Sheryl Lee Ralph Throws Shade at Emmys Rivals, Says ‘Abbott Elementary’ Is the ‘Only Real Comedy’

Sheryl Lee Ralph wasn’t shy about backing Abbott Elementary ahead of the 2026 Emmy Awards — even if her prediction didn’t quite come true.

The actress, 69, cheekily declared the hit ABC sitcom was the “only real comedy” among this year’s nominees while speaking to E! News ahead of the ceremony on Monday, September 14.

“Abbott Elementary, top of the conversation — nominated for best cast,” Ralph said. “I’m looking forward to a win since we’re the only real comedy in the category.”

The mockumentary was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series alongside The Bear, Hacks, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking and eventual winner Widow’s Bay.

Ralph’s playful dig came amid an ongoing conversation about what exactly qualifies as a comedy at the Emmys, particularly as shows such as The Bear have competed in the category despite frequently tackling heavier subject matter.

It was Widow’s Bay that ultimately dominated this year’s comedy race. The Apple TV series, starring Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a cursed New England island, won Outstanding Comedy Series and finished its Emmy run with a record-breaking 14 Emmys.

Eight of those trophies came at the Creative Arts Emmys before the show added six more during Monday’s ceremony, including wins for Rhys, Stephen Root and Kate O’Flynn.

The haul officially made Widow’s Bay the most-awarded comedy series in a single Emmy year, surpassing the previous record of 13 wins set by The Studio in 2025.

While Abbott Elementary went home empty-handed at the Emmys this year, the series has enjoyed plenty of awards success since its 2021 premiere.

Ralph won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022 for her portrayal of beloved kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard.

Ahead of winning her first-ever Emmy during that ceremony, Ralph told NPR’s Fresh Air that she already felt like a winner regardless of whether she took home the trophy.

“Whether I get that trophy in my hand or not, I already feel like a winner,” she said at the time.

“The love that has been shown to me, showered on me, the flowers that have been given to me, literally and figuratively,” Ralph continued. “I feel like a winner.”