English Teacher

This is what good writing looks like.

I consume a lot of comedy -- A LOT -- and this was the best pilot I've seen in a very long time. The cast is strong and the relationships between every character feel incredibly natural. The dialogue is on point as well. I've seen too many school based shows where the students just don't sound natural. These ones do.

I'm only two episodes in, but I can already tell this is a show I'll be rewatching many times --- the world feels real and I'm immediately immersed.

Give it a chance, especially if you love workplace comedies like I do. You won't regret it.

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.

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.

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.

Cinema and TV shows have been scared to write jokes because of the climate we now live in, but this show is what we need! The humor is tongue in cheek, honest, and puts a mirror up to us so we can see how absurdly toxic this generation can be with views!

The chemistry between the cast is stellar along with originality in jokes and plot. We haven't seen a show like this in a long time, especially showing diversity in a way we have never seen before! There's no fear in joking about the differences we all have in this world, exemplifying inclusivity while putting a spotlight on how "loud" our views can be. Thank you English Teacher for teaching TV how to poke fun at everyone again!

This show better be renewed!!!!