Rating: 4/5 stars

New television shows definitely had to adapt to the ever-changing world of social media and content. Humor and comedy have evolved with social media platforms such as TikTok and it seemed that some shows could not fully emulate Gen Z humor without feeling disconnected and “cringy.”

However, shows such as “Abbot Elementary” and “English Teacher” have gone all-in on this new style of comedy. Everything in these shows feels relatable and is a type of comedy new generations can connect with. 

“English Teacher” is a comedy drama following a gay English teacher named Evan Marquez who is played by Brian Jordan Alvarez (“Will & Grace”). Alvarez also created the show, which gives “English Teacher” a sense of relatability. 

Set in Texas, the show follows Evan Marquez and the funny and serious moments of navigating being gay and progressive in a very right-leaning area. The contrasts Evan with the other staff members, specifically the gym teacher, Markie Hillridge, played by Sean Patton (“This Joka”), who often contradicts or stereotypes Evan but it is depicted as very lighthearted and a sense of comedic relief in the show. 

Evan’s best friend and fellow teacher Gwen Sanders (Stephanie Koenig, “The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo”) adds another layer onto Evan’s character development, often supporting him in his endeavors of fighting off some injustice or conflict in the show. 

The characters are truly the highlight of the show. The students truly reflect how teenagers are in the 21st century and the humor feels so in touch with social media. Many jokes are quick, but really are cause for laugh-out-loud moments and the relatability of the humor invites that sense of comfort. 

Although there are only six episodes out currently, “English Teacher” has managed to tackle several current topics that are extremely relevant to high school students. The first episode tackles being a gay teacher in Texas when Evan is being put under investigation after a student catches him kissing his boyfriend quickly. Other issues that the show has mentioned in very fun and entertaining ways are ideas of gender roles, friendships and “syndromes.”

With the current alarming rate of school shootings, “English Teacher” also had an episode about fire safety. Evan believes there is a school shooting happening when he hears gunshots, but he soon finds out Markie just started a fire safety club. Evan begins to stand against this and reluctantly gets the students to join him. The way this was portrayed just felt very real and honest. The students and staff were just used to this idea of gun safety in their schools and it felt how most students have become numb to school shootings.

Overall, “English Teacher” is a great example of how comedy is shifting and how to execute it in this new era of television. The characters are vital in any sitcom and the show does a great job of having memorable and hysterical characters. The themes of the show are impactful and go about speaking on harder topics tastefully and real. “English Teacher” is truly a powerful comedy-drama that hopefully will be around for seasons to come.

Image from FX Networks via YouTube