As a seasoned television enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous comedies over the years, I can confidently say that FX’s latest offering, “English Teacher,” is an absolute gem. Having binged through its first two episodes on Hulu (and let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good binge?), I’m hooked!
FX has consistently been a hub for comedic series throughout the years, and this year’s Fall TV lineup is no different. The 2023 Emmys winner, The Bear, may have had some debatable genre-classification concerns, but FX is further expanding its comedy portfolio with the half-hour straight comedy, English Teacher. I highly recommend tuning in because it’s guaranteed to deliver on entertainment! (Here are the streaming details.) While it’s too soon to declare its longevity definitively, at this point, it’s quickly becoming my top pick for prime-time comedies.
Titled “English Teacher,” this show is brought to life by Brian Jordan Alvarez and revolves around Evan Marquez, a public high school teacher in Texas. Amidst a rapidly evolving world, both professionally, politically, and personally, he grapples with his job’s demands. Despite receiving praise from critics, boasting a 97% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has drawn comparisons to the classic school comedy, “Abbott Elementary.”
I get the easy comparison point, but some are going as far as to say that the Alvarez-led series is a carbon copy of ABC’s mockumentary hit. While I get where they’re coming from, I really wish every could stop all that, and make the effort to watch both of these hilarious shows without putting them against each other.
FX’s English Teacher Is Hilarious, And Everyone Needs To Be Watching It
The day after its debut, I turned on the series “English Teacher” through my Hulu subscription, and I’m overjoyed that I did so. From start to finish, it was a riot! The initial episode focuses on Evan, who finds himself under school investigation for kissing his ex-boyfriend and fellow teacher during the past academic year. Although things wrap up amicably by the end of the episode, the tension for the rest of the season is palpable.
In the second installment, the storyline remains consistent as the school’s annual powderpuff football game is put on hold following discussions led by students from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. For a side-splittingly funny take on learning, Evan and his pal Shazam (portrayed by Trixie Mattel, a winner from RuPaul’s Drag Race) step in to impart their wisdom.
The exceptional quality of English Teacher, beyond its hilarious conversations and situations, lies in its ability to skillfully address serious topics without compromising on humor. It’s reminiscent of the groundbreaking sitcoms created by the late Norman Lear, but with a more contemporary, bolder twist. This type of comedy series is desperately needed, and I strongly encourage others to watch it.
Abbott Elementary And English Teacher Both Take Place In Schools, But The Similarities End There
While it’s natural and perhaps unavoidable for viewers to draw parallels due to their shared settings in public schools and creators who are both stars of the shows, the similarities essentially stop there.
To begin with, “Abbott Elementary” is a mockumentary style show that was often compared to “The Office” upon its debut, while “English Teacher” is a typical single-camera comedy. The settings for these shows are significantly diverse – one depicts an underfunded elementary school in Philadelphia, which surprisingly attracts notable celebrities, and the other portrays a public high school located in suburban Austin, Texas.
Although both shows present the lives of educators, they adopt distinct strategies. For the past three seasons, “Abbott Elementary” has primarily delved into the bureaucratic hurdles teachers face, even assigning Janine a role within the school district to underscore these challenges more vividly.
Instead of Alvarez’s comedy, let me rephrase it this way: Alvarez’s humor, however, primarily focuses on the political atmosphere within the fictional Texas school as his character confronts strict, overprotective parents from the conservative side. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the student body in his work is less aware of social issues compared to previous generations.
It’s unfortunate that some people insist on pitting these series produced by historically underrepresented creators against each other. Comparatively, you’ll find a plethora of medical dramas and cop procedurals running concurrently, yet no one accuses them of being “copycats.” Isn’t it possible to extend the same tolerance towards two comedies that happen to be set in schools?
I’m fond of both series, but I hope the tendency to compare the comedies and sometimes criticize them simultaneously lessens, allowing us to appreciate each for their unique portrayals of modern teaching life – which are nothing short of hilarious glimpses into the reality of public schools today.
Watch the initial installments of “English Teacher” on Hulu, or subscribe to Disney+ to stream them. Also, remember to catch the fresh episodes every Monday night at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on FX.
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2024-09-06 16:39