Brian Jordan Alvarez’s new FX comedy series, English Teacher, offers a hilarious and insightful scheme of the modern education system. Through sharp and often biting humor, the show tackles the absurdities and challenges of American schooling today. Alvarez’s portrayal of this world is both silly and sweet, delivering a fresh take that feels both relevant and timeless.
The show could easily be seen as a reflection of our current times, but its humor transcends this, making it appealing to a wider audience. Alvarez, who not only stars in but also writes the series, crafts a clever and perceptive look at the lives of teachers.
His approach to comedy is reminiscent of popular shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, with a similar style that combines chaotic scenarios with rapid-fire humor.
Each episode of English Teacher builds on the last, creating a dynamic, fast-paced comedy that never loses its edge. The jokes are delivered quickly and with precision, focusing on the messy, often complicated lives of teachers both inside and outside the classroom.
While it shares some similarities with Abbott Elementary, English Teacher operates on its own unique level, distinguishing itself as one of the best new comedies of the year. Its potential to become a top show is clear, especially if it continues to deliver the same level of sharp humor and insight.
What Is ‘English Teacher’ About?
In the first season of English Teacher, which spans eight episodes, we follow Evan Marquez (played by Alvarez) as he shows the daily challenges of teaching at a high school in Austin, Texas. Over the course of six episodes shared with critics, we see Evan’s struggle to maintain his sanity while dealing with the complexities of the school environment.
He works alongside his friend Gwen (Stephanie Koenig), who serves as his confidant. Gwen has her own set of struggles, particularly her husband’s failed attempt to build a pool after losing his job. Their friendship provides a strong emotional core for the show, grounding it amidst the chaos of daily school life.
Evan also interacts with various other school staff, including PE teacher Markie (Sean Patton) and the school’s principal (Enrico Colantoni). The principal is a particularly troublesome character, often bending over backward to avoid conflict with parents, much to the frustration of the teachers.
His actions, or lack thereof, add to the challenges Evan faces, creating a work environment that is as frustrating as it is ridiculous.
The show also introduces other memorable characters, such as guidance counselor Rick (Carmen Christopher) and Evan’s ex, Malcolm (Jordan Firstman). These characters contribute to the show’s humor, with unexpected jokes and situations that keep viewers on their toes. Additionally, Trixie Mattel makes a delightful guest appearance, adding another layer of fun to the series.
Central to the show is the theme of how teachers cope with the often overwhelming demands of their jobs. Evan finds himself under scrutiny after a parent complains about him briefly kissing Malcolm while at the school. This incident forces Evan to defend himself and solve the additional pressures of being under the school’s watchful eye.
The situation highlights how the school fails to support its teachers, particularly Evan, who is placed under unfair scrutiny. Despite this, Alvarez skillfully uses these moments to poke fun at his own character’s flaws, making Evan a complex, relatable, and deeply human lead.
The interactions between Evan and his students add another layer of humor to the show, showcasing the generational gap in a light-hearted way. As the season progresses, the show reveals that the differences between teachers and students might not be as vast as they seem.
One episode, in particular, stands out, featuring a paranoid parent spreading wild rumors about students, adding to the show’s comedic tone. Alvarez strikes a perfect balance between humor and insight, demonstrating his skill as both a writer and actor.
Brian Jordan Alvarez Shines in ‘English Teacher’
Alvarez’s performance in English Teacher is a true highlight of the series. For those unfamiliar with his work, his unique style as a performer is difficult, but it’s clear that he brings something special to the role of Evan.
Whether he’s delivering a snarky line or showing a more vulnerable side, Alvarez’s portrayal of Evan is both nuanced and entertaining. His ability to capture the daily frustrations of teachers is particularly evident in a standout scene at a chaotic community town hall meeting, where his emotions burst forth in a moment of pure comedic brilliance.
The supporting cast is equally strong, contributing to the fun of the series. However, it’s Alvarez’s performance at the center of the show that truly makes English Teacher shine. His ability to balance humor with moments of sincerity without overplaying his role is impressive, making his character one that viewers can both laugh with and relate to.
As English Teacher continues, there is hope that we will see more of Evan’s journey, with Alvarez at the helm, shows the ups and downs of school life in his own inimitable way. English Teacher is a standout comedy that brilliantly captures the complexities and absurdities of modern education.
Through sharp humor and relatable characters, Brian Jordan Alvarez delivers a show that is both timely and timeless. The series blends fast-paced comedy with insightful commentary, making it not only one of the best new shows of the year but also a potential classic.
Alvarez’s performance is exceptional, bringing depth and humor to a role that resonates with viewers. English Teacher leaves audiences eagerly anticipating more, promising continued laughs and reflections on the challenges of school life.
English Teacher premieres with two episodes on FX on September 2 and will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
