AlthoughEnglish TeacherandAbbott Elementaryaren’t identical, this only makesthe two workplace sitcoms more complimentary.Abbott Elementaryseason 4is one of 2024’s most hotly anticipated TV returns. However, while viewers wait forAbbott Elementary’s cast of charactersto 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, Kotterestablished many of the tropes that would become commonplace in later school sitcoms. Over the decades, everything from the ‘90s dramedyFreaks and Geeks to the cheesy ‘80s hit Saved by the Belloffered different comedic, dramatic takes on high school life. In the UK, the cult hitBad Educationwon over critics while, from 2016 until 2019, TVLand’sTeachersoffered a similarly comical look at the life of faculty members.2021’sAbbott Elementaryproved a huge hit with viewers and reviewers alike, and its success may have contributed to FX’sEnglish 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 ElementaryAndEnglish Teachercould not be more different despite their superficial similarities. Both sitcoms are set in schools, but that’s about it in terms of crossover.English Teacherutilizes the standard single-camera sitcom setup, whereasAbbott Elementaryis structured as a mockumentary.English Teacheralso has a small town setting, whereasAbbottElementaryfocuses 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, whileQuinta Brunson’sAbbott Elementaryheroine Janineis painfully idealistic. Despite this,both shows complement each other perfectly.Brian Jordan Alvarez rose to prominence via TikTok sketch comedy andEnglish Teacherbrings some of the medium’s edgier attitude to the world of TV sitcoms.English Teacheris spiky, cynical, and occasionally surprisingly sweet, whileAbbott Elementary’s warmth is the show’s defining characteristic.
WhereAbbott Elementaryoften surprises viewers by addressing serious topics amid its fun, playful character comedy,English Teachertakes 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 Teacherdoesn’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 Teacheradds a welcome mean streak back to its school comedy, but both the new FX show andAbbott Elementarytouch on some serious themes within their storylines. WhileAbbott Elementary’s riskiest episodesfeature PG nods to drugs and sex,English Teacher’s foul-mouthed students and teachers are much more uninhibited.
BothEnglish TeacherandAbbott Elementaryoffer a funny, frank look at modern education, but the two shows do so from very different perspectives and via very different styles.
This approach allowsEnglish Teacherto differentiate itself fromAbbott Elementarywhile also reminding viewers why they love the earlier hit. BothEnglish TeacherandAbbott Elementaryoffer a funny, frank look at modern education, but the two shows do so from very different perspectives and via very different styles.
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Abbott Elementary
Cast
Abbott 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.
English Teacher
Evan, a gay high school English teacher, and his coworkers as they try to balance the complicated demands of their students.
