In this article, you’ll find the best series for learning English. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there’s something for everyone!
Learning English doesn’t have to be boring!
Imagine relaxing with a good series while playfully improving your language skills. And in the next vocabulary test, you’ll get better grades WITHOUT really having studied.
Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? 🙂
In this article, you’ll find the best series for learning English. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there’s something for everyone!
Additionally, I’ll share some tips on how to make the most of your series marathon.
Ready? Let’s go! 👇
Key points
- Pause while watching the series after a sentence, repeat it with the same emphasis and speed, and practise it several times to familiarise yourself with the pronunciation.
- Watch a scene first with English subtitles, then without, and finally listen to it with your eyes closed to fully train your listening skills.
- Instead of looking up words immediately, try to guess their meaning from the context and check later if you were right. This helps them stick in your memory for the long term.
Why should you learn English with series?
Learning English with series is one of the most effective ways to improve your language skills. Without boring flashcards, it can actually be fun to enhance your English proficiency.
Here are the five biggest benefits of why learning English with series will help you learn the language faster and more sustainably.
- Language
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary
- Visuals
- More Motivation
Natural language instead of textbook English
Language courses and textbooks often teach a sterile form of English that is rarely used in the real world. Series, on the other hand, show how native speakers truly communicate. This includes common expressions, slang, and natural sentence structures.
Improved pronunciation & listening comprehension
By watching regularly, you get used to different accents, intonations, and speaking speeds. This helps you understand spoken language better, even when native speakers speak quickly or use colloquial expressions.
You can also actively work on your pronunciation by, for example, repeating all 12 English tenses after me in my English Language Workout Video here.
Expand your vocabulary – without even trying
With series, you subconsciously pick up new vocabulary. Depending on the genre, you’ll learn exactly the words you need, whether it’s everyday English, business language, or specific technical terms.
And the best part: You see them directly in the right context. 🙂
Visuals make understanding easier.
Even if you don’t know every word, you can often infer the meaning from the actions, facial expressions, and gestures of the actors. This helps you intuitively grasp new words without needing to look them up.
More motivation & faster progress
An engaging series keeps you hooked and ensures you listen to English regularly.
This way, you learn naturally, without feeling forced to study. Consistency is key to real progress, and series make it easy to stay on track.
Maybe you’re now wondering how to learn English in general? There’s a special blog post for that here: How to Best Learn English? Guide to Effective Language Learning
Exercise 1 – Friends Reunion Trailer (2025) – Listening Comprehension Exercise
Duration: 5 minutes
📌 Step 1: Watch or listen to the trailer!
🧐 Step 2: Answer the Questions!
How to Use Series Effectively for Your English Learning
Sure, you can just press play.
But that way, you’ll miss the point.
Follow these three tips to learn English more effectively in less time.
With or without subtitles?
Subtitles are one of the most common questions when it comes to learning English with series. It really depends on your language level.
- Beginner: Start with English subtitles. This way, you can connect the pronunciation with the written form. The benefit: You automatically learn new words in context.
- Intermediate: Gradually turn off the subtitles. Try to understand only through listening, and only turn the subtitles on if you don’t understand something at all.
- Advanced: Watch completely without subtitles and focus on perceiving intonations, wordplay, and the subtleties of the language.
Tip: Use English subtitles, but don’t pause too often. Over time, your brain will get used to the language. You’ll notice that you become less and less reliant on subtitles.
The best sequence for optimal learning
To improve your English with series effectively, you should follow this learning strategy. 👇
- Choose a series with clear language. Ideally, a series you’re already familiar with. This way, you can focus more on the language.
- Watch first with subtitles in your native language. This way, you can understand the plot without having to think too much.
- Switch to English subtitles. This is where the real learning process begins. You listen to the original audio while reading along.
- Gradually try to watch without subtitles. The more familiar you become with the series, the easier it will be to understand the content.
Netflix Features for Language Learners
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney, and others offer useful features that help you use series specifically for learning English.
- Dual Subtitles: With browser extensions like Language Reactor, you can display two subtitle languages simultaneously. Perfect for directly comparing your native language with English.
- Speed Adjustment: If the dialogues are too fast, you can reduce the playback speed to 0.75x. This gives you more time to absorb the words.
- Auto Repeat: With some tools, you can highlight sentences and have them automatically repeated. Ideal for practising challenging parts.
