Abbott Elementary has birthed several running gags over the last two seasons. However, one that truly stands out from the rest is Barbara Howard's tendency to mix up white and Black celebrities. The confusion is never done out of malice (just out of confusion) and it's quite funny coming from the gracious and stern schoolteacher. After the gag went viral, Sheryl Lee Ralph got the chance to discuss the origins of Barbara’s star slip-ups.
Barbara Howard’s signature snafu has become an endearing quality of the otherwise impeccable teaching veteran. This quirk wasn’t just plucked out of thin air as it was inspired by a real interaction between Ralph and series creator and star Qunita Brunson. The Emmy winner explained to The Hollywood Reporter how her tendencies to confuse a famous star’s race and profession led to the running gag. She said:
