English Teacher

A very funny and Fresh take on the high school sitcom genre. We follow an english teacher who happens to be gay. The dialog is smart and witty, the protagonists are likeable, the storyline gives plenty of possibilities to develop over time.

A lot of negative reviews focus on the LGBT+ part of the show. Of course, being gay is as much the main protagonist identity as being straight is part of my identity, but the show doesn't feel preachy. Instead the show focuses on the daily small things that sometimes feels very important, but usually aten't.

I hope the show gets the opportunity to develop, given time it could reach the level of Modern family or The office.

Instead of the stale sitcom premise constantly offered up by most of the major networks, this is a fresh take on school life in the early to mid 2000's, much in the same vein as Abbott Elementary. Kudos to FX for tackling important issues head on, and presenting it in a real, palatable light.

This show has started off showing real grit and common sense on telling its story. Not shying away from the very real issues that are common place in an ever changing world. Nor are they playing to the hackish stereotypes of the LGBTQIA community, teachers or students.

The writing is smart, the storylines solid, the characters are believable and relatable. Really hope FX gives this show the legs to really run.

Am reviewing after only one episode, but based on that, would offer a cautious recommendation. The actors do a commendable job, and the writers nail the myriad issues in today's cultural/political environment that high school students, their parents, and the teachers have to navigate in today's overheated times. In doing so, there are a handful of laughs intermixed with some more poignant moments, and those make for entertaining viewing. But the overall tone tends to run a bit shrill and overplayed which diminishes the impact. Worth giving a look but at least so far not the succeess one might hope for.

Glee this ain't. And that's a good thing. Nails the highs and lows of trying to get by and teach in a public school in today's environment. The comedy is heightened, at times verging on full on satire. The lead character, the English teacher, is gay, so of course there's going to be some focus on lgbt+ issues with him and in the high school itself. But the show enjoys making light of both extremes in our polarized society, left and right. If lgbt+ is all it takes for you to not want to give this, or any show a shot, then I suppose it's not for you. And by that same token, good luck in life if that's all it takes. But for others, I hope you'll give it a try, especially the second episode. The episode seems to be playing out somewhat like a feel good cliché movie, and then there's a hilarious reveal.

Also, somebody commented that they thought this was going to be a wholesome workplace comedy. First off it's on FX. Do you not know what their brand is? And it's a TV MA show. Do your homework. Silly criticism. It's FX - which tends to mean it's daring and groundbreaking in some way. There's some mild swearing and adult content. Move on.

It's a refreshing situation-comedy full of satire and sarcasm, it's not politically correct and it is very, very funny. I'm glad that the censors didn't butcher it by cutting pictures, topics and dialog. It plays against stereotypes, like Markie the PE teacher and coach who is smart and has figured out the students and is not a stereotypical brainless jock/coach.

The scripts for the first three episodes I've seen are very original, with great characters who are well written. The dialog is funny and original. Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig, Sean Patton and Enrico Colantoni are exceptional. And kudos to the young actors/actresses who play the students, they're very good.

FX only ordered 8 episodes, this should have received 18 or 22 episodes it's so well written. This will be copied by other networks because it's so original. I normally hate sit-coms because they'd stupid and not funny, this one is very funny without a laugh track or an audience.