The Wrap praised “English Teacher” as a standout comedy of the year. The show, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, is noted for its ability to handle hot-button topics such as drag culture and gun control while maintaining a humorous tone. The series manages to address complex social issues without becoming overly didactic or condescending, striking a balance between comedy and commentary. The chemistry between Alvarez and his co-stars, particularly Stephanie Koenig and Sean Patton, is highlighted as a strength of the show, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience TheWrap
“English Teacher,” the new comedy on FX, kicks off with a promising start but leaves viewers craving more with only eight short episodes in its first season. Each episode runs around 20 minutes, aligning with other FX comedies like “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Dave,” or “The Bear.” However, unlike these shows, “English Teacher” seems poised for a longer format, perhaps a traditional 22-episode season, thanks to its sharp ensemble, insightful perspective, and a humor that feels both fresh and polished right from the start. It’s a great problem for a new series to have—more potential than it has time to fulfill. This brevity could mean there’s ample room for growth in the coming seasons.
Roush Review: FX’s ‘English Teacher’ Is a Class Act@tvinsider https://t.co/s6sBzHHtKZ Insider: Main
— J. Willson (@jimbowilstone) September 2, 2024
On paper, “English Teacher” might sound like a more cynical counterpart to “Abbott Elementary,” the acclaimed ABC comedy. In practice, it’s not too far off. Created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, best known for “The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo,” the show follows Evan, a well-meaning high school teacher in Austin, Texas. He’s full of good intentions and strong principles, but real life has a knack for pulling him back down to earth. In the premiere, Evan is initially relieved when a homophobic parent’s complaint against him is dropped, only to discover it was due to his colleague Markie, the gym teacher, threatening to out the parent’s son. Evan is appalled, but Markie dismisses his outrage, saying, “No one gives a shit about your highfalutin ideals, bro.” Even Evan can’t argue with that logic in the end.
This tension—between Evan’s lofty ideals and the messier reality he faces—drives both the narrative and the humor of “English Teacher.” The series doesn’t shy away from hot-button issues like drag queens, gun safety, and helicopter parents. But it doesn’t handle these topics in the heavy-handed way one might expect. Instead of turning these issues into grand teachable moments, the show uses them to explore its characters more deeply, often subverting expectations in the process. For instance, when Evan makes an impassioned speech, it’s met with a deadpan response: “Wow, you really healed me. Thanks.”
TV Insider lauds “English Teacher” as a “class act,” with a smart, biting approach to comedy set in a high school environment. The show is described as both irreverent and insightful, blending humor with social commentary. The review highlights Alvarez’s portrayal of Evan Marquez, a gay English teacher navigating the complexities of a Texas high school, and commends the show’s exploration of generational and cultural clashes. The supporting cast, including Enrico Colantoni as the principal and Sean Patton as the PE teacher, also receives praise for their performances TV Insider
The show’s humor isn’t about cheap shots at Millennials, Gen Z-ers, or the gap between generations. Evan and his colleagues, especially his upbeat best friend Gwen (Stephanie Koenig), are often baffled by the younger generation, who aren’t necessarily more “woke” or less easily offended. The tone is one of affectionate curiosity, not judgment, whether it’s dealing with something as absurd as the students’ brief obsession with “asymptomatic Tourette’s” or Evan’s overblown protest against Markie’s gun club. It’s more interested in what these reactions reveal about the characters than in confining them to ideological stereotypes.
The cast of “English Teacher” feels fully realized from the start. Evan’s good-hearted but somewhat bumbling nature is evident from the first moments of the pilot when he spills coffee all over his car because he’s in too much of a rush to grab a travel mug. His colleagues are similarly well-drawn. There’s Rick, the guidance counselor (Carmen Christopher), who’s always on the verge of a financial breakdown due to his obsession with dubious stock tips from TEDx talks, and Markie, who brags about watching “Zero Dark Thirty” in night vision goggles. The standout is Principal Moretti, portrayed by Enrico Colantoni, who brings a weary, seen-it-all energy to his role as a man just trying to keep his school running smoothly without getting fired.
English Teacher is my favorite sitcom of the year! It premieres tonight! Get into it! My full review over @mashable :https://t.co/8rPnQe3Ns0
— Belen Edwards (@belen3dwards) September 2, 2024
While the show is solid overall, a few jokes or storylines don’t land as strongly as others, but these could easily be addressed with more episodes. For instance, a fight between Evan and Gwen feels a bit rushed, and a promising romantic subplot fizzles out because Evan’s love interest, Harry (Langston Kerman), a physics substitute teacher, disappears for long stretches. “English Teacher” would likely benefit from more time to develop its ensemble cast further.
RogerEbert.com provides a more mixed review, describing “English Teacher” as occasionally struggling to balance its comedic elements with its political and social themes. While the show is recognized for its efforts to navigate sensitive topics without alienating viewers, the review suggests that it sometimes lacks the sharpness and consistency found in other FX comedies. The show’s character-driven moments, especially the developing relationship between Evan and a fellow teacher, are seen as its strongest points, hinting at a more focused narrative direction as the series progressesRoger Ebert
In the end, the only real complaint about “English Teacher” is that there isn’t enough of it. Here’s hoping it gets renewed for another season, with more episodes to dive deeper into the lives of these quirky, endearing characters. Until then, viewers will just have to wait and see if class is back in session next year.
Key Points:
i. “English Teacher” Impresses but Feels Too Short: The new FX comedy, “English Teacher,” has a strong start with only eight short episodes, leaving viewers wanting more.
ii. Smart and Subversive Humor: The show tackles hot-button topics like gun safety and drag queens with humor and insight, avoiding heavy-handed messaging.
iii. Well-Developed Characters: The cast, led by Brian Jordan Alvarez, feels fully realized from the start, offering a mix of quirky and relatable personalities.
iv. Room for Growth: While some storylines and jokes could benefit from more development, the show’s potential is clear and promising for future seasons.
v. Anticipation for More: Fans and critics alike are hoping for a longer second season to further explore the ensemble cast and storylines.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
