10 TV Shows for English Learners to Watch, Practice, and Enjoy
Summer is the perfect time to relax and boost your skills with fun TV shows for English learnersg.
Get exposed to real-life vocabulary, accents, and cultural references .
10 TV shows that are perfect for English learners
1. The Office (U.S.)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
A mockumentary-style comedy that follows the daily lives of office workers at Dunder Mifflin. With its simple language, relatable workplace scenarios, and clear American accents, it's a favorite among English learners. Plus, the humor and quirky characters make it fun to rewatch and pick up new expressions.
2. Friends
Level: Intermediate
This classic sitcom about six friends living in New York City is full of everyday English, idioms, and cultural references. It’s also widely available with subtitles in many languages, making it an easy go-to for learners. You’ll quickly find yourself picking up phrases used in daily conversations.
3. Modern Family
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
A clever comedy that follows a diverse family and their everyday challenges. It introduces different English accents (American, Colombian-American, etc.) and family-related vocabulary, which is perfect for real-life conversations.
4. Stranger Things
Level: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced
This hit sci-fi series set in the 1980s combines mystery, drama, and nostalgia. It offers exposure to slang, informal expressions, and teen language. Plus, it’s highly engaging, which keeps you motivated to watch more.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Set in a New York police department, this show is filled with witty humor, fast-paced dialogue, and a lovable cast. It offers a good balance between informal and formal English, along with idioms and professional vocabulary.
6. Emily in Paris
Level: Intermediate
This lighthearted series follows an American marketing executive who moves to Paris. While it includes some French, the majority of the dialogue is in English. It’s great for learning vocabulary related to work, relationships, and travel.
7. A Series of Unfortunate Events
Level: Intermediate
Based on the popular book series, this show is filled with interesting vocabulary, storytelling, and narration. It’s perfect for learners who want to expand their vocabulary and improve their listening skills in a fun way.
8. The Great British Bake Off
Level: Intermediate
A British reality competition that focuses on baking. It’s ideal for those who want to get used to British English accents and vocabulary related to cooking. Plus, it's warm, encouraging, and very relaxing to watch.
9. Queer Eye
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This American reality show features five experts who help people transform their lives. It’s inspiring, emotional, and filled with modern English used in personal, emotional, and practical situations.
10. Bluey
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
An Australian animated series for children, but incredibly popular with adults too. It uses simple, clear English with an Australian accent. It’s a wonderful pick for learners looking to ease into listening comprehension or explore different accents.
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Tips to Make the Most of Watching TV Shows for English Learners
If you don’t understand everything while watching – don’t worry! That’s completely normal.
Watching TV shows for English Learners is not about understanding every single word. It’s about getting used to the way English sounds, learning how people use everyday expressions, and picking up vocabulary naturally over time.
Even native speakers sometimes miss things in fast dialogue or new accents. If something confuses you, try using subtitles, pause and replay, or just keep watching and enjoy the story.
Little by little, your listening will improve.
Use Subtitles Wisely
Start with English subtitles to help you follow the story and understand the words. As your listening improves, try turning them off or switching to subtitles in your native language only when needed.
Rewatch Episodes
The second time you watch an episode, you'll catch things you missed the first time—phrases, slang, or cultural references. Repetition is a powerful tool for language learning.
Take Notes
Keep a notebook nearby. Jot down new words or idioms you hear and look them up later. Try using them in your own sentences.
Imitate the Dialogue
Pause and repeat lines you like. Mimicking the intonation and pronunciation will help improve your speaking and accent.
Make it a Daily Habit
Even 20 minutes a day can make a difference. Choose a time that works for you and make it a part of your summer routine.
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Challenge Task: Spot the Differences!
As you watch TV showss for English learners like The Office (American English) and Bluey (Australian English), pay close attention to the differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and expressions.
Can you hear how words like “schedule,” “tomato,” or “can’t” sound different? Notice the slang too — Americans might say “trash,” while Australians say “rubbish.”
Your task is to write down at least five differences you notice between the two varieties of English. This will sharpen your listening skills and make you more aware of how English changes across countries.
I’ve watched all of these shows myself and truly enjoyed them, which is why I recommend them to you with confidence. Each one offers something unique, whether it's humor, drama, or real-life vocabulary.
P.S. — Did you know that The Office actually started as a British show? The original version was created by Ricky Gervais and aired in the UK before the American adaptation became globally popular.
Both versions are great, but they reflect different types of humor and cultural references — a perfect example of how English can vary between countries!
Final Thouths
Watching TV shows for English learners is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to improve your English, especially during the more relaxed summer months. With the right shows and a few smart strategies, you can turn screen time into learning time.
So grab your snacks, pick a show from this list, and let the summer of learning and fun begin!
Oh one moment! I forgot Canada!
When talking about television, different English-speaking countries use slightly different terms. In the UK, people often say “TV series” to refer to what Americans would call a “TV show” or simply a “show.”
In the U.S., the word “show” is more commonly used for all types of television programs, including dramas, comedies, and reality TV.
In Canada, people use both “show” and “series,” but often mix British and American influences, depending on the context or region. Canada also has its own TV productions worth watching!
One great example is Kim’s Convenience — a heartfelt and funny Canadian sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto. It’s an excellent pick for English learners interested in Canadian culture, slang, and everyday English with a multicultural twist.
Thanks for reading,
M.K.
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