‘English Teacher’ starring Brian Jordan Alvarez is a disappointment

Considering the variety of streaming platforms these days, new TV shows seem to try harder and harder to capture the zeitgeist of our modern culture’s social issues. However, these shows usually have just a splash of humor mixed with C-SPAN levels of politics and social commentary. “English Teacher” is yet another such attempt. Hulu’s new series plunges viewers deep into the world of the mundane struggles that modern teachers face as they adjust to an ever-changing youth culture. But, while the show has its comedic moments and manages to offer some world-savvy observations, it attempts to insert modern social commentary falter in every scene, making the show feel less like a cohesive series and more like a millennial-produced TikTok skit roasting Gen Z.

From the very beginning, “English Teacher” establishes itself as that kind of show — self-aware, even meta, in its commentary. The premise? An English teacher (Brian Jordan Alvarez, “80 For Brady”) fumbles his way through the pedagogical complexities of the digital age and Gen Z culture. Within this rich premise lay fertile ground for exploring generational divides, educational challenges and social justice as it intersects with everyday life. As the episodes progress, though, there is something awry in the manner of its engagement with these topics. With a few exceptions, this show is often tipped into excessive stereotypes of wokeness, more interested in hitting all the right buzzwords than in constructing a genuine, thoughtful narrative.

The show portrays the “meanest” generation ever: Gen Z. At least, that’s how the writers feel. The show paints them as the generation that doesn’t take ridicule well and gets upset with anything that could hurt someone’s feelings, even by accident.  Rather than treating an entire generation with the nuance it deserves, “English Teacher” caricatures Gen Z, hewing closely to exaggerated tropes of “oversensitivity,” an obsession with political correctness and an annoyingly constant social media presence. These characters come across as superficial, as if the writers (likely millennials and Generation Xers) are painting Gen Z with broad strokes. It feels like there is someone in the writers’ room constantly saying, “This is what the kids think nowadays.” The show resembles some sort of skit created by millennials who don’t quite understand or respect Gen Z, but are trying desperately to imitate their mannerisms. The satire feels misdirected, more mocking the younger generation rather than delving into the deeper issues it faces.

In no way is a 20-minute-episode sitcom required to provide groundbreaking theories on social justice, but “English Teacher” could have been a clever, sharp critique of the real challenges both educators and students face in an ever-evolving cultural landscape. The premise alone is fraught with possibility. Digging deeper into what it means to be a teacher in this age of social media, cultural sensitivity and political correctness should provide endless fodder. Too often, though, the show relies on surface laughs rather than digging into more salient issues with any real depth.

That said, “English Teacher” is by no means devoid of strong comedic moments. The show’s over-the-top character interactions can sometimes be side-splittingly funny, particularly when they tap into certain absurdities of modern life. When it works, the humor is quick, sharp and understated positively. There are these subtle, witty moments where the show excels — drawing laughs not from some broadly exaggerated joke but from the awkwardness and uncertainty of real life.

One of the show’s strengths indeed has to do with the ensemble cast and the different personalities that come along with it — things that ensure many different outlooks on various topics. Despite sometimes heavy-handed dialogue, actors manage to conjure up a kind of realism in their performances that makes the most outlandish scenarios somewhat believable. Brian Jordan Alvarez deftly portrays the titular character of the “English Teacher” as full of sarcasm, frustration and empathy, becoming relatable even when the writing doesn’t support him. The inner battle of a teacher to stay relevant in an increasingly digital and socially conscious world feels very genuine and is, in fact, very real for many educators these days.

Still, these redeeming qualities don’t save the show completely from all its flaws. “English Teacher” tends to either reduce complex social issues to punchlines or employ them as plot devices to push the story forward. From getting “canceled” for not respecting a student’s fake illness, to bringing in a drag performer (Trixie Mattel, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) to coach boys for a Powderpuff dance, there are so many punchline plots in the show that are so absurd they take away from the real issues they were supposed to address.

“English Teacher” is a bit of a mixed bag. It has moments of witty humor which make an enjoyable watch when you’re not taking it too seriously. On the other hand, the show prevents itself from being the incisive and poignant commentary it could be by oversimplifying Gen Z and making the comedy less funny and more uncomfortable. While it may not be the most profound or groundbreaking show out there, it’s still worth checking out if you’re in the mood for something light and occasionally funny — just don’t expect it to offer too much more than that.

Daily Arts Contributor Tiffany McKalko can be reached at tmckalko@umich.edu.

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