Why FX Cancelled ‘English Teacher’: The Jon Ebeling Allegations and Their Impact

The Rise and Sudden Fall of ‘English Teacher’

In the competitive world of television, few shows manage to spark the kind of buzz that ‘English Teacher’ did in its brief run on FX. Created by Brian Jordan Alvarez, the series followed Evan Marquez, a gay high school English teacher in suburban Austin, whose daily life was a collision of personal struggles, workplace politics, and sharp satire. The show’s unique blend of comedy and authenticity quickly won over critics and audiences alike, with its debut season scoring an impressive 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning nominations from major award bodies, including the Film Independent Spirit Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards.

But just as ‘English Teacher’ seemed poised for a long and successful run, FX pulled the plug. The cancellation came six weeks after the release of its second season on Hulu—a move that left fans and industry watchers scrambling for answers. Why would FX abandon one of its most celebrated comedies, especially after a sophomore season that, at least on paper, achieved a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes?

Jon Ebeling’s Allegations: Unpacking the Controversy

The answer, many believe, may lie in events outside the writers’ room. In late 2024, Jon Ebeling—an actor and former collaborator with Alvarez on the 2015 web series ‘The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo’—went public with allegations of sexual assault against Alvarez. The claims first appeared on Ebeling’s Instagram account, then were detailed further in a New York Magazine article in December 2024. Ebeling alleged that his relationship with Alvarez was not as consensual as the public had been led to believe, and implicated Stephanie Koenig, his ex-girlfriend and a cast member on ‘English Teacher’, as someone who enabled a toxic dynamic.

The accusations cast a long shadow over the show’s second season. Alvarez maintained that his interactions with Ebeling were “entirely consensual,” but the damage to public perception was already done. For a network like FX—whose reputation depends on both audience trust and commercial success—the decision to renew ‘English Teacher’ for a second season after the allegations was itself a gamble.

FX did issue a brief statement at the time: “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.” (Mandatory) Yet, the network’s silence in the wake of the show’s cancellation, and its refusal to publicly link the decision to either the allegations or the show’s viewership numbers, left many questions unanswered.

Critical Success vs. Audience Fallout

What’s striking is that, despite the controversy, ‘English Teacher’ managed to maintain its critical acclaim. Both seasons were lauded for their sharp writing and nuanced performances, with the second season even achieving a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. But beneath these accolades, there were signs of trouble. According to sources, viewership for Season 2 lagged behind the debut, failing to recapture the momentum and cultural relevance of the first season. Industry insiders speculated that the allegations against Alvarez—and the ensuing media coverage—played a significant role in this downturn.

In a landscape where public opinion can shift rapidly, especially in the age of social media, networks are often forced to balance creative risk with reputational management. The fact that FX never officially tied its decision to cancel ‘English Teacher’ to Ebeling’s allegations or to audience metrics speaks volumes. Was the network attempting to sidestep controversy, or was it simply responding to changing audience dynamics?

The Human Impact: Careers and Conversations

For Alvarez and his cast, the fallout was immediate. While Alvarez continued to work in the industry—voicing a character in the 2025 animated series ‘StuGo’ and appearing in the film ‘M3GAN 2.0’—the abrupt end of ‘English Teacher’ marked a turning point. Stephanie Koenig, implicated by Ebeling, also faced renewed scrutiny. And for fans, the show’s cancellation was more than just the loss of a favorite sitcom; it was a sobering reminder of how quickly creative projects can unravel when personal and professional worlds collide.

Yet, the conversations sparked by Ebeling’s allegations have had ripple effects far beyond FX’s programming decisions. The case has fueled renewed debate over how networks handle allegations of misconduct, the limits of creative license, and the responsibilities of public figures. In an era when allegations can surface at any time, often in the court of public opinion before they reach any legal forum, the entertainment industry is increasingly forced to navigate these issues in real time.

Ultimately, the story of ‘English Teacher’ is not just about a cancelled show. It’s about the intersection of art, accountability, and the shifting standards by which creators are judged. As the dust settles, both FX and its audience are left to reckon with the broader implications of these decisions—and with the question of what comes next for the people involved.

FX’s decision to cancel ‘English Teacher’ after two acclaimed seasons, in the wake of Jon Ebeling’s public allegations, reflects the increasing influence of reputational risk in the entertainment industry. The lack of a clear public rationale from the network underscores how unresolved controversies can reshape creative trajectories, leaving viewers and creators alike in search of answers that may never fully materialize.