Where Is “Abbott Elementary” Filmed — and How Much of It Is Actually Shot in Philly? All About the Sitcom’s Shooting Locations

Quinta Brunson’s Hit Show ‘Abbott Elementary’ and Its Connection to Philadelphia

Quinta Brunson, the writer, executive producer, and star of the acclaimed sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary,’ is not just a talented creator but also a native of West Philadelphia — much like her characters in the show. Set in a fictional Philadelphia public school, the series follows the lives of teachers such as Janine Teagues (played by Brunson), Gregory Eddy (Tyler James Williams), and Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) as they navigate the everyday challenges of their profession. With such strong personal ties to Philadelphia, both Brunson and her character have garnered immense love and support from fans who associate the Emmy-winning series with the City of Brotherly Love.

The bond between ‘Abbott Elementary’ and Philadelphia runs so deep that even Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and actor Bradley Cooper, who hails from the city, have made special appearances on the show. Reflecting on her hometown, Brunson expressed to The Philadelphia Inquirer the unique blend of beauty and struggles that make Philadelphia an ideal backdrop for the series, drawing inspiration from her own experiences growing up. She shared, “‘We got over 3,000 kids in one day to come be part of the production,” highlighting the incredible support from the community.

While ‘Abbott Elementary’ is set in Philadelphia, the actual filming takes place in Los Angeles. The school depicted in the show is a custom-built set designed to emulate a well-worn, authentic educational environment. Brunson’s attention to detail, such as scuffed linoleum floors and water-stained ceiling tiles, contributes to the show’s realism and resonates with viewers. Philadelphia still plays a crucial role in the series, with certain episodes, like one set at the Franklin Institute, being filmed on-location in the city to add an extra layer of authenticity.

The majority of ‘Abbott Elementary’ is filmed at the Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank, California, with the exterior shots of the school being captured at a local Los Angeles elementary school. The studio, known for hosting iconic shows like ‘Friends’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ provides the perfect backdrop for bringing Brunson’s vision to life. Despite the distance from Philadelphia, the production team meticulously recreates specific Philly locations, ensuring that each setting feels genuine and faithful to the spirit of the city.

One of the show’s standout moments was the season 1 finale, supposedly set at the Philadelphia Zoo but filmed at the Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles. This attention to detail extends to landmarks like Smith Memorial Playground, where the crew collaborated closely with the playground’s staff to replicate the famous slide. The commitment to authenticity reflects Brunson’s dedication to honouring her childhood memories and paying tribute to the places that shaped her upbringing in Philadelphia.

While the characters and scenarios in ‘Abbott Elementary’ are fictional, they are inspired by real people and experiences from Brunson’s life. Characters like Melissa Schemmenti, based on her mother’s friend, and Gregory, inspired by rare encounters with Black male teachers in her school, reflect the diverse personalities and relationships that define the series. Each character, according to Brunson, represents a different facet of her identity and influences, creating a rich and relatable tapestry for viewers to connect with.

‘Abbott Elementary’ stands as a loving tribute to Philadelphia and the community that nurtured Brunson’s creativity and passion for storytelling. With its heartfelt portrayal of educators, students, and the challenges they face, the show has resonated with audiences across the country. As a testament to the enduring impact of her childhood experiences, ‘Abbott Elementary’ serves as a beacon of representation and authenticity in the world of television, showcasing the power of storytelling to inspire and unite viewers from all walks of life.