English Teacher (Season 1)

⭐ 9/10

This is the antidote to Abbott Elementary that I was looking for.  Workplace comedy but not a mockumentary, and with a modern take on the lives of teachers that feels true to life. This show is so funny with such tight episodes it was a real shame to learn this was only 8 episodes. I think Abbott feels "lived in" in that each character is distinct and its set in a specific place, but this is the definition of lived in.  Within 5 minutes you believe these people are actually teachers, the interplay between them feels genuine, really just feels like what season 3 of good comedies feel like.  The jokes are well written but don't linger, and don't try to be inside jokes. I think a big benefit here is this is a high school, so the student acting is good and the jokes are hilarious.

Another big difference is that this is a rated R show.  The language and subjects of conversation are inappropriate - this is a high school! We all remember the disgusting things people would say, and while there are some episodes that push believability its more realistic than the mushy feel-good episodes in Abbott.

I should stop comparing - this show is good on its own merit.  I haven't watched a funnier show in a long time. I had seen Brian Jordan Alvarez's Instagram sketch comedy long before I knew his name or that he was making a show, and its cool to see an individual's voice get a stage like this. He is a teacher who pushes back against the coddling of his students and progressive teaching, but he's also gay living a progressive lifestyle, so its fun to see him wrestle with his job and what he stands for every episode.

If you are able to stomach language and a bunch of sexual jokes, and you like to laugh, give it a shot!