Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dating, sex, and language in charming school-set dramedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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English Teacher
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In a small high school in Austin, Texas, ENGLISH TEACHER Evan Marquez (Brian Jordan Alvarez) struggles every day to reconcile his progressive viewpoints and his sexuality (he's a proud gay man) with the conservative Texans that surround him and (some of) his students. Parents complain, students cause drama, administration often demands Evan stop doing something or other. Through it all, this teacher tries to do his best—for himself, for his colleagues, and for his class.
Is It Any Good?
Alvarez has written himself a starring role in this charming, light winner that dabbles in raunchy humor. The school in which English Teacher Evans works is rife with silly antics, and every episode tackles a different theme alongside Evan's co-workers/foils Markie (Sean Patton) and Gwen (Stephanie Koenig). It's a pleasure to drop in and watch an episode, or binge away an afternoon with these flawed but easy-to-like characters. Markie, with his unashamed conservative viewpoint and blunt pronouncements, is particularly fun to watch with Evan; his cheerful acceptance of Evan's sexuality yet constant non-PC mockery gives the pair's on-screen partnership some spice.
Evan himself is principled, caring, anxious, and full of high expectations for himself and the people around him. The friction that comes with being marooned in Austin's bubble of self-acceptance in a conservative Texas that doesn't always appreciate a proud gay teacher is incredibly watchable. Some of the cruder humor might make it a bit awkward to view as a family—a school principal walks into a leather bar where men wear thongs and harnesses, nervously comments on the "fisting porn" playing on TV, then walks in on a couple having oral sex in a bathroom stall. But at its core, English Teacher's tongue-in-cheek themes of friendship and acceptance shouldn't upset or embarrass anyone. The episodes play like old-school issue-of-the-week sitcoms, yet the dialogue is fresh, the characters are lovable, and English Teacher is just plain fun—a lot more fun than going to school yourself (or teaching in it, for that matter).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the realism of English Teacher. Do the school, teachers, and students ring true to you? Do they have to? What is exaggerated for a comic or dramatic effect, and do you find it funny?
How does English Teacher compare to other school-set series such as Abbott Elementary or Friday Night Lights? Why is a school such an enduring setting for comedy and drama? What about it offers comedic and/or dramatic potential?
Brian Jordan Alvarez, who stars as Evan Marquez, created, wrote, and directed this series. Is it common for actors to write shows or movies starring themselves? What other examples can you name?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 2, 2024
- Cast : Brian Jordan Alvarez , Stephanie Koenig , Sean Patton
- Network : FX
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 22, 2024
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