Commentary: Typecasting Works In ‘AP Bio’

Typecasting can be a problem for actors who have a single breakout role. They get caught in a specific type of part and are unable to find projects outside of that narrow wheelhouse. But sometimes, typecasting can be a strength. There are so many different circumstances when an actor fits a specific personality but has to share the spotlight with an ensemble. Then again, when actors are able to take that personality and apply it to a completely different project where they are the star, typecasting can work to their strengths. This is exactly what happened with Glenn Howerton and AP Bio.

The program stars Howerton as a disgraced philosophy professor named Jack Griffin, who has to return to his hometown in Toledo, Ohio, as a part-time AP biology teacher. However, he has no intention of actually teaching biology. Instead, he utilizes the class and his students as a means to repair his reputation and move on to bigger and better things outside of Toledo. Griffin is a complete narcissist who has no compassion for his students’ desire to learn biology or the humble residents of the town he views as a temporary pit stop on his way to glory.

Griffin’s arrogance is eerily reminiscent of Howerton’s character from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Both have very high opinions of themselves and disregard the feelings and desires of those around them. One difference: Howerton isn’t the star of It’s Always Sunny. Instead, he shares the spotlight with an entire cast of unbelievable characters. In fact, it’s what makes the show so successful. But it’s also great to see Howerton step out on his own in a completely different vehicle, where he gets to play what is essentially the same character, this time as the star.

AP Bio is now streaming on Netflix.