In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at the 5 best Netflix shows for learning English. We’re going to be going into more detail, looking at the themes of the shows, the accents, the vocabulary, and more. Watching TV shows is always fun, but what can you actually learn when you’re just sitting at home watching a funny show? Well, it seems quite a lot, let’s have a look at our top picks.
Friends
One of the most-watched American Sitcoms ever made is Friends. Millions of students around the world often use this show to help with learning English. It is still one of the most popular Netflix shows. The themes of the show aren’t too difficult to follow for anyone currently studying English. They are usually based on love and friendships. Based in New York City, the accents are mostly American, perfect if your accent is neutral or American sounding. The Vocabulary used in the show is not too complex, this is great for anyone studying how to sound more like a native speaker and anyone practicing their listening whilst watching, as it isn’t too difficult to follow. They use a lot of idioms and phrases too, so picking up a few of these and practicing using them in their correct context, could really push your English to a new level. This show is great for lower-level students to help improve their listening abilities and also good for mid to high-level students.
How I Met Your Mother
Also based in New York City, How I Met Your Mother, is the long-drawn-out story of how the lead male, Ted, meets his wife, though it does take a long time for us to meet her. Hilarious and creative, the show is not too dissimilar to Friends. Instead of the cast spending their time in a coffee shop, they instead frequent the local bar. There are a lot of innuendos and risque themes in this show, so it might not be great for a younger student practicing their English. It could be perfect for an older teenager or young adult, with medium level to high-level English. Again, the accents in the show are mostly American, but some of the vocabulary can be quite risque and probably not good for younger English students. We would definitely recommend this show to an English learner. It’s probably better for teens to young adults, with a good grasp on listening, phrases, slang, and idioms.
The Big Bang Theory
Four Scientists and one pretty waitress, the show that brought two worlds together, the highly intellectual and the girl next door. The Big Bang Theory show covers so many bases in terms of language and theme. We would recommend that you don’t pay too much attention to the scientific language in this show. Even for most native speakers it isn’t regular everyday style English vocabulary. So don’t be sitting all day watching this show and trying to understand the complexities of string theory. However, this show is great for slang, native phrases, and idioms as the viewers are learning these at the same time as our four nerdy scientists. They are intellectually incredible, but socially inept, meaning some of the phrases that Penny uses go misunderstood. This show is good for all levels of learner. As long as you don’t spend too much time worrying about the scientific vocabulary.
Modern Family
A twisting tale of three families all related in one way or another, the tangled web of this modern family will surely leave you a little confused at the beginning. But don’t worry, it is definitely worth the time to watch. The relationships between the three families can stir up some incredible dialogue, especially from the character that might be in a similar situation to you. For example, a Columbian woman who has some struggles with her English. Her accent might be the only non-American on the show, but you can follow her English journey closely as the whole family tries to help her small mistakes. The vocabulary in this show can be a mix of slightly older English. With the grandfather and younger sounding, more relative English from the grandchildren on the show. This show has simple themes for families and it is good for all ages and all levels of students learning English.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Set in a police precinct, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a hilarious situation comedy revolving around a young up-and-coming police detective. The themes of the show are mainly based on crime and the English used is focused on daily English topics based around work, friendships, and relationships. The accents on this show are mainly American. But, again, should be suitable listening practice for mid to high-level English learners. Some of the vocabulary used on the show is police-related. but it’s not too difficult to understand. Unlike The Big Bang Theory, they use everyday style phrases and idioms. If you can understand them, they could be used very effectively in order to help you sound more like a native English speaker.
So, that’s our list of the 5 Best Netflix shows to watch for learning English. What do you think we missed out? Do you think you will try watching any of these yourself? Let us know in the comment section of this blog what YOU’RE top 5 is!
