Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares The Secret Behind The Success Of ‘Abbott Elementary’

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 02: Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the 2025 Gotham Television Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on June 02, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage)

Sheryl Lee Ralph co-stars on one of the best sitcoms on television, “Abbott Elementary.”

Appearing on the Golden Globes Red Carpet, Ralphi spoke to “Extra’s” Derek Hough. She said she is thrilled” that the show is still being recognized, receiving love.

“One of the best casts on TV. The audience continues to grow.”

Ralph also said she is “thankful” for the great opportunity to be a part of the show.

 “I recognize that we’ve got lightning in a bottle and I want to respect the lightning because it doesn’t happen all the time,” she said.

Ralph also thanked the fans for supporting the show after all these years.

 “Five seasons with the possibility of more — thank you all very much for watching us,” she said.

Ralph also shared how she remains so energetic.

‘Beauty is an inside job,” Ralph explained. “It is about how you come to life, inside out. “And I’ve just always been about being my best self in the world. There’s so much going on… people are struggling right now… I want to continue to bring my hope, my faith, my light.

Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary follows teachers at a chronically underfunded public school in Philadelphia. The series centers on Janine Teagues, a relentlessly optimistic second-grade teacher determined to improve her students’ lives despite a lack of resources, a crumbling building, and an unqualified, self-absorbed principal named Ava Coleman.

The show balances sharp social commentary on the American education system with heart and humor, showcasing the generational dynamics between idealistic newcomers like Janine and Jacob and seasoned veterans like the no-nonsense Barbara Howard and the street-smart Melissa Schemmenti. 

Brunson was the first Black woman to be nominated for three Emmy comedy categories (acting, writing, and series) in a single year.

The show won Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2023.