The Chalkboard's Last Lesson: FX Says Goodbye to Brian Jordan Alvarez's 'English Teacher'

Well, here we are, facing yet another bittersweet moment in the ever-unpredictable world of television. It seems FX, after what one could only describe as a rather quiet deliberation, has decided to close the book — quite literally, you could say — on Brian Jordan Alvarez’s rather delightful and distinct series, “English Teacher.” The show, which garnered a dedicated following for its unique voice, will not be returning for a third season.

Honestly, it’s always a bit of a gut punch when a show with such a particular, idiosyncratic vision gets cut short. "English Teacher," for those who perhaps missed its two-season run, was more than just another sitcom. It was Brian Jordan Alvarez's brainchild, a project where he not only starred but also took the reins as creator, writer, and even director for certain episodes. His creative fingerprints were truly all over it, giving the series a wonderfully cohesive, if sometimes wonderfully off-kilter, sensibility.

The series, you see, followed a gay high school English teacher in — where else? — Austin, Texas, navigating the complexities of his professional life alongside, naturally, a good dose of personal drama and quirky student interactions. And Alvarez, with his characteristic blend of humor and heart, brought a fresh perspective to the often-trodden halls of the high school setting. It really was something quite different, wasn't it?

This cancellation, coming after just two seasons, leaves fans with a familiar ache: the sudden void of unfinished storylines and the nagging question of what might have been. Two seasons, sometimes, just isn’t enough time for a show, especially one that takes a little while to find its full stride, to really blossom into a mainstream hit. But then again, maybe it was never meant to be a massive phenomenon, but rather a cherished gem for those who found it.

Such is the landscape of modern television, isn't it? Networks, in their infinite wisdom (or sometimes, their bewildering calculus), make these tough calls. And for the creatives involved, and of course, for us, the viewers who invested our time and affection, it’s simply part of the game. We can only hope that Brian Jordan Alvarez, with his undeniable talent, will be back on our screens with a new, equally captivating project sooner rather than later. Until then, we'll certainly miss those peculiar lessons from our "English Teacher."