INDIANAPOLIS — "English Teacher" is one of the best-reviewed new shows of the fall season.
The FX comedy created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez ("Will & Grace," "M3GAN") follows a high school teacher who strives to meet the conflicting needs of students and parents amidst ever-changing rules.
"I've already heard rumblings that real teachers who watch this show have become triggered and can't watch it because it hits so close to home, so we're obviously doing something right," said Enrico Colantoni ("Veronica Mars," "Galaxy Quest"), who plays principal Grant Moretti. "It's smart, current, funny and heartwarming. You'd think that these characters would really clash, but what makes this show so special is they all care very much about each other."
A show like "English Teacher," set in modern society, puts into perspective what teachers go through on a day to day basis.
"To every teacher and educator out there, keep your chin up. You're doing the good work. We need you. Keep doing what you're doing," said Sean Patton, who plays gym teacher Markie Hillridge. "It makes me appreciate them all so much more. Anyone who doesn't just walk out, God bless you. Stay in the classroom. We need you!"
In the seventh episode, titled "Convention," the teachers and principal attend a teacher's conference, where they learn Moretti may be on the cusp of firing Hillridge.
"I think it's always fun to see characters that are in a familiar environment like the school. You know that's where all the juicy stuff happens," Colantoni said. "But then, you remove them from that environment, you put them in neutral territory, and you get to see their humanity and what they're really like without the pressures of their workday."
In the eighth episode, titled "Birthday," everyone gathers at a gay bar for Alvarez's character's birthday. While there, Hillridge runs into the star quarterback from his high school, who is now proud and comfortable with his sexuality.
"We've all had that moment. Maybe it wasn't while you were at a gay biker bar, but you've had that moment. That was fun as hell to play because you're tapping into an experience you've already lived," Patton said.
With a 97% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and the positive audience reception, "English Teacher" is practically guaranteed to be renewed for a second season, so what do Colatoni and Patton want to see next from their characters?
"It's always fun to see characters outside of their comfort zone. I know there are suggestions that he's not very happy at home, so we'll see how he manages that. Maybe he's got a couple of kids that aren't easy to manage and how he deals with that? That would be fun," Colantoni said.
"Like anybody you root for, you want to see him grow, but there's going to be struggles and mistakes," Patton said. "Markie's a doofus. I want him to make unlimited mistakes going forward and see him learn from them because that's life, that's what we all have to do in this world."
All eight episodes of "English Teacher" are now streaming on Hulu.