Ghosts Almost Snagged Abbott Elementary Star—How Different Would Both Shows Be?

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Among the highly anticipated network sitcoms scheduled for 2025, there’s no denying that “Ghosts” and “Abbott Elementary” are two standouts. The talented cast of “Ghosts,” featuring Brandon Scott Jones and Danielle Pinnock, is a rising force, while the veteran actors Lisa Ann Walter and Tyler James Williams grace the screen in “Abbott Elementary.” It’s tough to envision either show without its stellar ensemble. Thus, the news that “Ghosts” almost snatched one of Quinta Brunson’s top “Abbott” stars is quite astonishing!

Currently, my thoughts are consumed by the idea of how things could have unfolded differently had Sheryl Lee Ralph portrayed Alberta rather than Barbara in the story.

What Sheryl Lee Ralph Said About Almost Being On Ghosts

Looking back at my remarkable journey from Broadway to Hollywood, I fondly reminisce about the milestones with Variety before receiving my star on the iconic Walk of Fame. I shared some insights into my career, including how the latter part of the 2010s presented a few challenges in finding the perfect TV pilot. Interestingly, it seemed that Ghosts had extended an invitation to me, though not entirely sealed yet.

Nevertheless, Alberta landed a part as one of several spirits in an ensemble, which motivated Ralph to seek employment that placed her higher in the cast list. Consequently, she opted for another project, but unfortunately, it never aired. On the other hand, Danielle Pinnock secured the role and is now starring in a CBS sitcom that’s currently in its fourth season.

It was then that Quinta Brunson and Abbott entered the scene. Looking back on everything, the Emmy-winning actress commented:

Gosh, it seems I didn’t play it correctly; I made the wrong decision. Now, it appears that role is someone else’s – a highly talented individual who fits it perfectly. As I ponder my future, I receive a phone call: ‘Is this Ms. Ralph?’

frankly, I’m genuinely thrilled with how things have unfolded for both groups; hearing about potential CBS casting is certainly intriguing, but there’s simply no other candidate who could match the elegance of Mrs. Howard’s shoes.

However, thinking about how different these shows could have been is wild.

Ghosts Would Be Wildly Different (Not In A Bad Way) With Sheryl Lee Ralph as Alberta Haynes

The idea of Sheryl Lee Ralph joining the Ghosts team is truly intriguing. I have no doubt that the series would continue to thrive (having just secured a two-season renewal) with her in the cast, and her humor would undoubtedly be as captivating as it is on Abbott.

It seems quite natural for Ralph to embody the traits of a flapper-era jazz singer, incorporating Alberta’s subtle, powerful charm effortlessly. Additionally, I believe that Ralph would create an excellent dynamic with the rest of the cast.

It’s hard for me to imagine anyone else playing Ms. Alberta Haynes besides Danielle Pinnock. In my opinion, it seems like fate or luck in the entertainment industry played a role in selecting the perfect actresses for their roles in various productions.

Given that the BTS segment and the show “Ghosts” welcoming numerous delightful guests during Season 4, it would be fantastic if Ralph appeared as a relative of Haynes in a future episode!

To catch up on series from FX, ABC, and other channels, all you require is a Hulu subscription. Fortunately, you can even begin with a 30-day complimentary trial! Once you’re ready to make a commitment, plans start at just $9.99 per month. Take advantage of this offer now!

Abbott Elementary Would Be Incomplete Without Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Barbara Howard

Abbott Elementary would be entirely different without Ralph, and Quinta Brunson knew that.

Following a short stint collaborating with Robin Thede on “A Black Lady Sketch Show”, one of the original members from “The Fabulous Four” sensed that the present-day ABC showrunner was observing and learning from her.

From my perspective, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect; we teamed up following their failed “Ghosts” part and the flopped sitcom, and since then, we’ve never looked back. And I’m grateful for that, because the idea of someone else handling Barbara Howard’s celebrity mix-ups or heartwarming scenes with teachers and kids is utterly inconceivable to me.

In the world of ABC’s hit show “Moesha,” the actress who played one of its memorable characters, found exactly what she was seeking. Though “Abbott” is a collective, each character manages to shine on their own, with Ralph’s Mrs. Howard serving as the stable, guiding force for every staff and faculty member in the school. I couldn’t ask for a better blend of heartfelt comedy, and I wouldn’t alter a single moment of it.

Essentially, events unfolded as planned since Ralph secured his spot on “Abbott” and Pinnock clinched the role in “Ghosts”. Now, we’re all set to watch their performances weekly on ABC (streamable via Hulu) for “Abbott”, or catch them on CBS (streamable with Paramount+) for “Ghosts”.

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2025-04-17 16:07