Learning English can become tedious when we are using structured learning methods. When we are relaxed we retain more information so a great way to keep learning and being entertained is in a series. When you watch a series in the original version, you will get the benefit of hearing the diverse tone, pace, accents and slang within the English language. The visuals and the energy are helpful as it’s almost like a personal role play, and the story being told reinforces the learning process. Depicting real life situations and conversations increases interest and it helps if you choose a series in a genre that you like, or already know well. By following the right characters, you learn to speak like them without realizing it. As well as having an interest in the show, choose a series suited to your level and to find out how to use subtitles to help you learn more quickly. The result: vocabulary that sticks, a sharper ear, and being exposed to the way native English speakers around the world use their language naturally… and all without leaving your sofa.
Series accessible for English beginners
1. Friends
Friends is so well known around the world, chances are, you are already familiar with some of the storylines and the characters. When you watch it again in its original language, you can bring more focus to the everyday expressions and common vocabulary. You hear more natural, honest phrases and slang. Who can forget “How you doin’?” or “We were on a break!”. The characters have different personalities and express themselves using a lot of comedy, and the scenarios are close to real life. There are a lot of conversations about friendship, work, dating and plenty of funny situations to relate to. Friends also highlights a lot of American culture and references to places in New York so you will learn more about the USA. Remember, some of the words are different in American English, such as sidewalk (pavement in the UK) and the show was set in the 1990s so some of the context could be dated.
2. Malcolm
Malcolm gives us an insight of the life of a typical American family who use simple English. Family situations and sibling arguments take place in this show, using language that is natural with younger people, who are familiar with each other. To help us learn, it is a great way to hear English being expressed in everyday settings. Episodes last 22 minutes, which is an ideal amount of time for short but effective learning sessions. Listening to shorter episodes is a great way to allow the conversations to really sink in.
3. Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is an American drama and unlike Friends and Malcolm has a slightly darker side to it. It uses comedy but also mixes in secrets, crimes and domestic struggles, so you hear different emotions and high pressure situations which increases this style of words and phrases to improve your learning. It uses accessible English where characters discuss daily topics and has easy-to-follow vocabulary. The main characters and their situations are repetitive so you get used to them and this allows you to listen to the subjects they are discussing as well as their emotions. Desperate Housewives was the precursor to reality TV shows featuring real housewives, and the everyday language shows how close to real life the series was.
4. Emily In Paris
For beginners, Emily in Paris offers a lot of common vocabulary. This American heroine speaks clear and well-articulated English, which is easy to understand and features lighthearted topics. What is especially useful about this show is Emily is discovering her place in a new country, exploring the Parisian lifestyle as an American and her own struggles with a new language, which makes it relatable for us as we are also learning.
The French context reassures French-speaking viewers, familiarity in the setting and Emily’s struggles with growth and change are explored throughout and the language is clear and concise. The situations are visually explicit, and interesting as Emily tries to merge cultures and the mix of French and English accents helps us to understand dialogues even without catching every word.
The short 30-minute episodes help our brains to absorb more than longer shows and the interactions are generally light and simple, helping to gradually introduce useful vocabulary. An excellent starting point to immerse yourself in American English without feeling overwhelmed.
Comparison of series for learning English: beginner level
| Series | Platform | Accent |
|---|---|---|
| Friends | Netflix | American |
| Malcolm | Amazon Prime | American |
| Emily in Paris | Netflix | American |
| Desperate Housewives | Netflix / Prime | American |
Our tips:
Start with subtitles in your native language to understand the context. Then switch to English subtitles to link oral and written. Watch without subtitles when you recognize most of the words. Repeat phrases to improve your pronunciation.
Establish a daily routine of 15 to 30 minutes. Alternate between subtitles in your language, English, and no subtitles. Write down new expressions after each episode. Rewatch episodes to reinforce memory. Complement with online exercises to deepen vocabulary.
Series for intermediate English level
5. The Crown
The Crown is a British series suitable for intermediate learners. It tells the fascinating story of the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the extended Royal Family and uses varied vocabulary. This show literally uses the Queens English and the accents are regal, formal but clear which does help to make understanding easier. The Crown has other benefits too. As well as being rich in language, it gives a fascinating depiction of upper class English life, the inner workings of the British Royal family and the history of Britain over 90 years, which gives us the bonus of enriching our general knowledge. Interesting subjects encourage passive learning.
In the Crown, expressions related to monarchy and diplomacy appear regularly, and its useful to remember that Britain has multiple accents, and the Queen’s was very rare. If you listen to the modern royals speak, you notice that their accents are less pronounced, although still clear. The series allows familiarization with the formal English that was used in institutions in the 20th century. Complex turns of phrase and historical terms develop written and oral understanding and increase general knowledge of British culture through Queen Elizabeth II reign.
6. Locke & Key
Locke & Key offers clear American English with mixed vocabulary. The series blends a diverse plot of fantasy, drama and family life with accessible dialogues. The narrative provides access to more unusual situations, so we hear a broader vocabulary. The themes of adventure and mystery introduce diverse lexicon. There are moments of violence and heightened emotions so we can hear responses and language being used under pressure. As it is set around a family, the interactions with young characters help learners identify more easily, as the conversations are simplistic.
