Sheryl Lee Ralph stars as Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary. The series will return for a fifth season as part of ABC’s fall 2025 primetime schedule, airing Wednesdays at 8:30 PM. While covering the 2025 Disney Upfront red carpet, I spoke with the actress about the importance of comedy and the opportunity to grow with her character. Keep reading for everything she shared!

In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible educators may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.

The comedy genre is so beloved. Why do you think we need comedy, and how has being in this show changed your perspective on the genre? 
Sheryl Lee Ralph: Well, first of all, I choose joy, I choose happiness, that’s what I live by. But in this sort of era, season of life that we’re in, I was very shocked to see someone say that the data shows that young people are very unhappy. That overall, young people are very unhappy, and since we are one of the leading shows on TV that are hitting young people from young to 49, young-ish, I’m happy that we’re there to give them what they need, release from the stress, because sometimes all you need is to laugh. 

I feel like it’s such a special thing to get to reprise a role season after season. What do you enjoy most about getting to evolve and grow with this character, both as an actor and as a human being? 
I have to say that I’m very thankful to Quinta Brunson, the creator of the show, for reaching back intergenerationally to me after knowing my journey as an artist and saying, “Ms. Ralph, take this journey with me,” and to gift me the character of Barbara Howard that is now connecting, once again, across so many generations, little children and their great-grandparents. It’s just absolute magic for me, and I just have to say thank you for her because it means the world for me in this season of my life.

All episodes are streaming on Hulu.