Exercise 2: – Listening Comprehension Exercise
Duration: 5 minutes
📌 Step 1: Watch or listen to the scene!
🎧 Tip: First, listen without reading the transcript. Then, listen again and try to fill in the blanks.
📝 Step 2: Fill in the Missing Words!
The 10 Best Series for Students to Learn English
Do you need some inspiration? 🤔
No problem! Here are the 10 best series for students that are both entertaining and perfect for your English practice.
1. Friends – The best series with an American accent for beginners
Why is this series so great?
- It tells the story of six friends in New York.
- Clear, simple dialogues with lots of repetition and American accents.
- Slow and easy-to-understand pronunciation.
- Funny scenes that enhance the learning experience.
Who should watch it?
Perfect for beginners who want to learn casual, everyday language.
2. The Big Bang Theory – Scientific vocabulary made easy
Why is it a good choice?
- Mix of everyday and technical English.
- Characters speak clearly and use a lot of repetition.
- The mother of all sitcoms, with witty wordplay.
Who should watch it?
Ideal for students who want to learn American English, as well as some technical and scientific terms.
3. Sherlock – Sophisticated yet clear British English
Why is it a good choice?
- Clear British accent with complex dialogues.
- Many logical thought processes from the main character, Benedict Cumberbatch, followed by his explanations, enhance understanding and is fun to watch.
- Challenging, but engaging enough to keep you hooked.
For whom?
Suitable for advanced learners who want to improve their British English.
4. Sex and the City – Modern expressions and small talk
Why is it a good choice?
- The series is set in New York City.
- Everyday conversations with many expressions.
- Clear, distinct pronunciation.
- Helps to practise natural conversation flow.
Who is it for?
Ideal for students who want to improve everyday language and small talk.
5. Suits – Business English in the world of law
Why watch it?
- Many legal terms, but explained in an understandable way.
- Clear, confident language.
- Promotes formal and business expressions.
Who is it “suit”-able for? 😛
Perfect for anyone who needs business English and is interested in legal topics.
6. Stranger Things – American English in youthful language
Why watch it?
- The series is about supernatural powers.
- Many dialogues in everyday language.
- Young characters speak slowly and clearly.
- A mix of common and formal English.
For whom?
Ideal for students who want to learn modern, youthful English – inspired by the 80s.
7. Making A Murderer – Clear language through documentary style
Why watch it?
- Very clear and slow language because it is a documentary.
- Useful vocabulary for discussions and forming opinions.
- A good combination of narration and interviews.
Who should watch it?
Perfect for students who want to learn how to argue and report.
8. The Crown – Perfect British English with historical background
Why watch it?
- Very clear, formal British pronunciation.
- Perfect for advanced vocabulary and sophisticated expression.
- Interesting insights into British history.
Who is this for?
Recommended for students who want to learn high-level British English used by royalty.
9. Planet Earth – Understandable language with a focus on nature
Why watch it?
- Very clear, slow narration.
- Perfect for learning descriptions and scientific terms.
- Exciting documentary with simple sentence structure.
Who could watch it?
Ideal for students who are interested in nature and science.
10. Russian Doll – Fast, humorous dialogues with wordplay
Why watch it?
- Many everyday expressions and slang.
- Puns and humorous scenes make learning easier.
- Fast dialogues train the listening comprehension.
Who might watch it?
Perfect for advanced learners who want to get used to natural, fast-paced English.
11. BONUS: The Good Place
Tom’s addition: All the series Nils suggests are great, but my personal favourite is the American comedy-fantasy series The Good Place.
Why watch it?
- Brilliant mix of British English and American English
- Crazy Storyline
- Funny, exciting, dramatic, philosophical, and very clever!
Who is this for?
Suitable mainly for advanced learners who want to really test their language skills.
Exercise 3: Sherlock Holmes – True or False Exercise
Duration: 5 minutes
📌 Step 1: Watch or listen to the trailer!
🎧 Tip: Pay close attention to the dialogue and meaning behind the words.
🧐 Step 2: True or False?
Decide whether each statement is true (T) or false (F) based on the scene.
The 10 best series for children to learn English
Are you (or is your child) eight years old or younger?
If that’s the case, let’s see if you (or your child) like any of these series.
