Who said that learning English had to be all about studying hard and practicing exam exercises? Watching English-language media or reading books can also have a massive impact on your language learning. So here are 10 amazing series that I would highly recommend watching for all tastes and levels so rustle up some snacks, turn on the TV and enjoy!
- Friends
A classic American sitcom, Friends is perfect for understanding conversational English, idiomatic expressions, and humour. The clear enunciation and relatable scenarios make it accessible for learners at various levels.
- The Crown
For those looking to expand their vocabulary and grasp British accents, The Crown provides a deep dive into historical and royal English, showcasing refined pronunciation and formal speech patterns.
- The Office (US)
This mockumentary-style series is ideal for practising informal, workplace English and understanding modern slang and cultural references. Its humour is grounded in everyday situations, making it both fun and practical. In addition to the American series, there is also the original British version if you are a fan of cringe humour and want to focus more on using British English!
- Peppa Pig
Perfect for beginners and children, Peppa Pig offers simple vocabulary and repetitive phrases. It’s an excellent choice for building a foundational understanding of English while enjoying short, light-hearted episodes.
- The Big Bang Theory
With its focus on geeky humour, The Big Bang Theory introduces scientific terms and advanced vocabulary while also providing insights into casual conversations and American culture.
- Peaky Blinders
Set in post-World War I England, Peaky Blinders features strong regional British accents, particularly from Birmingham, making it an intriguing challenge for advanced learners interested in dialects and the crime genre.
- Modern Family
This family-centred sitcom offers a variety of American accents and relatable situations. It’s great for practising informal language, humour, and cultural dynamics within a contemporary setting. Much like The Office, most episodes range from 20 to 30 minutes, which is ideal if you prefer to consume shorter episodes and not become overwhelmed.
- Sherlock
A modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, Sherlock combines fast-paced dialogue and advanced vocabulary with British wit. It’s perfect for those aiming to refine their listening skills.
- Planet Earth
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Planet Earth offers rich descriptive language and a chance to expand vocabulary related to nature and science. The narrator's clarity and calm tone make it suitable for learners at any level.
- The Simpsons
This long-running animated series provides a mix of informal language, cultural references, and satire. The Simpsons is a great way to learn everyday expressions while understanding aspects of American society.
Watching TV series in the English language are a great way to observe the language in practice and also gain a better understanding of the culture in the countries where it is spoken. If you’re interested in learning English and much of the culture across the English-speaking world then check out more of our blog posts with a new one coming every Sunday and also listen to Aurelia on the Daway Podcast every Thursday! If you’re looking for a brilliant online course to best suit your needs, then take a look at the options on DAWAY! Use the code BLOG20 for a 20% discount!
