Hulu has been on a roll with its comedy series, quietly building an impressive slate over the past couple of years with critically-acclaimed shows. One of its standout successes has been Only Murders in the Building, which also recently garnered rave reviews for its latest season. However, Hulu’s newest series, English Teacher, has managed to surpass even the beloved mystery comedy by achieving an impressive 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
English Teacher is a fresh addition to Hulu’s lineup. It tells the story of Evan Marquez, a dedicated high school English teacher in Austin, Texas, who is navigating the complexities of his personal and professional life. Evan is refreshingly optimistic, humble, and communicative, and the show uses him in full capacity to comment on topics like discrimination, homophobia, and the ever-changing rules of the education system. If the premise reminds you of Abbott Elementary, you’re not alone. The series captures the same blend of triumphs and losses of educators, but it’s just funnier.
The show features a talented ensemble led by Brian Jordan Alvarez. He’s been around for quite some time now, appearing in shows like Will & Grace and Jane the Virgin. Alvarez not only stars in English Teacher but also serves as writer and director for several episodes. Stephanie Koenig plays Gwen Sanders, Evan’s best friend and fellow teacher, while Enrico Colantoni stars as Grant Moretti, the supportive yet world-weary principal.
English Teacher May Already Be One of FX’s Best Comedies
The first two episodes of English Teacher have set a high bar for the rest of the season. The pilot episode introduces us to Evan’s world, where he is placed under investigation for kissing his boyfriend at a school function. It mainly highlights the absurdity of modern parental concerns. The second episode, titled “Powderpuff,” sees Evan bringing in an old friend to help save a school performance, which leads to a refreshing and thoughtful commentary on drag culture.
English Teacher has several standout aspects. From the depiction of today’s overly-dependent-on-social-media generation to teachers being optimistic and involved enough to help make a real difference in a student’s life, it tries to explore education as a broader subject while also pushing the boundaries of genuine comedy. Additionally, the series addresses the challenges and rewards of teaching, and, thanks to its sharp writing and outstanding performances, English Teacher is poised to become one of FX’s best comedies.
That said, with only two episodes out so far and more coming really soon, English Teacher has already made a significant impact on television. Its 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, which falls short of 100% because of a singular negative review, is testament to its smart, funny, and socially relevant humor.
