Abbott Elementary Finally Ditches the Annoying Sitcom Breakup Trope for Good

In the delightful world of “Abbott Elementary,” duo Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) stand out as one of the most endearing couples among the school’s teachers. Thanks to Brunson’s thoughtful direction as showrunner, their charming relationship is expected to continue, adding to the overall charm. The narrative primarily revolves around the teachers and students at the elementary school, so their romantic journey doesn’t need to be the central plot, but it certainly enhances the viewing experience.

In the initial season, Janine and Gregory seemed to dance around their romantic feelings towards each other instead of getting together. As the show progresses into its fourth season, they’ve managed to stay a couple without any breakups or time apart, which adds positively to the series. Creator Quinta Brunson has expressed her desire to keep the characters as a pair, making Abbott Elementary an exception in the world of sitcoms that typically feature romantic upheavals.

Abbott Elementary Is Breaking A TV Trope By Keeping Gregory & Janine Together

Popular Sitcoms Have A Breakup Up Trend

On network television, the most-watched sitcoms may vary in their initial premises, but they all center around a primary social circle, be it friends or coworkers. Over time, the romantic relationships within this group tend to take center stage, and these connections often encounter ups and downs, depicted as a series of breakups and reunions. The writers introduce more drama into the narrative by creating conflicts in these romantic partnerships.

From the get-go in the beloved series “Friends”, it was clear that one potential romantic duo had been simmering since day one – Ross (David Schwimmer) harbored feelings for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) well before the storyline even began. Throughout the show, Ross and Rachel danced around their relationship, constantly teetering between togetherness and separation, earning them the title of the series’ most iconic will-they-won’t-they couple. However, as captivating as their rollercoaster romance may have been, it often left fans exhausted, particularly those accustomed to modern sitcoms.

Frequent viewers of sitcoms are familiar with the plot device where the primary romantic couple experiences on-again, off-again relationships to introduce new narrative elements into shows such as New Girl, The Big Bang Theory, and The Mindy Project. This translates to: In popular sitcoms like New Girl, The Big Bang Theory, and The Mindy Project, the main romantic pair often experience repeated breakups and makeups in order to create fresh storylines for the series.

Quinta Brunson is defying the common trope by ensuring that characters Janine and Gregory remain as a couple in season 4. In an interview with Variety, Brunson mentioned her intention to make their relationship “pleasant,” rather than constantly creating conflicts, which is often seen in sitcoms. This approach sets their already established relationship apart from many others in the genre.

Instead of implying there are no issues at all, we chose not to magnify potential problems within their relationship. Our aim was to portray a positive, harmonious atmosphere. I’ve observed many remarkable, effortless relationships in real life, and I believe it would be refreshing to showcase more of these on television in general. And with Janine and Gregory, we had the perfect chance to create and present such a relationship to our audience.

Gregory & Janine Staying Together Is Better For Abbott Elementary’s Future

The Couple Provides An Opportunity For Real Fresh Storylines

Instead of relying on the common “breakup trope” for generating conflict within a series, it is possible to develop engaging storylines that don’t revolve around breakups. For example, a couple in an ensemble show like Janine and Gregory should not be subjected to repetitive cycles of breakups and reconciliations because they are careful about entering relationships to begin with.

Instead, there’s a wealth of other plotlines the series could explore. For instance, Ava (Janelle James) has embarked on a new relationship during season 4, and her happiness in this relationship was emphasized at the end of that season. Moreover, several characters in the show are married, although their spouses aren’t often featured. Delving into these characters’ relationships is another avenue the show might consider pursuing.

In the scope of their storyline within the show, there’s a wealth of potential to delve deeper into Janine and Gregory’s relationship. They seem to be following the common progression seen in sitcom couples – such as moving in together, contemplating major life steps like marriage or parenthood, and getting to know each other’s family and friends more intimately. As they navigate these significant milestones, it’s natural for them to encounter growing pains, which could make for interesting viewing.

It appears that Gregory and Janine may be living together soon, given that Janine’s apartment has been a source of humor on the show and Gregory’s financial struggles due to his low income have been a recurring theme in season 4. Although some viewers might find it premature for them to move in together, it could be a logical progression in their relationship and an effective means of resolving some ongoing issues within the series.

One alternative way to intensify tension in their relationship might be for Gregory to transition from his current school to a new job opportunity within school administration. Since the initial season, he has expressed an ambition to work beyond classroom teaching and into administrative roles. In season 4, he briefly filled Ava’s position, hinting at his aspiration. It seems plausible that he will seek new opportunities in other schools, which could add depth to the series by delving deeper into the personal lives of the characters.

In Abbott Elementary, created by Quinta Brunson, there are still numerous untold aspects of Janine and Gregory’s story and a multitude of other characters to explore, making it appropriate for the show to depart from the common breakup trope that has dominated many sitcoms in the past.

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2025-05-04 14:38