Gone are the days of relying on the major networks to produce the most worthwhile comedies. Now, we have to seek out different shows whether it be on cable or streaming and hope that we strike gold with our selection. Well, let me save all of you some trouble and give you the scoop on a show many of you might not give the time of day, Teachers. The hit show (found on TV-Land) is in its second season and happens to be one of the best-written comedies on television.
Teachers is the brainchild of the improv troupe, the Katydids (named because of each actress having names that sound like some form of the word Kate). What began as an ambitious jump from web series to television series ended paying off majorly for TV-Land as the show develop quite the cult following. The show takes place at a fictitious elementary school (Fillmore Elementary), and each member of the improv troupe plays a different type of teacher at the school.
Caitlin Barlow, Katy Colloton, Cate Freedman, Kate Lambert, Katie O’Brien, and Kathryn Renee Thomas all star in the show and take an active role in writing the show as well. This is the secret to shows success, the actresses come from an improv background and know how to keep the show light, loose, and fun. Tim Bagley is cast as the principal but also comes from an improv background as well.
In the first season, they tackled such things as picture day, bullying, and field day. In the second season, they begin by assigning Ms. Snap (Katy Colloton) a brand new class that affectionally referred to as “Hell” class. Ms. Watson (Kate Lambert) is trying out an online dating service the yields quite the surprising results. Finally, Mrs. Adler (Kathryn Renee Thomas) get’s moved to a portable, and the kids experience quite the change.
What I love about this show is how tightly written the scenes are. There is little “fluff.” It’s setup, and it always leads to a great laugh. The show is incredibly balanced. There isn’t a single cast member who outshines the other one as they are equally important to the show’s success (even down to the kids they cast to be in each of their classrooms). Teachers is the definition of a great television comedy. Two moments that stood out to me where when Ms. Snap was trying to show how cool she was to her new class be doing a handstand while twerking on her board (It didn’t end well). However, snagging the guest star in the Season Premiere was the biggest stroke of genius (won’t spoil it).
One of my biggest fears was this season of Teachers was going to hit a wall of creativity. It’s often hard to recapture the magic of your first season, and many shows start strong and fizzle. Well, lucky for us that Season two is off to a great start and it appears we have a lot to look forward to.
