I have been following Alvarez’s work since I came across his self-produced YouTube Web series The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo, an evident precursor to English Teacher that tells the story of a diverse group of queers as they navigate dating, sexuality, one-night stands, and more. Alvarez has created his own weird niche online since then, going viral on TikTok by posting a myriad of eccentric characters of his own creation, making the best use of the platform’s filters and the leeway of low-budget social media productions. With English Teacher, Alvarez has the opportunity to elevate his work with the resources of a studio, maintaining his uncanny talent for comedic writing as well as introducing educational and heartfelt conversations about sexuality, workplace discrimination, and belonging as a queer man.
