What Now? with Trevor Noah cover image

What Now? with Trevor Noah

Quinta Brunson Misses Stupid Comedy

Feb 1, 2024
Join Emmy-winning actress and comedian Quinta Brunson, known for creating and starring in Abbott Elementary, as she dives into her comedic journey. She reflects on her Philly roots and the unexpected inspiration from her mom's school visit that sparked the show's creation. Quinta shares her belief in the magic of 'stupid comedy' influenced by Spike Lee and the joy of authentic storytelling, particularly for Black characters. Their conversation highlights the power of representation and the importance of creative freedom in pursuing one's passion.
55:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Abbott Elementary highlights the importance of representing diverse experiences and showcasing black joy in its depiction of everyday struggles and triumphs of teachers' lives.
  • Quinter Brunson's passion project, Abbott Elementary, is a spiritual endeavor that stays true to her artistic vision and personal experiences, avoiding the pressure to address every issue or conform to societal expectations.

Deep dives

The Power of Small Stories

Abbott Elementary succeeds by focusing on the everyday struggles and triumphs of its characters, showing that even in a small environment like a school, there are complex and relatable experiences. The show aims to depict the reality of teachers' lives, acknowledging that they are not infallible heroes, but ordinary human beings who face challenges in and outside the classroom. By centering on the personal stories of the characters, Abbott Elementary highlights the importance of representing diverse experiences and showcasing black joy, challenging the expectation that minority creators must solely tackle political or heavy subject matter in their work.

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