In English Teacher, Brian Jordan Alvarez takes on a markedly different role as Evan Marquez, a high school English teacher navigating the complexities of teaching in a politically charged environment in Austin, Texas. This FX series marks a departure from Alvarez's signature comedic online persona, placing him in a more relatable, albeit challenging, situation. The show tackles the unique struggles of being a gay educator in a southern school, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the absurdities of contemporary education.
Evan, the central character, is portrayed as a "normie" who aspires to do a good job while facing scrutiny from concerned parents and an overwhelmed principal, played by Enrico Colantoni. The series opens with Evan under investigation for kissing his former colleague and on-again, off-again boyfriend, Malcolm (Jordan Firstman), which sets the stage for a deeper exploration of societal expectations and personal integrity. The storyline effectively critiques the ongoing politicization of education, making it clear that Evan's challenges reflect broader issues within the system.
While Evan often finds himself in the right, the series distinguishes itself by allowing various characters to display both their strengths and flaws. Among Evan's allies are Gwen (Stephanie Koenig), a history teacher more focused on her social media presence than teaching; Rick (Carmen Christopher), a stoner guidance counselor; and the well-meaning yet clumsy football coach Markie Hillridge (Sean Patton). These characters inject humor and heart into the narrative, making the ensemble far more engaging than the protagonist alone.