Sheryl Lee Ralph is teasing some Abbott Elementary substitutes.
At the SAG Awards 2025 red carpet Feb. 23, the actress, who plays veteran elementary school teacher Barbara Howard in the beloved ABC series, shared insight into what to expect for the forthcoming season four finale.
“One or two of your favorite all-time singers,” Sheryl told E! News’ Will Marfuggi on the SAG Awards red carpet outside Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, before cryptically adding, “We all have a favorite city—they’re gonna be there.”
Of course, Sheryl may have been teasing the location change for the finale, which Janelle James, who plays Principal Ava Coleman on the series, later confirmed, telling E!, “We usually shoot in L.A. and we’re shooting in Philly.”
And Janelle referenced her excitement for shooting in the Pennsylvania city shortly after the Super Bowl LIX, which saw the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, the Eagles are also part of the Abbott family, as quarterback Jalen Hurts, defensive end Brandon Graham and former Eagles center Jason Kelce made an appearance during the show’s third season premiere.
But while Sheryl, Janelle and Lisa Ann Walter—who plays Melissa Schemmenti—were otherwise mum on the updates for the season four finale, which will air April 16 in their red carpet interviews, Sheryl did emphasize how much she loves working with the cast following its fifth season renewal.
“We tell people all the time that we love working together,” the Dreamgirls alumeffused, before joking, “and now I hear a whole bunch of other shows saying the same thing.”
Ahead of the awards, which saw Only Murders in the Building win for Best Ensemble Cast in a Comedy series, the Emmy winner couldn’t help but continue to gush over her colleagues—which also include Abbott’s showrunner and star Quinta Brunson, as well as Tyler James Williams and Chris Perfetti—and their third nomination in the category.
“We know we work so well together and it’s absolute magic,” Sheryl continued. “It’s absolute chemistry and we thank God and Quinta Brunson for putting us all together.”
Keep reading for more highlights from the SAG Awards…
Shrinking Around
Harrison Ford played peekaboo with the paparazzi before his red carpet arrival.
Stuck With U
Wicked‘s Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande held hands as they made their way to their seats.
The Wizard and I
What is this feeling? Jeff Goldblum and Demi Moore would like to know.
Mama’s Boy
Timothée Chalamet and his mom Nicole Flender enjoyed a family night out.
New Girl Reunion
Who’s that girl? It was Zooey Deschanel reuniting with Max Greenfield!
Hey, Cousin!
Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jeremy Allen White said “yes, chef” to a mini The Bear reunion.
Family Affair
Jodie Foster introduced her son Charles “Charlie” Bernard Foster to Jane Fonda ahead of the award show.
No Bad Feelings
No grudges here! Colin Farrell posed for a backstage photo with Jamie Lee Curtis after she jokingly called him out for giving her COVID at the Golden Globes.
In Euphoria
Colman Domingo and Cynthia Erivo were quite pop-u-lar as they mingled with guests.
Meet Me at the Bar
Cheers to Joey King and Quinta Brunson, who grabbed drinks at the green room presented by Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants.
Only Stars in the Building
Selena Gomez and Sheryl Lee Ralph chatted it up on the red carpet.
Shogun Showtime
Anna Sawai was visibly emotional backstage following her Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series win.
Say “Selfie!”
Kerry Washington and Kristen Bell were picture perfect as they snapped a photo.
Here Come the Newlyweds
Fresh from their Feb. 18 courthouse wedding, Tyson Mason and Justine Lupe shared a passionate kiss.
Meet the Faks
The Bear‘s Ricky Staffieri and Matty Matheson hammed it up at the reception.
Like and Subscribe
Lilly Singh was feeling the love as she hosted the Screen Actors Guild Awards pre-show from the red carpet.
All Glamour
As this year’s SAG Awards ambassador, Sofia Carson—donning a Chopard necklace—was dressed to represent.
A Wicked Meeting
Ariana Grande shared a hug with SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher.
