Beloved ABC hit Abbott Elementary is back. Season 5 of Quinta Brunson’s hilarious elementary school comedy returns on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. And while Abbott’s teachers and students prepare for another season of heart and laughs, star Sheryl Lee Ralph teases her character, Barbara Hayward, is going through a “glow up.” The actress is embracing her character’s emergence and feeling “grateful” for this time in her legendary Hollywood career.
The energetic Hollywood veteran stopped by Good Morning America for a conversation with hosts Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos, where she discussed how she’s drawing inspiration from her own character to lean into life and embrace a new “season.”
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“Barbara is going through a glow up. You know, sometimes people—especially women—they get to a point in life where they say ‘oh, this is what it’s going to be,’ and they settle in. ‘Well, maybe I should stop this. Maybe I’m doing too much here.’ And Barbara’s come to the other side. She’s like, ‘Wait a minute. My best days are ahead of me. It’s time for a glow up.’ And I’m like, ‘Glow up, Barbara!’”
The ageless actress was quick to add her gratitude for this special time in her life.
“It’s like I’ve run such a good race, and it’s like I’ve crossed this line, and it’s like, oh my God, I’m ready for another race. I can do it. And it’s been quite a race, but I’m up to it. And it’s like I get to see the flowers, I get to smell the flowers, and they’re given to me. It’s an amazing time in my life, and I’m so grateful.”
‘GMA’ Fans React to Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Glow Up
Fans were quick to draft off the actress’ enthusiasm and noted Ralph is glowing herself. Social media commenters wrote, “Glowing inside and out,” and “She is STUNNING.” Another fan added, “She’s glowing and in her era.”
How to Watch ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5
Abbott Elementary returns for Season 5 on October 1, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. PT/ET on ABC. Subscribers to Hulu and Disney+ can also stream Abbott Elementary on those platforms.
