Sheryl Lee Ralph, star of the ABC sitcom "Abbott Elementary," declared the show to be the "only real comedy" among the nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2026 Emmy Awards. Ralph made the assertion during a red carpet interview on Monday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
When asked about her show's nomination, Ralph stated, "Abbott Elementary, top of the conversation — nominated for best cast." She then added pointedly, "I’m looking forward to a win since we’re the only real comedy in the category." When pressed by interviewer Justin Sylvester, Ralph doubled down on her comment.
"Abbott Elementary" is nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series alongside "The Bear," "Margo’s Got Money Troubles," "Hacks," "Widow’s Bay," "Nobody Wants This," "Only Murders in the Building," and "Shrinking."
The series has received a nomination in this category every year since its debut in 2021 but has not yet secured a win. Ralph herself was not nominated this year for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, though she won the award in 2022 for her portrayal of kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard.
"Abbott Elementary" is contending for a total of seven Emmy Awards this year. This includes two nominations for creator and star Quinta Brunson: one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and another for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Additionally, fellow cast members Janelle James and Tyler James Williams are nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, respectively.
Earlier in September, Brunson discussed the unique position "Abbott Elementary" occupies in the current television landscape ahead of the show's sixth season. She told Entertainment Weekly that the series thrives in a space that many network shows have struggled to maintain, benefiting from strong fan engagement on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram on the night of its airing, while also being recognized alongside streaming contemporaries.