FX is known for its impressive original content and boundary-pushing programs, with smash-hit shows like Sons of Anarchy, Justified, and The Shield all having made their dazzling debuts on the prominent network. In 2020, Hulu became the official streaming home to all of FX’s illustrious TV shows, with audiences flocking to the subscription service to revisit some of their classic favorites and new obsessions.
On September 2, 2024, the intriguing and highly buzzed-about comedy series English Teacher made its sensational debut, with Will & Grace alum Brian Jordan Alvarez creating and starring in the entertaining new hit that follows ambitious and sincere high school teacher Evan Marquez as he attempts to help mold the minds of his eclectic students in a small Austin, Texas suburb.
Naturally, Marquez and the rest of his quirky colleagues have trouble navigating the ever-changing climate and world, as they attempt to connect with the younger generation. Many may be quick to write off English Teacher as an Abbott Elementary knock-off, but that is not exactly the case with the witty and fun comedy.
English Teacher Mirrors Abbott Elementary
Audiences swiftly became enamored by Quinta Brunson and her side-splitting mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary when it made its dazzling debut in 2021. It wasn’t long before the ABC hit was the recipient of three Golden Globes and four Primetime Emmys. It seems as though FX is hoping to tap into the magic that Brunson made with the acclaimed program, as the network has seemingly created its own version of the school-based comedy, albeit one a bit more edgy and mature.
As with Brunson and Abbott Elementary, the highly buzzed-about series English Teacher was created by and stars comedian and actor extraordinaire Brian Jordan Alvarez, who first rose to prominence as Estefan in Will & Grace and Wesley in Jane the Virgin. Alvarez also notably wrote, directed, and produced the lauded YouTube web series The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo, which was praised for its playful, surreal humor. In English Teacher, Alvarez portrays the earnest Evan Marquez, an openly gay high school teacher in an Austin, Texas suburb who finds himself being persecuted for his sexuality when audiences first meet him.
Marquez is being investigated by the high school after a homophobic parent became outraged after seeing him kiss his now ex-boyfriend in front of students, causing quite the headache for the sincere educator. Despite the initially heavy premise, English Teacher follows Marquez as he attempts to navigate one hilarious mishap after another, with the comedy exploring how he responds to the ridiculous scenarios that constantly present themselves. Like Brunson’s character in Abbott Elementary, Marquez truly believes in the work that he is doing and wants nothing more than to make a positive impact on his students and help shape their futures.
What Makes English Teacher Unique & Refreshing
There is no denying that, in many ways, English Teacher parallels Abbott Elementary, as both engrossing shows feature an ambitious and optimistic educator fighting to make a difference in an environment that is largely setting them up for headaches and hurdles. Like Brunson’s character Janine Teagues, Marquez is a level-headed and devoted member of the Morrison-Hensley High School faculty, working at the school alongside his best friend and fellow teacher Gwen Sanders (Stephanie Koenig). Marquez even develops a crush on a substitute teacher named Harry (Langston Kerman), but English Teacher adopts its own identity outside those similarities.
The comedy is not afraid to push boundaries and while there is plenty of zany and absurd humor that audiences will love, English Teacher also tackles heavier subject matter like LGBTQ rights, protests, prejudice, and gun safety. There is a laid-back camaraderie amongst Marquez and the other staff members and his close bond with the perky Gwen is endearing, as the duo and their colleagues try to understand the younger generation they are teaching and the quirks and interests they possess.
The teachers in the entertaining series are all colorfully unique and only add to the appeal of the comedy, with characters like the weary and worn down Principal Grant Moretti (Enrico Colantoni) and often inappropriate-yet-perceptive gym teacher Markie Hillridge (Sean Patton) stealing every scene they’re in. English Teacher never tries to be politically correct and masterfully skirts the edges of what is offensive and what is acceptable, with the sitcom being given breathing room to be more daring since it’s on a streaming network and not cable TV.
Critics Are Loving the FX Comedy
Despite the comedy having just debuted on September 2, 2024, English Teacher is already emerging as one of the small screen’s most buzzed-about new hits and a must-watch for curious viewers, with both audiences and critics loving Brian Jordan Alvarez and his masterful approach to humor and storytelling. The first season of the absorbing program will consist of eight episodes and a second season renewal is likely imminent due to the overwhelmingly positive reception of the series, as it currently holds a highly impressive 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
English Teacher is being praised for its well-written screenplay, biting commentary, and refreshing blend of humor and heart, and viewers are thrilled that Alvarez is finally getting his chance to shine in a major leading role. The Observer commended both the comedian and sitcom, writing in their glowing review, “Like the work that drew his online fanbase, Alvarez’s English Teacher is as cute as it is cutting, highlighting the humanity in our hyperbolic world.”
Alvarez himself has acknowledged that many people will simply assume English Teacher is just like Abbott Elementary, yet the actor hopes audiences will discover that the show has its own identity and unique perspective, telling USA Today:
“That’s a brilliant show. And (creator) Quinta (Brunson) is such a genius. No, this show just exists in its own universe.
It’s a very specific voice…Really, you know, this is a hard comedy
. (Executive producer) Paul Simms was always great about making sure this is a comedy. We want people laughing from start to finish.”
Stream English Teacher on Hulu.
