Why FX Pulled the Plug on 'English Teacher' Despite Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Scores

The acclaimed FX comedy English Teacher, a show celebrated for its sharp wit and compelling characters, has been canceled after just two seasons. This sudden news, coming less than two months after its second season premiered, has left fans and critics scratching their heads, especially given the show's near-perfect critical reception.

TL;DR

• FX officially canceled the critically beloved comedy English Teacher in November 2025 after two seasons.
• The show, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, received outstanding reviews, including a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for its second season.
• The cancellation follows sexual assault allegations against Alvarez by former colleague Jon Ebeling, though FX has not publicly stated the reason for ending the series.

Unpacking the Critical Acclaim and Unique Charm of FX's English Teacher

Imagine a high school where the lessons extend far beyond the classroom, deep into the hilarious and often uncomfortable realities of modern life. That was the world of English Teacher, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez as Evan Marquez, a gay high school English teacher in Austin, Texas. The series masterfully blended professional demands with personal drama, navigating the complexities of student expectations, parent interactions, and the ever-shifting cultural landscape within a school environment.

From its debut, the show quickly earned a reputation as a must-watch. Critics adored its "sharp humor" and "emotional honesty," praising its ability to tackle contemporary issues with both satire and heart. The first season alone garnered impressive accolades, including nominations for Critics Choice, Film Independent Spirit Awards, and a WGA Award for the episode “Linda.”

The critical love only deepened with its second season. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes awarded the first season a stellar 98% fresh rating, which the second season then incredibly topped with a perfect 100%. Sources like The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the show’s “sharp ensemble, smart perspective, and finely honed sense of humor,” while The New York Times lauded Alvarez’s performance for striking “just the right note of curdled exasperation.” (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "‘English Teacher’ Ending After Two Seasons," November 12, 2025). The consensus was clear: this was a comedy with significant potential and a devoted following.

A Deep Dive into the Sexual Assault Allegations Against Brian Jordan Alvarez

However, despite the glowing reviews and passionate fanbase, a significant shadow loomed over English Teacher: sexual assault allegations against its creator and lead star, Brian Jordan Alvarez. These claims, made by former colleague Jon Ebeling, became public in late 2024, prior to the show's second season premiere.

Ebeling, who had worked with Alvarez on the web series The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo in the mid-2010s, alleged multiple instances of non-consensual sexual activity. According to a detailed December 2024 investigation by Vulture, Ebeling claimed that during a 2016 film shoot, Alvarez allegedly "pulled down [his] underwear and began sucking his ps" under the guise of filming a sex scene, even as Ebeling felt "frozen" and unable to stop it. He also alleged an earlier incident at Alvarez's apartment, where a social hang-out turned sexual. (Source: Vulture, "Jon Ebeling Alleges Sexual Assault By Brian Jordan Alvarez," December 2024).

Ebeling further intensified the situation by filing a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department on September 1, 2024, just one day before English Teacher's first season premiered. He also reported the incident to the Screen Actors Guild. Alvarez, through his attorney Michael J. Kump, vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that his interactions with Ebeling were "always entirely consensual" and that Ebeling "enthusiastically gave consent." (Source: Variety, "‘English Teacher’ Creator Brian Jordan Alvarez Denies Former Co-Star Jon Ebeling's Assault Allegations: ‘Entirely Consensual’," December 2024).

The Network's Stance and the Murky Waters of Cancellation Decisions

FX found itself in a challenging position. When the allegations first surfaced, the network issued a statement acknowledging their awareness:

"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."

Interestingly, despite these allegations, FX went on to renew English Teacher for a second season in February 2025, four months after its first season finale and two months after the Vulture story broke. This decision itself raised eyebrows, prompting Ebeling to tell the Daily Beast in February that he was "heartbroken and devastated" by the renewal. (Source: NJ.com, "The critically-acclaimed comedy ‘English Teacher’ has been canceled after two seasons," November 12, 2025).

The second season, all 10 episodes, premiered in September 2025, maintaining its critical darling status. Yet, a mere month and a half later, in November 2025, news broke that FX would not be proceeding with a third season. The network has chosen not to publicly disclose the exact reasoning behind the cancellation, leading to a swirl of speculation.

Why the Sudden End for a Critical Favorite? Examining the Trade-offs.

