Watch Vice Principals

Vice Principals is a dark comedy series created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill, who also worked together on the show Eastbound & Down. The show premiered on HBO in 2016 and ran for two seasons, ending in 2018. The series stars McBride as Neal Gamby, one of two vice principals at North Jackson High School, who is jockeying for the top job of principal. The other vice principal is Lee Russell, played by Walton Goggins, who is Gamby's rival for the principal position.

The show takes place at North Jackson High School, a suburban school in an undisclosed Southern state. The school itself is a character in the show; it's old, rundown, and in desperate need of renovation. The show deals with the power struggle between Gamby and Russell, as they both scheme and plot to become the next principal. Along the way, they clash with other teachers and staff members, including Dr. Belinda Brown, the new principal who is brought in from outside the district to replace a retiring principal.

One of the show's strengths is the chemistry between McBride and Goggins. The two actors have worked together before, and their on-screen dynamic is electric. Gamby and Russell are both egotistical and selfish, but they're also oddly endearing. McBride plays Gamby as a gruff and vulgar man, but he's also vulnerable and petty. Goggins, on the other hand, plays Russell as a smooth-talking manipulator with a hidden agenda. Together, they create a believable and darkly funny rivalry that drives the show's plot.

The show also features a strong supporting cast, including Busy Philipps as Gale Liptrapp, a teacher who has a contentious relationship with Gamby, and Da'vine Joy Randolph as Dr. Belinda Brown. Randolph's character is a breath of fresh air, as she brings a new perspective to the school and shakes up the status quo. Georgia King plays Amanda Snodgrass, a fellow teacher who has a crush on Gamby, and Sheaun McKinney plays Dayshawn, a custodian at the school who is often caught up in Gamby and Russell's schemes.

The show's humor is dark and often cringe-worthy. Gamby and Russell are both flawed characters, and the show does not shy away from showing their worst qualities. However, the humor is balanced by moments of pathos and genuine emotion. For example, Gamby's relationship with his daughter is a recurring subplot that provides a touch of humanity to the character.

The show's visual style is also noteworthy. The show is shot on location in South Carolina, and the cinematography captures the bleakness and desolation of the school's setting. The show also utilizes a unique color palette, with muted greens and browns that match the drabness of the school. The show's soundtrack is also worth mentioning; it features a mix of classic rock and country music that adds to the show's Southern gothic vibe.

Overall, Vice Principals is a darkly funny show with great performances, memorable characters, and a unique visual style. While it is not for everyone (especially those sensitive to cringe humor), the show's subversive take on high school politics is sure to attract a devoted fan base. The show ended after two seasons, but it left a lasting impression on those who watched it.

Vice Principals is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between July 17, 2016 and on HBO