"As a routine girl, nothing is more precious to me than my emotional support wind-down TV show. I’m particular when it comes to my evening rot entertainment, and unfortunately, that means I’ve re-watched New Girl a frightening number of times. I have to say it—they just don’t make TV like they used to. But for the girls out there who’ve survived this drought with a steady diet of Parks and Rec, New Girl, and Abbott Elementary… oh boy, do I have the show for you.
English Teacher has single-handedly cured all of my wind-down TV show woes. This FX comedy is the perfect marriage of pop culture, current events, and joy. Emotionally complex yet comedically one-dimensional characters are so back, baby! If this sounds up your alley, I’m breaking down what to expect and why you should watch it.
What is English Teacher about?
English Teacher is set in a suburban school in Austin, Texas, where kids can’t read, parents protest queer representation, and fellow teachers start gun clubs. If this premise sounds a little too much like the headlines for a comedy series, fear not—English Teacher tackles every heavy topic with hilarity. The series follows gay English teacher Evan (played by the show’s creator, Brian Jordan Alvarez) as he navigates pressure from parents, clashes with fellow teachers, and tackles his own chaotic dating life. He often finds himself, against his will, as the face of conversations about queerness or the regretful champion of other progressive causes. Sometimes, he manages to create meaningful conversation in his community… and other times, he totally flops.
The ensemble cast keeps the show engaging
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been missing the ensemble cast hilarity of sitcoms like New Girl or How I Met Your Mother. Luckily, English Teacher delivers on this front. Surrounding Evan is a lively cast of characters, including but not limited to best friend and fellow teacher, Gwen (who’s secretly haunted by her placement on the hottest teachers list); stereotypical alpha male-coded football coach, Markie; and Principal Grant Moretti, a boomer who remains neutral and doesn’t share his personal opinions.
This is an ensemble as lovable as any classic workplace sitcom, with characters that constantly surprise and delight you as much as they piss you off. It follows in the footsteps of iconic shows like Parks & Rec, with archetypal characters who are constantly butting heads while developing genuine care for each other along the way. Something about that combo is gonna do it for me every time.
English Teacher tackles serious subjects with lightness
In today’s day and age, there’s possibly no bigger controversy than how kids “should” be raised—and English Teacher doesn’t shy away from this truth. The reason this show tickles my brain so much is because it takes on intense modern controversies without being too morally righteous. Pot-stirring topics like gun control, trans rights, youth culture, and therapy speak all come up in English Teacher—however, instead of monologuing the message, Evan is often learning right along with the viewer. This show takes each complex situation, gives it a funky little spin, and lets us sit puzzling over what the “right” move really looks like. It’s got all the moral dilemmas of The Office and all of the humor, too. At the end of the day, no one is safe from mockery, regardless of demographics or politics, which is exactly what makes English Teacher so great.
So, should you watch English Teacher?
English Teacher somehow manages to tackle the messiness of being human, the chaos of our generational differences, and the problems with our education system all while making me giggle and kick my feet. At its core, English Teacher shows what it really looks like when people are trying their best—whether that’s handling hot-button topics, figuring out their love lives, or simply trying to teach their students. Right now, finding the balance of staying engaged and informed while also being mentally well feels like walking a tightrope over a flaming hot comment section. Every night, English Teacher helps me touch grass without entirely tuning out, and I think just about everybody could benefit from watching a show like this one.
Abigail Moseman, Social Media Assistant
As the Social Media Assistant, Abi works with the Social Media Editors to ideate and create content, and build community across all of The Everygirl’s social channels. Outside of the office, you may find Abi coaching group fitness classes at Equinox, meandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s, or strolling through a Chicago farmers market