Top TV Shows for Learning English
Top TV Shows for Learning English
Hello,
This is Teacher Ben at E52. Below are TV shows from different English-speaking countries to get you in touch with the language in a casual context. You’ll hear slang, jokes, and accents to really get you used to native speakers and the nuances of the language. Binge on the following and watch your English comprehension improve!
1. The Office (British or American)
Although there is some debate about which is better, either the British version of the show or the American version would be a great resource for picking up on dry humor. It’s also highly addictive, and with the American version, there’s a lot of it to see!
2. The IT Crowd
Another show centered on workers, this beloved British sitcom will get you in touch with English and Irish accents and the humor is fun and easy to follow. If you like the style, try out Black Books and Father Ted, other excellent shows by the same creator.
3. Summer Heights High
This Australian comedy is not only hilarious; it gives you some insight into school life in Australia as it lampoons different characters (all played by the same actor, Chris Lilley). It’s a great way to study up on Australian accents and their particular sense of humor.
4. The Simpsons
This classic American cartoon, while quick-witted, clever, and frequently surreal, is relatively easy to follow and always an entertaining view. The show is a hilarious satire of the typical American family with a surprising amount of heart. It’s still going strong after 30 seasons, so there’s a lot to enjoy!
5. Lost
If comedy isn’t really your thing and you prefer thrills and suspense, try out Lost, a drama with elements of science fiction that focuses on a group of people stranded a mysterious island that is full of secrets. It’s so addicting you’ll always want to know what happens next and be guessing up until the end.
6. True Detective
True Detective is another addicting show that will keep you guessing up until the end. It focuses on police detective as they attempt to solve interconnected crimes. Stick to the first season for the best the show has to offer.
7. Malcolm in the Middle
Like The Simpsons, watching Malcolm is a great way to understand typical American values and the struggles of the middle class. It’s a realistic and sidesplitting portrayal of growing up in a dysfunctional family that is sometimes cringeworthy and always hilarious.
8. The Red Green Show
Possibly the most Canadian show ever to air, this parody of home improvement shows and Canadian stereotypes is goofy, fun, and easy to understand. There are a bunch of episodes available, so hopefully you’ll be able to mimic the Canadian accent by the end!
9. Shortland Street
This soap opera from New Zealand centers on the staff at an Auckland hospital and will help you pick up on the Kiwi accent while getting to know a bit about the culture.
10. Silicon Valley
A satire that focuses on the cutthroat atmosphere of Silicon Valley in California, this show is full of tech jargon and lightning fast jokes that will really help you advance your vocabulary and your sense of humor.
11. The West Wing
This behind-the-scenes look at American politics is strictly for advanced learners. It is very quick, witty, and it will expand your vocabulary if you’re paying attention (try to find episodes with subtitles!). Creator Aaron Sorkin is famous for his rapid, brilliant dialogue – it might be a nightmare to take everything in at first, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with one of the best shows to ever air on television.
12. Boston Legal
This comedy-drama focuses on lawyers at a legal firm in Boston. There are many scenes of lawyers presenting in court, so the language is presented very clearly and theatrically. However, there are still some challenging legal words that are used to help you expand your vocabulary.
13. Pushing Daisies
This fantasy detective show is not only fun to look it – it’s also fun to listen to. While you may need to be a more advanced English language learner to fully enjoy it, once you do understand the dialogue, you can see how witty and clever the wordplay is and you’ll find yourself falling in love with this extraordinary show.
Feel free to post other English-language TV shows that you enjoy below!
Best,
Ben at E52
This is Teacher Ben at E52. Below are TV shows from different English-speaking countries to get you in touch with the language in a casual context. You’ll hear slang, jokes, and accents to really get you used to native speakers and the nuances of the language. Binge on the following and watch your English comprehension improve!
1. The Office (British or American)
Although there is some debate about which is better, either the British version of the show or the American version would be a great resource for picking up on dry humor. It’s also highly addictive, and with the American version, there’s a lot of it to see!
2. The IT Crowd
Another show centered on workers, this beloved British sitcom will get you in touch with English and Irish accents and the humor is fun and easy to follow. If you like the style, try out Black Books and Father Ted, other excellent shows by the same creator.
3. Summer Heights High
This Australian comedy is not only hilarious; it gives you some insight into school life in Australia as it lampoons different characters (all played by the same actor, Chris Lilley). It’s a great way to study up on Australian accents and their particular sense of humor.
4. The Simpsons
This classic American cartoon, while quick-witted, clever, and frequently surreal, is relatively easy to follow and always an entertaining view. The show is a hilarious satire of the typical American family with a surprising amount of heart. It’s still going strong after 30 seasons, so there’s a lot to enjoy!
5. Lost
If comedy isn’t really your thing and you prefer thrills and suspense, try out Lost, a drama with elements of science fiction that focuses on a group of people stranded a mysterious island that is full of secrets. It’s so addicting you’ll always want to know what happens next and be guessing up until the end.
6. True Detective
True Detective is another addicting show that will keep you guessing up until the end. It focuses on police detective as they attempt to solve interconnected crimes. Stick to the first season for the best the show has to offer.
7. Malcolm in the Middle
Like The Simpsons, watching Malcolm is a great way to understand typical American values and the struggles of the middle class. It’s a realistic and sidesplitting portrayal of growing up in a dysfunctional family that is sometimes cringeworthy and always hilarious.
8. The Red Green Show
Possibly the most Canadian show ever to air, this parody of home improvement shows and Canadian stereotypes is goofy, fun, and easy to understand. There are a bunch of episodes available, so hopefully you’ll be able to mimic the Canadian accent by the end!
9. Shortland Street
This soap opera from New Zealand centers on the staff at an Auckland hospital and will help you pick up on the Kiwi accent while getting to know a bit about the culture.
10. Silicon Valley
A satire that focuses on the cutthroat atmosphere of Silicon Valley in California, this show is full of tech jargon and lightning fast jokes that will really help you advance your vocabulary and your sense of humor.
11. The West Wing
This behind-the-scenes look at American politics is strictly for advanced learners. It is very quick, witty, and it will expand your vocabulary if you’re paying attention (try to find episodes with subtitles!). Creator Aaron Sorkin is famous for his rapid, brilliant dialogue – it might be a nightmare to take everything in at first, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with one of the best shows to ever air on television.
12. Boston Legal
This comedy-drama focuses on lawyers at a legal firm in Boston. There are many scenes of lawyers presenting in court, so the language is presented very clearly and theatrically. However, there are still some challenging legal words that are used to help you expand your vocabulary.
13. Pushing Daisies
This fantasy detective show is not only fun to look it – it’s also fun to listen to. While you may need to be a more advanced English language learner to fully enjoy it, once you do understand the dialogue, you can see how witty and clever the wordplay is and you’ll find yourself falling in love with this extraordinary show.
Feel free to post other English-language TV shows that you enjoy below!
Best,
Ben at E52
-
englishteacher551
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Mon Mar 04, 2019 11:05 pm
Re: Top TV Shows for Learning English
I also think Friends is a great resource for beginner and intermediate learners!
There are a lot of relatable situations and contexts people from all cultures can enjoy.
The characters are very funny and the relationships they develop are easy to understand.
There are a lot of relatable situations and contexts people from all cultures can enjoy.
The characters are very funny and the relationships they develop are easy to understand.