In yet another awards show in pandemic exile, the TV Critics Association honored one of the newest comedies around on Saturday and one of the oldest.
First season ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary” about teachers in Philadelphia, won the most awards of the year, — for program of the year, outstanding achievement in comedy and individual achievement in comedy from its brainchild and star, Quinta Brunson.
In addition, several of its cast members were to have hosted the event that was to have been held live for the first time in two years as well, before the event — and the entire TCA press tour — canceled in-person plans less than a week before it was to have started.
As it was, (most) winners sent in their thanks via video, including Brunson, who called it “a huge huge, huge honor to receive this, especially for a show I love so much.” Director Randall Einhorn used part of his thanks to salute teachers, “who continue to inspire us every day.”
The TCA Awards also gave its Heritage Award to what must have been a decades-long oversight — the groundbreaking comedy “I Love Lucy,” which first premiered more than 70 years ago.