9 Ways to Channel Your Inner Quinta Brunson and Write a Killer TV Spec Script (Like Abbott Elementary)
Writing a spec script can be tough. Take notes from the Emmy winning writer herself…
Let’s get one thing straight — writing a TV spec script isn’t for the faint of heart.
It requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and humor, not to mention the ability to juggle characters, plots, and a cohesive tone.
If you’re thinking about writing something as fresh and engaging as Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson’s breakout hit, you’ve got your work cut out for you.
But don’t sweat it — I’m here to help you channel your inner Brunson and craft a spec script that might just blow people away.
Quinta’s secret sauce?
She knows how to balance humor, heart, and social commentary without ever letting one element overpower the others.
So if you’re trying to create your own TV masterpiece, let’s break it down step by step.
1. Know Your Tone
The tone of Abbott Elementary is one of its most defining features.
It’s a mockumentary that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s also warm, relatable, and filled with moments that make you stop and think.
Brunson manages to juggle comedy with a side of social realism in a way that feels fresh, not preachy.
Your script will need that same kind of tonal balance if you want it to shine.
So, how do you establish a tone that works?
Start with what you know. Ask yourself what types of stories or conversations you’re drawn to.
If you lean more toward humor, focus on that, but don’t forget to ground your story in something real.
Maybe your script explores the absurdity of modern dating, like Broad City, or dives into workplace dynamics, like The Office.
Once you’ve pinpointed the vibe you want, stick with it. A consistent tone is key to making your spec script feel cohesive.
Be intentional about how you layer humor and drama.
Brunson is great at knowing when to land a joke and when to take a step back to let something more serious breathe.
Your goal should be to weave those elements together as naturally as you can.
2. Build Strong Characters
Characters are everything in a show like Abbott Elementary.
We’re not just watching for the laughs (though they are plentiful) — we’re tuning in because we care about the people in that school.
Whether it’s Janine’s unrelenting optimism or Gregory’s deadpan delivery, each character brings something unique to the table.
Your TV spec needs to nail this.
Think of it like cooking.
You’ve got your main dish (your protagonist) and your side dishes (the supporting characters).
Both need seasoning, and both need to work together to create a memorable meal.
Start with your protagonist: who are they? What drives them? Are they motivated by love, ambition, fear?
Then flesh out your supporting cast. Each character should have a clear personality, distinct voice, and specific role in the story.
If your protagonist is a lovable goofball, pair them with a character who’s a little more cynical for contrast.
Creating compelling characters is more than just giving them funny lines.
It’s about giving them depth and quirks that make them feel real.
In Abbott Elementary, Janine isn’t just a naive teacher — she’s deeply committed to her students and often at odds with the realities of working in a public school.
That complexity makes her more than a one-dimensional character.
3. Master the Art of the Cold Open
A great cold open hooks viewers before they even know what hit them.
In Abbott Elementary, these brief opening moments often set the comedic tone or establish the day’s conflict.
Whether it’s Barbara launching into a hilarious monologue or a quick scene with Jacob awkwardly trying to bond with his students, the cold open is like the appetizer that whets our appetite for the main course.
Your TV spec needs a killer cold open, too.
Don’t waste time with exposition. Jump right into the action, the joke, or the conflict.
Imagine your viewer is flipping through channels — what’s the first thing you’d show them to make them stop and watch?
It could be something as simple as a character getting stuck in a ridiculous situation, or a witty piece of dialogue that immediately establishes your show’s tone.
Think about the cold opens in Brooklyn Nine-Nine — Jake’s ridiculous bets with Holt, for example.
They’re short, sharp, and leave you wanting more. You want to do the same in your script.
4. Use Humor That’s Organic
One thing Quinta Brunson does exceptionally well is making sure the humor in Abbott Elementary feels organic to the characters and the setting.
There’s no forcing the jokes, no awkward punchlines that fall flat.
The comedy arises naturally from the situations and the people involved, which is why it lands so effectively.
When writing your spec, don’t think of jokes as something you tack onto the dialogue.
Instead, let the humor arise from the characters’ reactions to the situations they’re in.
Janine’s relentless optimism is funny because it often comes up against the harsh realities of public school life.
Similarly, Melissa’s tough-as-nails attitude contrasts perfectly with the more naive characters around her.
The humor comes from these differences and the interactions between characters.
Avoid trying too hard to be clever.
Trust that the humor will come if you stay true to your characters and their dynamics.
