The new show ‘English Teacher’ blends comedy with contemporary issues, exploring the complexities of modern education through the lens of a gay educator in the conservative South.
A new television show titled English Teacher has debuted, distinguishing itself by blending comedy with contemporary hot-button topics. The series, created by Alvarez, a 37-year-old writer born in Manhattan and primarily raised in Tennessee, offers a fresh perspective on the complexities and humour found in modern education, particularly in the Southern United States.
English Teacher features a noteworthy cast, including the famous drag artist Trixie Mattel, known widely for appearances in drag performance alongside icons like RuPaul. In the show’s second episode, Mattel guest stars as a ‘drag football coach’, an innovative character designed to bring both laughs and thoughtful commentary. The show’s fourth episode delves into the pressing issue of guns in schools, capturing a topic that resonates widely across the nation.
A significant theme running through the series is the experience of protagonist Evan, a gay educator operating in the conservative South. Through Evan’s journey, English Teacher explores the nuanced challenges and triumphs faced by educators with diverse backgrounds and identities.
Alvarez has expressed deep affection and understanding for the Southern setting of the show, stemming from his own upbringing. He shared, “I have a lot of love for the South. I also sort of knew, well, my mom’s Colombian, so we’re not quite from here. So I think you can feel that in the show, too.” This sentiment reflects in the show’s Texas setting, which serves as a backdrop rich with cultural and social diversity.
The influence of education is a significant part of Alvarez’s lineage, with both his mother and sister being educators. This familial connection to teaching informs the show’s authentic portrayal of school life. As Alvarez notes, “It’s sort of in my blood, and I’ve never done it. It’s that thing where somebody says, ‘I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.’”
One of the notable strengths of English Teacher is its balanced approach to its subject matter, emphasising the perspectives of students alongside those of the educators, with an ongoing dialogue about contemporary issues, including the so-called ‘woke’ and ‘anti-woke’ dynamics.
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