Where Is Abbott Elementary Filmed? Behind the Scenes of the Hit TV Series
ABC’s breakout hit Abbott Elementary has quickly become one of the most beloved sitcoms on television. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the series offers a heartfelt and hilarious look at the daily lives of teachers working in an underfunded public school. While the show is set in Philadelphia, many fans have found themselves wondering, where is Abbott Elementary actually filmed?
Let’s take a look behind the scenes of this Emmy-winning show to discover its true filming locations and how the production team brings the Philly school experience to life.
Is Abbott Elementary a Real School?
No, Abbott Elementary is not a real school — but it’s deeply inspired by real-life experiences. The show takes its name from Brunson’s sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Abbott, who taught at a public school in West Philadelphia. The character of Janine Teagues (played by Brunson) and her fellow teachers are fictional, but the challenges they face — from outdated supplies to overwhelmed staff — reflect very real conditions in public education.
So while there isn’t a physical school named Abbott Elementary, the series serves as a love letter to educators, especially those in urban districts like Philadelphia.
Primary Filming Location: Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California
Despite its strong Philadelphia roots, Abbott Elementary is primarily filmed on a soundstage in sunny Southern California. The bulk of the show is shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, just outside of Los Angeles. The studio provides a controlled environment where the team can film consistent scenes without worrying about weather, noise, or accessibility.
The school’s interiors — classrooms, hallways, the principal’s office, and even the teacher’s lounge — are all meticulously crafted sets. The production design team deserves high praise for recreating the look and feel of a Northeast public school within the walls of a Hollywood studio.
Interestingly, the set was designed to resemble a real elementary school down to the tiniest detail: handwritten posters, dusty trophy cases, and mismatched bulletin boards. Even the wear and tear on the floors adds to the realism.
On-Location Shots in Philadelphia
Although most scenes are filmed in Burbank, the show doesn’t ignore its Philadelphia setting entirely. Establishing shots — those brief clips that show the outside of the school or the city skyline — are often real footage from Philadelphia.
One frequently used exterior in the show is the image of a stately brick building, which fans often mistake for the actual Abbott Elementary. While this building is real, it’s used purely for visual context and not for filming interior scenes.
The inclusion of Philly landmarks, accent cues, and cultural references help keep the show rooted in its East Coast setting, even when the actors are performing thousands of miles away.
Set Design and Authenticity
A huge part of Abbott Elementary’s charm lies in how authentic the school environment feels. The set design team has gone above and beyond to create a world that looks lived-in, chaotic, and endearingly flawed—just like a real public school.
The classrooms are packed with age-appropriate decorations, from spelling posters to messy student art. Teachers’ desks are cluttered with coffee mugs, personal photos, and lesson plans. The cafeteria scenes feel equally genuine, capturing the noise and unpredictability of lunch hour.
In interviews, cast members have noted how stepping onto the set feels like entering a real school — a testament to the show’s commitment to visual storytelling.
Why Not Film in Philadelphia?
You might wonder why the show, with such deep ties to Philadelphia, isn’t filmed there. The answer comes down to practical production decisions.
Los Angeles offers a variety of advantages for TV production, including
- Access to experienced crews and equipment.
- Established studio infrastructure.
- Favorable filming conditions (predictable weather, fewer disruptions).
- California’s film tax incentives.
While Pennsylvania also offers tax credits for filming, the convenience and flexibility of shooting in Burbank made it the ideal choice for a network sitcom on a tight schedule.
Other shows with fictional or real settings in New York, Chicago, or even Europe often film in California for the same reasons — it’s simply more cost-effective and easier to manage.
Fan Interest in Visiting the Set
Thanks to its popularity, Abbott Elementary has sparked interest from fans wanting to visit filming locations. While the actual set at Warner Bros. Studios isn’t open to the public, fans can catch a glimpse of the lot during the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, which occasionally showcases sets from current shows.
If you’re in Philadelphia, you might recognize some local schools or buildings used in establishing shots. While you can’t go inside “Abbott Elementary,” walking through West Philadelphia offers a taste of the environment that inspired the show’s heartfelt storytelling.
Social media is also buzzing with behind-the-scenes clips, fan theories, and set photos — keeping viewers engaged with the real and fictional worlds of the show.
Conclusion
So, where is Abbott Elementary filmed? Despite being set in the heart of Philadelphia, the show is primarily filmed on a custom-built set at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. Through clever production design, authentic storytelling, and a dash of Philly soul, the series manages to capture the spirit of a real public school without ever leaving Hollywood.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the city or just tuning in for the laughs, Abbott Elementary proves that you don’t have to shoot on location to tell a story that feels real.
FAQ
Q: Is Abbott Elementary filmed in a real school?
No. The school scenes are filmed on a custom set built at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.
Q: Are any scenes filmed in Philadelphia?
Only exterior shots and establishing footage — the bulk of the show is filmed in Los Angeles.
Q: Can you visit the set of Abbott Elementary?
Not directly, but the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood may occasionally feature sets or behind-the-scenes exhibits from the show.
