbottElementary spoilers….it’s not even the fact that Jacob is now gay…but the fact that he was portrayed as such a try-hard for recognition and companionship…and ends up still hiding part of his life from everyone. It just feels real and I’m now invested in Jacobs story— JoseFuego?? (@hoesayfuego) February 17, 2022
When mr Jacob said he has a boyfriend in Abbott elementary ? pic.twitter.com/8LltBJqHzZ— Greg wicker (@BraicweakerGreg) February 17, 2022
But like i love how Jacob being gay isn't a plot point or a thing its just a fact ? #AbbottElementary— asdjKatie (@asdjKatie) February 17, 2022
At a time where LGBT+ educators aren’t always free to be open about their sexuality at work, viewers were quick to praise the refreshing way in which the character’s relationship status was revealed.
One wrote: “Hol up hol up hoool up I didn’t know Jacob is gay. The show is so well written, they didn’t give the gay guy the stereotypical gay guy attributes ??? Abbott Elementary my favorite show this year fr.”
“So back to Abbott Elementary… I really appreciate how they didn’t make Jacob’s sexuality a thing,” another added. “They made it about him being in a surprise relationship – not about him being in a same sex relationship. A lot of shows could learn from this. Goddam I love this show.”
One fan tweeted: “I love how Jacob is gay but it’s not something that had to be mentioned and he ain’t like no walking rainbow flag.”
Wait! Jacob’s gay?! Yay! I knew my gaydar was still working! ❤️ Love that guy! @AbbottElemABC #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/wyceuCLQgD
— Michael L. Quintos (@cre8iveMLQ) February 17, 2022
I love how Jacob is gay but it’s not something that had to be mentioned and he ain’t like no walking rainbow flag. #AbbottElementary— bigboss micky (@mickyfromda9) February 17, 2022
Hol up hol up hoool up
I didn't know Jacob is gay. The show is so well written, they didn't give the gay guy the stereotypical gay guy attributes ??? #abbottelementary my favorite show this year fr— Black. Queer. Warrior (@JoyceSabali) February 17, 2022
I like how we just thought Jacob was straight and “woke” / thirsty for job friendships/connection. I mean he is those things but also gay. Love it. #AbbottElementary— mxjwcarroll // poetry bae (@mxjwcarroll) February 17, 2022
“But like i love how Jacob being gay isn’t a plot point or a thing its just a fact ?,” another added.
The wholesome half-hour comedy has been going from strength to strength since it premiered in December as fans are given a look at the daily struggles of the well-meaning teachers and their tone-deaf principal (played by Janelle James).
The cast also includes sitcom veterans Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha) and Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris) as well as Parent Trap star Lisa Ann Walter.
