Despite a near-perfect score from critics and a devoted fanbase, the charming high school comedy "English Teacher" has been axed by FX after just two seasons, leaving many wondering what led to its untimely exit.
TL;DR: The Quick Breakdown for 'English Teacher' Fans
- FX officially canceled "English Teacher" on November 12, 2025, just six weeks after its second season premiered on Hulu.
- The show, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, earned immense critical praise, including a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score for Season 1 and a perfect 100% for Season 2.
- Sexual assault allegations against Alvarez by a former collaborator, Jon Ebeling, surfaced before the show's launch and reportedly impacted its viewership, despite Alvarez's denials.
Imagine hitting every academic benchmark with flying colors, acing your exams, and charming all your teachers, only to find out you've been expelled anyway. That's essentially the predicament facing "English Teacher," the beloved FX comedy that garnered incredible critical acclaim but ultimately couldn't escape the axe.
For those who followed Evan Marquez, the gay high school English teacher in Austin, Texas, played by series creator Brian Jordan Alvarez, the news hit hard on November 12, 2025. Just a month and a half after its second season dropped all 10 episodes at once on Hulu, FX confirmed that there would be no third semester for the witty workplace sitcom.
Charting the Course of Critical Acclaim for 'English Teacher'
"English Teacher" first debuted in September 2024, quickly establishing itself as a standout in the crowded comedy landscape. The show followed Evan Marquez as he navigated the complex and often hilarious minefield of high school life – from dealing with demanding students and overbearing parents to quirky colleagues.
Critics were enamored with its sharp humor, emotional honesty, and nuanced performances. Season 1, comprising eight episodes, earned a stellar 98% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This critical darling status was further cemented with significant industry recognition, including four Independent Spirit Award nominations (like Best New Scripted Series), as well as nods from the Critics Choice Television Awards and WGA Awards. (Source: Deadline, Nellie Andreeva, "‘English Teacher’ Canceled By FX After 2 Seasons," November 12, 2025).
The praise continued to pour in for the sophomore run. Season 2 soared even higher, achieving a rare and coveted 100% perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers, like AV Club, highlighted the show's "chemistry, playbook, and legs for more potential seasons," underscoring the general sentiment that "English Teacher" was a comedy with a bright future. (Source: MLive, Matt Durr, "English Teacher cancelled after 2 seasons at FX," November 12, 2025).
Meet the Dedicated Faculty of Austin High
At the heart of "English Teacher" was its dynamic ensemble cast, bringing to life the diverse personalities within the Austin high school setting. Brian Jordan Alvarez led the charge as Evan Marquez, the passionate yet exasperated English teacher often caught at the intersection of personal and professional dilemmas.
His best friend and fellow teacher, Gwen, was portrayed by Stephanie Koenig. Sean Patton played the gym teacher, Markie, while Carmen Christopher brought the "wild card" guidance counselor, Rick, to life. Enrico Colantoni rounded out the core faculty as the perpetually "terrified" Principal Grant Moretti. Even Evan's ex, Malcolm, played by Jordan Firstman, made a notable return in the Season 1 finale, hinting at rekindled romance.
The Shadow of Allegations: A Timeline of Controversy
Despite its critical success, "English Teacher" found itself navigating a turbulent stream of controversy almost from the start. Months before the show's initial launch, allegations of sexual assault against its creator and star, Brian Jordan Alvarez, surfaced. These claims were made by Jon Ebeling, a former friend and collaborator who worked with Alvarez on the web series "The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo" in the mid-2010s.
Ebeling's allegations, which gained wider attention through a December 2024 report in New York Magazine's Vulture, detailed instances of alleged non-consensual sexual activity. He claimed that during a 2016 shoot for their web series, Alvarez engaged in a sexual act under the guise of filming a scene, despite Ebeling feeling "frozen" and unable to stop it. Ebeling also filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department on September 1, 2024—just one day before "English Teacher" premiered—eight years after the alleged assault. (Source: Vulture, "FX Cancels English Teacher After Two Seasons," November 12, 2025; NJ.com, Sara Donnellan, "The critically-acclaimed comedy ‘English Teacher’ has been canceled after two seasons," November 12, 2025).
Alvarez, through his attorney Michael J. Kump, vehemently denied these claims. His legal team stated that Alvarez's "interactions with Jon Ebeling were always entirely consensual — as numerous witnesses have attested." The attorney also characterized Ebeling as a "self-described manipulator," suggesting a distortion of events. (Source: NJ.com, Sara Donnellan, "The critically-acclaimed comedy ‘English Teacher’ has been canceled after two seasons," November 12, 2025).
FX's Official Stance:
"We reviewed the allegations presented to us by another media outlet prior to the show's launch. Mr. Ebeling never reached out to us with any concerns. We will have no further comment at this time."
— FX statement, referenced in multiple news outlets (November 12, 2025)
Despite the controversy, FX proceeded with a second season. The renewal for Season 2 came in February 2025, approximately four months after the Season 1 finale aired, and after FX had publicly acknowledged reviewing the allegations. This decision in itself raised eyebrows among some, including Ebeling, who told The Daily Beast in February 2025 that he was "heartbroken and devastated" by the renewal. He also expressed fear for others working with Alvarez. (Source: NJ.com, Sara Donnellan, "The critically-acclaimed comedy ‘English Teacher’ has been canceled after two seasons," November 12, 2025).