7. American Gods
American Gods exposes us to various American accents. Characters come from different backgrounds, reflecting the USA’s linguistic diversity and we hear a mix of accents. The English used changes depending on context. The series is a combination of fantasy and technology, and the conversations are really varied. This series develops the ability to understand different pronunciations and intonations.
British series offer specific benefits for learning English at intermediate level, notably for:
- Accent and pronunciation: Britain has a huge range of different accents and sayings. Even native Brits can struggle to understand English speakers from another region. Add to that, the different sayings and names for some items, watching various British programmes can be a huge help. With any language, the speed at which people speak is something to get used to, and watching high drama situations in a series helps us get used to the natural flow of English.
- Formal vocabulary: In historical scenes, formal language is very clear and the use of visuals can help. For example, The Queen choosing an outfit can give us a chance to learn the names for each item, and its description. If you can pay particular attention to characters in structured situations, such as meetings, visits to the bank or in ceremonies, you will hear English more clearly as the actors annunciation and become more formal.
- Contextual understanding: Developing the ability to grasp dialogues in social or institutional settings (royalty, diplomacy, etc.). Take note of the way we change our speech depending on the people involved. Parents speak to their children differently to their friends, and people of similar ages have different slang, depending on their age group.
- Culture: Depending on the country, the traditions, values and issues, will differ. America is culturally different to England but the regions or states within English speaking countries have some differences. You will hear these differences, when the characters are interacting, and this is a great way to strengthen our intercultural understanding.
Tips
Don’t forget to write down new expressions while watching the episode. Link each term to its usage context. Search the sentence or phrase online to check the meaning or if it’s the same in America and England. Review regularly with a spaced repetition method. Create flashcards with examples and definitions. Reread your notes before you watch your show again…practice them regularly.
You can also read our article on movies to watch when you don’t have much time!
Series for advanced English level
8. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is an American show and uses regional slang and technical vocabulary specific to drug trafficking. There is a lot of talk about chemicals, criminal activities and general scenarios as well. The main character is under a lot of pressure throughout, which creates high drama and fast paced discussions. Characters use local expressions, gangland references and slang from the southwestern United States. The in depth subjects and fast dialogues make it a challenge for advanced learners. The series develops the ability to decode complex conversations. The inclusion of drug cartels, police investigators and different age groups in high anxiety situations, gives a varied amount of subjects so have a pen ready to write down unfamiliar phrases to review later.
9. Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul introduces you to American legal vocabulary and criminal slang. This drama follows the storyline of Breaking Bad but is more focused on discussions between lawyers and clients, using precise terms related to legal procedures. This is useful if you are interested in law and the official terminology that is often used. Crime and law dramas are increasingly popular so Better Call Saul is a great place to start if you want to keep watching similar programmes. Secondary characters introduce regional dialects, slang and bring diversity into the language style used.
10. Dead Like Me
This American drama centers around the main character’s life changing loss of her husband, and the grief and recovery process. Its explorations of friendships, revenge and mourning brings deep emotional expression and conversation. The characters’ informal language reflects the series’ dark humor, sarcasm and irony. The dialogues rely on cultural turns of phrase and social references, helping understand linguistic nuances, personality traits, and emotional expression.
To understand slang, consult specialized glossaries online. Link unknown terms to their visual context. Look up expressions on learner forums. Use American slang dictionaries to decode idiomatic phrases. Watch scenes multiple times to grasp cultural subtleties. Remember, slang varies from place to place and what one thing means in one area, could mean something else in another. Consider the generation gap as well. Kids are always reinventing language through slang and older generations still use words from their day to express themselves.
TIPS
Practice shadowing by repeating dialogues in real time. You could use a couple of sentences and pause the episode to repeat, rewind and compare. Choose to follow characters with clear diction and regular pace. Record your voice to compare with the original. Focus on intonations and specific American English sounds. Repeat daily to perfect your accent.
Start with shows you know or episodes you have already seen with subtitles. Focus on key words and general context. Write down unknown expressions to analyze after watching. Break larger speeches into smaller phrases. Combine subtitle-free viewing with targeted listening exercises to reinforce oral comprehension.
Bonus: Netflix and Amazon Prime series to learn English
There are other series available which we haven’t mentioned, and there are always more new shows coming soon. When you are learning English, diversity is key, but try and choose what to watch depending on your level.
For beginners, Heartstopper (Netflix) is ideal: It’s a recent, topical, teen drama and has clear, slow English with no complicated expressions. Dialogues are simple and emotions help understand as this show is aimed at young people, deals with topical issues and encourages communication in relationships, so we get to hear a lot of modern descriptions.
At intermediate level, The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime) offers a great balance: natural conversations between teens and adults, contemporary vocabulary, all with an easy-to-follow American accent.
For advanced level, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video) is a stimulating real challenge: fast pace, subtle humor with cultural references to decipher.
Explore all the viewing platforms available to you and remember your level and interests are important as it helps with your learning. Look how many series and episodes are available and see if you can commit to finishing it in English. The key remains choosing motivating content, neither too easy nor discouraging. Make time each day to enjoy relaxed learning from the comfort of your home.