With FX remaining tight-lipped, industry observers and fans are left to piece together the puzzle. There are primarily two major theories circulating:

1. Low Viewership Despite Acclaim: While English Teacher was a critical smash, it wasn't necessarily a massive audience draw. Deadline reported that while the show developed a "devoted following," it "wasn’t able to attract large audience." (Source: Deadline, "‘English Teacher’ Canceled By FX After Two Seasons," November 12, 2025). In the competitive streaming landscape, even highly praised shows need a substantial viewership to justify their costs, and FX may have found the numbers simply didn't add up for a third season, regardless of critical consensus.
2. Ongoing Controversy: The sexual assault allegations against Alvarez undoubtedly cast a long shadow. Despite FX's initial renewal, the continued public conversation and potential reputational risk could have influenced the network's long-term decision. Networks often weigh the talent and creative vision against potential negative publicity, and the lack of a "clean slate" might have made the show a difficult asset to continue investing in, especially with its lead also being the creator.

It's plausible, even likely, that both factors played a role. A show with immense critical success but struggling viewership becomes particularly vulnerable when compounded by ongoing controversy. While FX's earlier renewal suggested a willingness to stand by Alvarez despite the allegations, the quiet cancellation could signify a different assessment of the long-term viability and public perception, especially given the short press rollout for the second season. The network had to weigh the critical love against commercial realities and the PR challenges inherent in the situation.

Example: The Ripple Effect on Supporting Talent

Consider the situation from the perspective of a supporting actor like Stephanie Koenig, who played Evan's best friend Gwen. She, along with Enrico Colantoni, Sean Patton, and Carmen Christopher, delivered acclaimed performances and built a strong on-screen chemistry that contributed significantly to the show's appeal. When a show like English Teacher is canceled under such circumstances, it's not just the lead whose future is impacted; it means a promising job abruptly ends for the entire cast and crew. For actors like Koenig, whose character was reportedly "not always on his side" but a key part of the ensemble, the cancellation, potentially linked to the controversy surrounding the show's creator, means the loss of a valuable platform and income, through no fault of their own. It’s a harsh reminder of how individual actions can have wide-ranging professional consequences for many.

What This Cancellation Means for the Future of Television

The cancellation of English Teacher, a show that seemingly had all the ingredients for success, serves as a poignant reminder of the complex forces at play in the television industry. In an era where calls for accountability are louder than ever, networks are increasingly forced to navigate the tricky intersection of creative talent, commercial viability, and public perception. The lack of transparent communication from FX only underscores the delicate nature of such decisions, leaving both the audience and the creative community to draw their own conclusions.

For fans, the disappointment is palpable. Many expressed their sadness online, lamenting the loss of a unique comedy and questioning why FX couldn't find a way to continue the show, perhaps even without its controversial lead. For the industry, this event reignites discussions about how allegations of misconduct are handled and the ripple effects they have on projects and the careers of all involved. As streaming services and traditional networks compete for eyeballs, the calculus of what makes a show "successful" extends far beyond just critical praise.

Practical Takeaways for Viewers and Industry Watchers

• Critical Acclaim Doesn't Guarantee Longevity: Even shows with perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores can be vulnerable to cancellation due to factors like low viewership or external controversies.
• Network Silence Often Fuels Speculation: When networks don't provide clear reasons for cancellations, it encourages public speculation, especially if talent controversies are involved.
• Allegations Have Broad Impacts: Sexual assault allegations against a creator can have significant, far-reaching consequences for an entire production, affecting cast, crew, and future projects.
• Navigating Ethical Consumption: Viewers may face dilemmas about supporting shows or artists linked to allegations, influencing their viewing choices and impacting audience numbers.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to 'English Teacher's' Cancellation

What was English Teacher about? English Teacher was an FX comedy series about Evan Marquez, a gay high school English teacher in Austin, Texas, navigating his personal and professional life amidst the demands of students, parents, and co-workers. Who starred in English Teacher? The show starred Brian Jordan Alvarez as Evan Marquez, alongside Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni, Sean Patton, and Carmen Christopher. When was English Teacher canceled? FX announced the cancellation of English Teacher in November 2025, less than two months after its second season premiered. Why was English Teacher canceled? FX has not publicly stated the reason for the cancellation. Speculation points to a combination of low viewership despite critical acclaim and the sexual assault allegations against creator and star Brian Jordan Alvarez.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter: ‘English Teacher’ Ending After Two Seasons
• Deadline: ‘English Teacher’ Canceled By FX After Two Seasons
• Vulture: Jon Ebeling Alleges Sexual Assault By Brian Jordan Alvarez
• NJ.com: The critically-acclaimed comedy ‘English Teacher’ has been canceled after two seasons
• Variety: ‘English Teacher’ Creator Brian Jordan Alvarez Denies Former Co-Star Jon Ebeling's Assault Allegations: ‘Entirely Consensual’