Schooled

Schooled is a quirky, engaging sitcom that initially aired on ABC in the United States from 2019-2020. This entertaining program embraces all the nostalgia, chaos, and endearing humor of the 1990s era, effortlessly mixing humor, nostalgia, and earnestness in equal measure. A spin-off from ABC's flagship show, "The Goldbergs," Schooled is set in the same universe, only placed a few years into the future at the iconic William Penn Academy.

In Schooled, favorite characters return, and new characters emerge, illustrating the humor and wisdom that comes from surviving in the world of academia as both a student and an educator. The show explores the lives of the incomparable faculty members of William Penn Academy, where viewers see firsthand the struggles and triumphs faced by those who commit themselves to the critical yet often humorous task of educating the youth.

The show's central character is Lainey Lewis (AJ Michalka), a fan favorite from "The Goldbergs." Lainey is a former student of the William Penn Academy who, after an unsuccessful run in the music industry, returns to her alma mater as the new music teacher. AJ Michalka ensures Lainey isn't just a one-dimensional character; she's flawed but lovable, strict but fair, and factious but fiercely protective of her students.

Schooled takes a deep dive into the life and journey of Lainey, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from a student to a teacher, her unconventional teaching methods, her relationships with fellow staff members, and the dynamics of her friendship with Principal Glascott (Tim Meadows) and Coach Mellor (Bryan Callen).

The show smartly depicts the clash of personalities between Lainey, Mellor, and Glascott. The tough, sport-obsessed Coach Mellor and Principal Glascott, who's always striving to be the cool headmaster, are both familiar characters from the parent show, "The Goldbergs." This dynamic trio, with their distinct teaching styles and perspectives, colors the narrative, and infuses it with heart and humor, creating memorable moments throughout the series.

Another aspect of the show that proves engaging is the portrayal of the nuanced, often precarious relationship between educators and their students. Schooled doesn't shy away from demonstrating realistic classroom dynamics, with all the humor, tension, and occasional drama that even the most ordinary school day can provide. It also shows that behind every decision, mistake, success, or failure, there are people striving to provide the best environment for students' growth.

While nostalgia is a significant factor in Schooled, the show doesn't rely solely on nostalgia to drive its narrative. Yes, it irresistibly indulges in throwback pop culture references from the '90s, with mixtapes, denim jackets, and side ponytails aplenty. But what makes Schooled worth watching is its heart- it's not just a sitcom, but a tribute to the unsung heroes of education, who often go above and beyond to engage and inspire their students.

The show emphasizes the theme of personal growth and the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives - a fact often forgotten amidst textbook chapters and school bus routines. Despite the comedic setting, it addresses the pivotal role educators play, steering their students towards realizing and achieving their potential.

Underlying all this comedic, heartfelt exploration of school life are production values perfectly in line with the period setting. This commitment to capturing the look and feel of the '90s, in terms of costumes, set design, and props, helps to establish a strong sense of authenticity, ensuring that Schooled never feels anything less than a submersion into a lovingly recreated past.

To sum it up, Schooled serves up a delightful cocktail of humor, nostalgia, and heart, all set within the vibrant and at times surreal world of a '90s high school. Whether you're a diehard fan of The Goldbergs, or you're just looking for a light-hearted, feel-good sitcom that throws you back to an earlier, simpler time, Schooled is a show worth tuning into. It's a human whirlwind of laughter, life lessons, foot-tapping music, and a charming peek into the amusing antics of a group of teachers just trying to figure it all out, and in the process, crafting an educational experience that their students will never forget.