Although Abbott Elementary’s cast of characters to grace screens again, a new series represents a perfect replacement for the show. For decades, the world of schools has provided plenty of fodder for sitcom writers. Schools are inspired settings for workplace sitcoms since, as an institution, they force adults and children from all walks of life into proximity and provide plenty of potential conflicts.
In the ‘70s, Welcome Back, Kotter established many of the tropes that would become commonplace in later school sitcoms. Over the decades, everything from the ‘90s dramedy Freaks and Geeks to the cheesy ‘80s hit Saved by the Bell offered different comedic, dramatic takes on high school life. In the UK, the cult hit Bad Education won over critics while, from 2016 until 2019, TVLand’s Teachers offered a similarly comical look at the life of faculty . 2021’s Abbott Elementary proved a huge hit with viewers and reviewers alike, and its success may have contributed to FX’s English Teacher.
English Teacher & Abbott Elementary Have The Same Premise
Abbott Elementary And English Teacher Are Both Sitcoms Set In Schools
While the two shows are both workplace comedies set in a school, Abbott Elementary And English Teacher could not be more different despite their superficial similarities. Both sitcoms are set in schools, but that’s about it in of crossover. English Teacher utilizes the standard single-camera sitcom setup, whereas Abbott Elementary is structured as a mockumentary. English Teacher also has a small town setting, whereas Abbott Elementary focuses on a big city school.
Abbott Elementary Season 4 Has The Perfect Chance To Bring Back A Forgotten Story From 3 Years Ago
Abbott Elementary season 4 can bring back a character detail the workplace sitcom forgot about since season 1, although this risks another plot.
Brian Jordan Alvarez’s Evan Marquez is a jaded antihero, while Quinta Brunson’s Abbott Elementary heroine Janine is painfully idealistic. Despite this, both shows complement each other perfectly. Brian Jordan Alvarez rose to prominence via TikTok sketch comedy and English Teacher brings some of the medium’s edgier attitude to the world of TV sitcoms. English Teacher is spiky, cynical, and occasionally surprisingly sweet, while Abbott Elementary’s warmth is the show’s defining characteristic.
Where Abbott Elementary often surprises viewers by addressing serious topics amid its fun, playful character comedy, English Teacher takes the opposite approach. Alvarez’s show is darkly funny, with moments of sweetness shining through due to how unexpected they are within its sardonic milieu. Like many FX comedies, English Teacher doesn’t wear its heart on its sleeve.
How English Teacher Compares To Abbott Elementary
English Teacher’s Comedy Style Is Spikier And More Cynical
English Teacher adds a welcome mean streak back to its school comedy, but both the new FX show and Abbott Elementary touch on some serious themes within their storylines. While Abbott Elementary’s riskiest episodes feature PG nods to drugs and sex, English Teacher’s foul-mouthed students and teachers are much more uninhibited.
Both English Teacher and Abbott Elementary offer a funny, frank look at modern education, but the two shows do so from very different perspectives and via very different styles.
This approach allows English Teacher to differentiate itself from Abbott Elementary while also reminding viewers why they love the earlier hit. Both English Teacher and Abbott Elementary offer a funny, frank look at modern education, but the two shows do so from very different perspectives and via very different styles.
Key Facts |
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Abbott Elementary (2021) |
English Teacher (2024) |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score |
99% |
97% |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
85% |
81% |
Abbott Elementary season 4 premieres on Wednesday, October 9.
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Abbott Elementary
9/10- Release Date
- December 7, 2021
- Network
- ABC
- Showrunner
- Quinta Brunson
Cast
Quinta BrunsonJanine Teagues
Tyler James WilliamsGregory Eddie
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYAbbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
- Seasons
- 4
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English Teacher
- Release Date
- September 2, 2024
- Network
- FX
Cast
Brian Jordan AlvarezEvan
Savanna GannBecca
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYEvan, a gay high school English teacher, and his coworkers as they try to balance the complicated demands of their students.
- Seasons
- 1
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