Top 10 Best TV Shows to Learn English

Suitable for intermediate CEFR B1+


#EnglishTV #BritishTV

One of the most important factors in language learning is motivation. If you are motivated, you are much more likely to set yourself targets and enjoy learning. Watching TV shows in English is not only a great way to increase your motivation, it also offers authentic listening practice that will help you become familiar with the natural speed of conversation. If you’re not yet confident, listen with the subtitles on in English (don’t listen with subtitles in your own language, as you won’t learn easily). You can also pause and replay as much as you need! It’s a great idea to keep a notebook beside you to write new and interesting vocabulary.

These are my top 10 recommended TV shows for English learners. This list includes both American and British programmes and I’ve tried to include a range of genres to suit all tastes. You are bound to find something that interests you!

1. Breaking Bad 

 

#BreakingBad has been named the greatest TV series of all time. Walter White is an ordinary high school chemistry teacher. When he is diagnosed with cancer, he finds himself desperately short of money to pay his medical bills and embarks upon a new business venture with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, as a means of providing financial security for his family. However, things don’t go as planned and both characters become deeply involved in a dark criminal underworld with consequences neither of them expected. Adult viewing only.

2. The Tudors 

 

 

#Tudors This British drama follows the life and history of the infamous King Henry VIII and his six wives. Although this drama is not entirely historically accurate, it brings an important part of British history to life. There’s gruesome violence and a lot of sex. For adults only.

3. The Simpsons

 

 

#Simpsons The Simpsons is a long-running animated comedy series that follows the life of the Simpson family – Homer, Marge, Lisa and Bart, in Springfield, America. It is so popular, you’ve probably seen episodes in your language, but there can be nothing better than hearing it in its original English. The Simpsons is not just a cartoon series for kids, many of the jokes appeal to adults and children alike, and the language is perfect for English learners because it is simple to follow. The show will also familiarise you with many aspects of American life and culture, and with so many episodes, this series will certainly keep you busy for a while!

4. Friends

#Friends is a hugely popular long-running American sitcom following six friends living in New York City. The lovable characters and accessible comedy make this show a favourite. It was on TV for 10 years so there are plenty of episodes to keep you entertained whilst improving your English.

5. Black Mirror

 

 

#BlackMirror This British dystopian drama series explores the negative consequences of technology. Every episode is set in a different future or near-present reality with different characters and technology with different, dark and sinister consequences. This makes this show easy to dip in and out of whilst studying English. You don’t need to remember any complex plot lines, and you can choose any episode and watch them in any order. Age 15+

6. Sherlock 

 

#Sherlock puts a modern twist on the criminal investigations of probably the most famous detective in the world – Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant, Dr Watson. Mild peril with Benedict Cumberbatch. Age 12+

7. Doctor Who

 

#DoctorWho This British sci-fi follows the time-travelling adventures of an alien called ‘The Doctor’ and a group of companions as they travel across the universe in a spaceship disguised as a 1960s blue police box called the TARDIS. Fun for all the family.

8. Downton Abbey 

 

#Downton Historical drama set in the early 20^th century follows the life of a British aristocrat, his family and staff living on a grand country estate. A chance to learn more about British history and society while also practising your English. 

9. Top Gear

 

 

#TopGear One for the petrolheads. This extremely popular BBC motoring programme reviews vehicles from supercars to family hatchbacks, and includes a wide range of motoring issues, adventurous motoring challenges, special races and celebrity time-trials. Entertainment suitable for all the family.

10. Only Fools and Horses

 

#OFAH This classic British comedy from the 1980s follows the misadventures of Rodney and Del Boy Trotter as they work from the streets of London buying and selling what they can in the hope that they will one day be millionaires. London accents and plenty of slang! Fun for all the family.

So, there you have it. My top 10 TV shows to learn English. I wish you many hours of great entertainment!

Is there another show you love to watch to help you learn English? Tell me why in the comments.