Abbot devotes the main plot of its returning 20 minutes to them [Janine and Gregory]. Still, the writing doesn’t push the remaining ensemble to the background. Janelle James is stronger than ever with her one-liners.

The writing here is sharp as ever, with Brunson and her team possessing a clear understanding that the show is never sharper than when the whole cast gets to play off of one another.

Overall, the Season 4 premiere proves Abbott Elementary to be as funny and feel-good as ever, cementing its place at the top of sitcoms, and indeed–all, currently airing shows, regardless of genre.

The ensemble cast is as strong as ever, and with episodes like the highly anticipated It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover on the horizon, it seems as though Brunson and co. have adopted a "go big or go home" mantra for the new season — and it's paying off big time.