The Unspoken Reasons Behind the Cancellation Curtain
When news of the cancellation broke, FX remained tight-lipped about its specific reasoning, which is a common practice in the industry. Officially, the network did not publicly link the decision to either the allegations against Alvarez or the show's viewership numbers. This silence, while strategically cautious for a network navigating sensitive issues, left fans and industry watchers to connect the dots themselves.
However, multiple reports from outlets like Deadline and Azat TV pointed to low viewership for Season 2 as a significant contributing factor, despite its perfect critical score. The second season, which premiered in September 2025, opted for a full-season drop on Hulu rather than a week-to-week release, which might have affected its buzz and audience retention. It’s a classic Hollywood conundrum: stellar reviews don't always translate into the massive viewership numbers networks need to justify continued investment.
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Alvarez likely compounded the viewership challenge. While FX renewed the show after reviewing the allegations, the media scrutiny and ongoing public discussion might have deterred some potential viewers, or even loyal fans, from tuning in for Season 2. This created a difficult tradeoff for FX, balancing critical prestige with the commercial realities and reputational risks of supporting a show with such a cloud hanging over its lead. The limited press rollout for Season 2 also suggests an attempt to manage this delicate situation.
The Human Impact: A Mini-Story from the Fan Perspective
For many, "English Teacher" wasn't just another comedy; it was a fresh voice in television, especially for queer audiences. Take Sarah, a 28-year-old high school teacher herself, who found solace and laughter in Evan Marquez's dry wit and relatable struggles. "I connected so much with Evan's character, trying to make a difference while dealing with the absurdity of high school," she shares. "When the allegations came out, it really put me in a tough spot. I wanted to support the show and its incredible ensemble, but it made me question whether I could separate the art from the artist. I ended up watching Season 2, but it felt... different. The cancellation still stings, especially for the other cast members and crew who poured their hearts into it." Sarah's experience mirrors a broader sentiment among fans who grappled with the difficult choice of continuing to watch amid the swirling controversy.
Alvarez, known for his roles as Estéfán on "Will & Grace" and Wesley on "Jane the Virgin," as well as his popular internet personality "TJ Mack," has reportedly reposted messages of support from colleagues on social media following the cancellation. While "English Teacher" ends its run, Alvarez has continued to work, with mentions of voicing a character in the 2025 animated series "StuGo" and an appearance in "M3GAN 2.0," according to Azat TV.
Reflecting on the Industry's Evolving Landscape
The cancellation of "English Teacher" serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often unforgiving nature of the entertainment industry. It highlights the growing tension between artistic merit, audience metrics, and the increasing scrutiny of personal conduct in the public eye. Networks are continuously forced to weigh critical acclaim and passionate fanbases against commercial viability and reputational risk.
While FX chose not to explicitly state the reason for cancellation, the confluence of low viewership and the ongoing controversy around its star presents a compelling, albeit tragic, narrative for a show that many believed was just finding its stride. It underscores how quickly creative projects can unravel when personal and professional worlds collide, leaving both creators and audiences in search of answers that may never be fully articulated.
Practical Takeaways for Viewers and Industry Watchers
- Critical Acclaim Isn't Everything: Even with perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores, a show needs sufficient viewership to survive in a competitive streaming landscape.
- Controversy Can Cast a Long Shadow: Allegations against key creative personnel can impact audience perception and viewership, even if legal outcomes are pending or denied.
- Network Decisions are Complex: Cancellations are rarely due to a single factor, often balancing artistic integrity, financial performance, and public relations.
- The Fate of Ensemble Casts: When a show is canceled due to issues involving a lead, it unfortunately impacts the entire cast and crew who contribute their talent.
FAQ: Your Questions About 'English Teacher's' Cancellation
Q: Where can I still watch the two seasons of "English Teacher"? A: Both seasons of "English Teacher" are available for streaming on Hulu.
Q: Why did FX not give a clear reason for the cancellation? A: Networks often refrain from publicly detailing the exact reasons for cancellations, especially when sensitive issues or low viewership numbers are involved, to avoid further controversy or provide specific financial data.
Q: Will there be a movie or a special to conclude the story? A: As of now, there has been no indication from FX or the creators about any plans for a movie or special to wrap up the series. The cancellation appears to be final.
Q: What was the critical reception like for "English Teacher"? A: The show was highly acclaimed by critics, earning 98% on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1 and a perfect 100% for Season 2, along with several award nominations.
Sources
- TVLine: "English Teacher Cancelled After 2 Seasons At FX" by Dave Nemetz, Nov. 12, 2025
- Deadline: "‘English Teacher’ Canceled By FX After 2 Seasons" by Nellie Andreeva, November 12, 2025
- The Hollywood Reporter: "‘English Teacher’ Ending After Two Seasons at FX" by Carly Thomas, November 12, 2025
- MLive: "English Teacher cancelled after 2 seasons at FX" by Matt Durr, November 12, 2025
- Vulture: "FX Cancels English Teacher After Two Seasons," November 12, 2025
- The Independent: "English Teacher axed after two seasons despite excellent ratings, amid sexual assault allegations" November 13, 2025
- NJ.com: "The critically-acclaimed comedy ‘English Teacher’ has been canceled after two seasons" by Sara Donnellan, November 12, 2025
- Azat TV: "Why FX Cancelled ‘English Teacher’: The Jon Ebeling Allegations and Their Impact" November 13, 2025
- Variety: "FX Cancels Brian Jordan Alvarez’s ‘English Teacher’ After Two Seasons" November 12, 2025