Vice Principals

When a veteran principal leaves North Jackson High to care for his sick wife, two vice principals who can't stand each other decide they can do better by turning on the school system together. Neal Gamby and Lee Russell set aside their personal feud long enough to hatch a plan aimed at undermining the man who steps into the top job, a newly appointed principal named Dr Belinda Brown. What follows is a high stakes chess game of bragging rights, manipulation, and risky schemes set against the chaos of a public school. The show leans into dark humor while keeping the pressure on these two rivals. Along with the two leads, a cadre of faculty and administrators give the school a lived in feel, each with quirks that fuel side plots and mini conflicts.

Created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill, Vice Principals premiered in 2016 as an original comedy about two ambitious vice principals who collide in a power driven fight for control, featuring sharp banter and unpredictable twists throughout the season.

Audiences received the show, reflected in a 7.17 out of 10 rating from hundreds of votes. Its core themes center on ambition and rivalry, exposing how far people will go when youth, pride, and authority intersect. The writing balances sharp lines with quiet moments that reveal the characters' vulnerabilities.

The series is noted for its sharp take on power plays inside a school setting, with McBride and Goggins delivering bold performances that amplify the dark humor. The Gamby Russell dynamic became a defining element of the show's tone and a frequent topic for fans.

Awards: While critics praised the writing and the chemistry between the leads, Vice Principals did not secure major nominations at the big ceremonies. It remains a bold, cult favorite within HBO's comedy lineup, appreciated by fans who love darker workplace humor.