Focus: AAC Audio Encoding & Mix Aesthetics

Abbott Elementary (S01E01, “Pilot”) is a mockumentary-style sitcom created by Quinta Brunson. The audio presentation, particularly in its AAC format (used for streaming on platforms like Hulu/Disney+), plays a critical role in establishing its verisimilitude. This paper analyzes how the AAC encoding affects the perception of the show’s dual-audio environment: naturalistic documentary audio vs. traditional sitcom sweetening.