Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph on Reinventing the Sitcom and the Joy of Dreaming Big

Few contemporary sitcoms have captured the hearts of viewers-and the attention of critics-quite like Abbott Elementary.

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Set at an underfunded public school in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Philadelphia, the mockumentary-style comedy follows a scrappy group of teachers who are doing their best to serve their students despite a lack of supplies (history books have the last three presidents taped in), busted facilities (one toilet sprays water instead of flushing), and egregious mismanagement (a hilariously inept principal who side-hustles in the school parking lot). The characters are richly wrought, with nuanced backstories that allow for depth of character and emotional resonance. In the span of an episode, you're just as likely to tear up as you are to laugh out loud.

Leading the series is its 33-year-old creator, writer, and executive producer, Philadelphia native Quinta Brunson, who drew upon her own mother's 40-year teaching career in concepting much of the material. Brunson stars as Janine Teagues, an overly eager and optimistic second-grade teacher who is devoted to bettering the lives of her students. Janine is obsessed with getting the approval of Barbara Howard, an old-school kindergarten teacher played with command by veteran star Sheryl Lee Ralph, 66. Despite Barbara's tough exterior, their shared love of teaching and mutual desire to help each other grow allow them to foster a heartwarming friendship.

Both Brunson and Ralph took home Emmys last year-Brunson for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Ralph for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Ralph's impassioned acceptance speech (or song, more accurately) will go down as one of the most memorable in the award show's history. Here, Brunson and Ralph discuss how the television landscape has changed for Black women, the real intention behind Abbott Elementary, and what it's like watching each other achieve their dreams.