Janelle James, widely recognized for her portrayal of Principal Ava Coleman on the Emmy-winning sitcom Abbott Elementary, has released her first hourlong stand-up special on Netflix. Titled How Romantic, the program premiered on Tuesday and marks a significant milestone in her career as a solo performer. While she has previously appeared in shorter segments on the platform, including the 2018 Comedy Lineup and Season 3 of The Standups, this new project represents her most extensive solo work to date.
James insisted on recording the special in Chicago, specifically at the Vic Theatre in Lake View. She explained that she did not consider other locations because she holds a deep affection for the city. Having begun her comedy journey in the Midwest, she felt that Chicago offered the ideal environment for her performance. She valued the city's openness and wanted to ensure her audience included a diverse cross-section of people.
The special addresses various topics, including her views on the current political landscape, her experiences with dating, and her life in Los Angeles. James noted that her comedic tone has lightened compared to her earlier Netflix appearances. She acknowledged a tendency to read the news and become depressed, a habit her father once highlighted by calling her The Daily News. This nickname stemmed from her childhood habit of knowing and retelling neighborhood gossip with a comedic twist.
In the special, James emphasizes that she is appearing as herself rather than in character. She discusses the challenges of making difficult subjects funny and shares personal anecdotes, such as her refusal to pay for an ambulance despite being wealthy adjacent. She also explores the dynamics between men and women, suggesting they should engage in a little light tusslin. Furthermore, she reflects on managing fame and establishing boundaries with fans since the success of Abbott Elementary.
James has received numerous awards and nominations for her role as Ava Coleman, a character described as aloof and unserious. While she recently stated in an interview that she does not like the character, she clarified that this reaction is often taken out of context. She believes the media lacks nuance and that Ava has evolved significantly since the first season. James expressed that the character is the most fun to play and that the audience can see the reasons behind Ava's behavior as the series progresses.
Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, James started working on her father's food truck at age nine. As the oldest of nine siblings, she developed a hustler mentality that she relates to in her role as Ava. She moved to New York at sixteen but eventually settled in Champaign, Illinois, after her then-husband secured a teaching position in the Midwest. She credits this move with launching her career in comedy.
Her start in Champaign was accidental. While grocery shopping, she received a flyer for an open mic night and decided to attend. The event took place at a biker bar called Memphis On Main, located on the short main corridor of the city. This experience taught her the importance of practice and rehearsal. She returned home to write her own material and soon found a regular gig at the Jukebox Comedy Club in Peoria, the hometown of the late Richard Pryor.
James believes that starting her career outside of a major city was beneficial because it allowed her to be bad in obscurity. In the Midwest, performance opportunities were limited, often to just one mic per week, which forced her to commit to her craft. She toured the country for years, sometimes disguising herself as a man for safety while on the road.
Playing Ava has helped James realize that she can be respected, hold opinions, and be a leader regardless of her appearance. She views her career path as kismet, feeling that she is doing exactly what she is supposed to be doing. This includes hosting the Critics Choice Awards in January. James remains true to herself within the Hollywood machine, operating on the principle that she will keep being funny until opportunities arise naturally.
Her journey from a young girl in the U.S. Virgin Islands to a celebrated actress and comedian highlights the unpredictable nature of her success. By staying grounded in her roots and continuing to perform, she has built a career that blends her personal history with her professional achievements.