Think of shows like Parks and Recreation — Ron Swanson doesn’t need to crack jokes to be hilarious.
His deadpan delivery and extreme libertarianism do all the work for him.
5. Be Specific with Your Setting
Abbott Elementary works so well because it’s set in a very specific world: a poorly funded public school in Philadelphia.
The setting isn’t just a backdrop — it’s integral to the plot, the humor, and the heart of the show.
It also allows the writers to touch on real issues, like the struggles teachers face, without feeling preachy.
When writing your spec, be specific with your setting. It should feel like its own character in the story.
Whether you’re writing about a newsroom, a coffee shop, or a haunted house, the setting should shape your plot and characters.
Think about how Cheers used the bar as a microcosm of the characters’ lives, or how Schitt’s Creek built its humor and heart around the tiny, quirky town.
The more you flesh out your setting, the more opportunities you’ll have to create unique conflicts and situations that can only happen in that world.
Don’t be afraid to dive deep and get into the nitty-gritty of your show’s environment.
6. Incorporate Relevant Social Commentary (Without Being Preachy)
Abbott Elementary isn’t just a comedy.
It’s also a show with something to say about education, systemic inequality, and the challenges of public schools.
But the beauty of Brunson’s writing is that the social commentary never overshadows the story or characters.
Instead, it’s woven in naturally, giving the audience food for thought while still keeping them entertained.
You can do the same with your spec script.
If your show touches on important issues — whether it’s racism, sexism, or climate change — make sure those themes feel organic to the story.
Don’t let them take over the narrative.
For example, Black-ish is another great example of a show that tackles tough subjects without becoming a soapbox.
Its social commentary is always balanced with humor and relatable family dynamics.
The key is balance.
Let the issues emerge naturally from the world you’ve built and the characters you’ve created, and always make sure they’re secondary to the story you’re telling.
7. Plot Like a Pro
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in character development and jokes that you forget the importance of plot.
But plot is what gives your spec script structure and direction.
Even in a mockumentary-style show like Abbott Elementary, where the comedy feels loose and conversational, there’s always a clear plot driving the episode forward.
Your spec script should have a beginning, middle, and end, with clear conflicts and resolutions.
Even if your show is more episodic than serialized, there should still be a sense of progression throughout the episode.
In Abbott Elementary, each episode typically revolves around a specific challenge the teachers face — whether it’s a new school initiative or a disruptive student — and the plot builds around that central conflict.
Make sure your plot is tight and focused, with no unnecessary scenes or filler.
And always, always make sure the characters’ actions are driving the plot forward, not the other way around.
8. Let the Heart Shine Through
For all its humor, Abbott Elementary is a show with a lot of heart.
The relationships between the characters — whether it’s Janine and her students or the camaraderie between the teachers — are what keep us coming back.
It’s not just about the laughs — it’s about the emotional connection we feel to these people.
Your spec script needs that same emotional core.
Don’t be afraid to let your characters have genuine, heartfelt moments.
Whether it’s a tearful confession, a moment of vulnerability, or a simple act of kindness, these are the scenes that will make your audience care.
Think about Ted Lasso — it’s hilarious, but what really hooks viewers is the heartwarming relationships and personal growth of the characters.
Humor can only take you so far.
If your script doesn’t have heart, it’ll fall flat.
So make sure your characters feel like real people with real emotions, and don’t shy away from the mushy stuff.
9. End on a High Note (Or at Least a Memorable One)
Abbott Elementary is excellent at wrapping up episodes in a way that feels satisfying, even if everything isn’t neatly resolved.
Often, the episode ends on a funny note, a small win for the characters, or a touching moment that leaves us feeling good.
Your spec script should aim for the same.
Whether you go for a laugh, a heartwarming moment, or an unexpected twist, make sure your ending feels earned.
Don’t try to cram in too much or rush to tie up every loose end.
Let the characters and plot guide you to a natural conclusion that leaves the audience wanting more.
Like in The Office or Parks and Recreation, sometimes the best endings are the simplest ones.
A glance between characters, a quick joke, or a moment of realization can say more than an over-the-top finale.
Wrapping It All Up with a Bow (Or a Knock-Knock Joke)
Writing a TV spec script isn’t easy, but if you channel a bit of Quinta Brunson’s magic, you’re off to a great start.
Focus on your tone, your characters, and your humor, and make sure the heart of your story shines through.
And when in doubt, rewatch a few episodes of Abbott Elementary to remind yourself how it’s done.
Happy writing!
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