What should I watch to improve my English?
Watching TV is a global pastime (n. hobby, something you do for fun), and watching TV in English is a great way to improve your language skills. If you can “hear” it, then you can “say” it. That means the more you hear something, the easier it will be for you to pronounce (v. say) it ….and then use it!
TV shows offer great models (n. examples) of natural speech which is the key to becoming fluent (adj. to communicate easily) in English...or any language for that matter. TV shows also give you material that is interesting and will keep you entertained (adj. keep your attention).
So, what should you watch? Which shows are the right level for you?
Here are some modern (adj. current, new, not old) TV shows that will entertain you while you learn English!
#1 Modern Family
Level: A2+
Country: USA
Theme: family Life, funny family situations, blended families
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
A hilarious (adj. very funny) show about three different types of families who are all connected through the grandfather character; Jay Pritchett. The show follows their daily lives, relationships with each other, and usually funny situations. If you like shows that make fun of (phrasal verb: joke about) everyday family life, this is the one for you!
#2 Stranger Things
Level: A2+
Country: USA
Theme: young adults, friendship, supernatural, fantasy
Genre: Sci-fi
If you like things from “other worlds” this show is for you! It follows four childhood/ teenage friends who discover supernatural (adj. something that is not understood from science) events and a government secret. Are you ready for mysteries and adventure set in the 1908s?
#3 Ozark
Level: B1 +
Country: USA
Theme: crime, family, drugs, secrets
Genre: crime, drama, thriller
If you like crime stories, this is a good one with lots of twists and turns (idiom interesting and surprising events)! This dark show follows a family and their life of crime which becomes more and more complicated (adj. not easy or simple).
#4 Sex and the City
Level: B1 +
Country: USA
Theme: single life, girlfriends, dating
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Sex and the City is a classic romantic comedy TV series. If you are interested in learning how to talk about dating life, this is the show for you. It follows four girlfriends living in New York City and their dating adventures; the good, the bad, and the ugly!
#5 Suits
Level: B2 +
Country: USA
Theme: Law and Business
Genre: Drama
Suits is an interesting show about a lawyer named Harvey Specter who is excellent at his job. It's also about his relationships with colleagues, friends, and foes (n. an enemy, or someone who is not a friend). There are many twists and turns (idiom; surprising events) which will keep you interested in what will happen!
This show is also great for anyone who is interested in improving their business English skills.
#6 Black-ish
Level: B2+
Country: USA
Theme: family, American Culture, African-American Culture
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Black-ish follows the story of a well off (adj. wealthy, they have a lot of money) African-American family who are trying to hold on to their African-American culture while living in a mostly white neighborhood. If you like stories or shows about how differences in culture can be funny, then this is a great show for you!
#7 The Crown
Level C1 +
Country: UK
Theme: royal family, family history, duty
Genre: historical drama, based on real-life
What can I say? It’s about THE Queen; Queen Elizabeth II, her life, family, and the real-life events that we’ve seen play out (phrasal verb. happen), over the many years of her reign (n. her time as the Queen). For those who love shows or books that are based on real-life, or real people, this is an excellent choice.
Final Tips
watch at least 2-3 episodes a week of the tv show you choose
take note of at least 3 new words per episode (1. write them down 2. translate them 3. define them in English 4. try using them in a sentence)
use subtitles or captions to help you understand more while you watch
Well, happy watching!
I can't wait (idiom to be excited about something) to hear about your thoughts on the tv shows listed above.
What TV shows have you watched that were great for learning or improving your English? Leave a message in the comments section!
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