All series feature clear pronunciation, simple sentence structures, and an engaging storyline that makes learning fun. 👇
1. Peppa Pig – Perfect for young beginners
Why is it suitable?
- Very simple language with short sentences.
- Slow, clear pronunciation. Perfect for first English experiences.
- Repetitions help to internalize new words quickly.
Who is it for?
Ideal for children (3 years +) who want to learn their first English words through play.
2. Bluey – Australian Englisch for kids
Why watch it?
- Clear, understandable language with a lot of emotion and expression.
- Contains many dialogues that help children understand everyday situations.
- Funny and heartwarming stories that captivate children.
Who should watch it?
Perfect for children from 4 years old who should be gradually introduced to English.
3. Dora the Explorer – Interactive learning with repetitions
Why watch it?
- The series frequently asks questions to the viewers.
- Children are actively involved.
- Many repetitions that reinforce the learning effect.
- Very slow and clear pronunciation.
Who is it for?
Ideal for children from 3 years old who want to learn through participation.
4. Paw Patrol – Adventures with a clear speaking style
Why watch it?
- Simple yet exciting stories keep the attention of the viewer.
- The characters speak slowly and clearly.
- Everyday language with many repetitions.
Who is this suitable for?
Suitable for children from 4 years old who want to learn English in a playful way.
5. Sesame Street – A classic for most children
Why watch it?
- Teaches children important terms in an entertaining way.
- Perfect for building a solid basic vocabulary.
- Contains many songs and repetitions that make learning easier.
Who is it for?
Ideal for children between 3 and 6 years old who want to learn vocabulary in a playful way.
6. Cocomelon – Combining songs and language
Why is it worth watching?
- Child-friendly songs help to quickly internalise English terms.
- Rhymes and melodies enhance the sense of language.
- Perfect for developing initial language comprehension.
Who is it for?
Ideal for preschoolers who absorb language intuitively through music.
7. Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – British English for children
Why watch it?
- Clear British pronunciation for early listening comprehension.
- Fun, magical adventures with an easy-to-understand plot.
- Perfect for getting a first feel for British English.
Who is this for?
Recommended for children from 4 years old who want to learn British English.
8. Caillou – Simple everyday language for children
Why watch it?
- The series shows everyday situations with understandable language.
- Children can easily identify with the characters.
- Repetitions make it easier to understand new words.
Who is it for?
Ideal for children between 3 and 6 years old who want to learn to understand simple conversations playfully.
9. Curious George – Learning with curiosity and fun
Why watch it?
- Simple, but well-structured language.
- Playful learning through stories and discoveries.
- Perfect for children who enjoy embarking on adventures.
Who is it for?
Suitable for children from 4 years old who want to learn English in a fun way.
10. Thomas & Friends – Clear speaking for beginners
Why watch it?
- Very clear and distinct pronunciation.
- Perfect for first English sentences and simple dialogues.
- Repeating sentence structures help to internalise the language.
Who is it for?
Optimal for children from 3 years old who should hear simple, understandable English.
Exercise 4 – PAW Patrol – Vocabulary Quiz
Duration: 5 minutes📌 Step 1: Watch or listen to the trailer!
🎧 Tip: Pay attention to the words in context to guess their meanings correctly.
📝 Step 2: Guess the Meaning!
Improve your English with British & American series and movies: Here’s how it works!
Learning English online has never been easier!
There is a suitable series for every age group and language level.
Now it’s up to you: Choose a series, start with the right strategy, and begin improving your English.
Which series will you try first? 😉 Leave a comment! And do you sound British or American when you speak English? Find out here:
Exercise 5 – Stranger Things – Complete the Dialogue (Multiple Choice)
Duration: 5 minutes
📌 Step 1: Watch or listen to the trailer!
🎧 Tip: Listen carefully and try to guess the missing words before checking the choices.
📝 Step 2: Complete the Dialogue!
Your questions, my answers
What is the best series to learn English?
It depends on your level. Friends is perfect for beginners, Suits teaches you Business English, and if you want to master British English, check out Sherlock or The Crown.
Can you learn English through TV series?
Absolutely! As long as you’re not just listening passively, but actively. You should also use subtitles as outlined earlier and use the new vocabulary as much as you can.
Which children’s TV series are suitable for learning English?
Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer and Paw Patrol are good shows to start with, because they speak slowly, use simple sentences and they repeat a lot.
