Top Netflix Series for Mastering English Skills

Netflix isn’t just for entertainment; it’s a powerful tool to acquire new English language skills.

In fact, around 77% of English learners watch TV shows or movies as one of their core language activities.

Watching a TV series offers a unique advantage over reading a book by enhancing your active listening and viewing skills. You’ll immerse yourself in natural conversations among native speakers, engage with captivating storylines, and pick up a wealth of new vocabulary in the process!

If you’re a fan of Netflix and looking to enhance your English skills, why not merge the two? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy yourself while learning efficiently. In this article, you’ll explore top Netflix shows that can boost your language proficiency, along with valuable tips and tricks to make the most of this innovative approach to learning English!

8 best Netflix shows to learn English

With so many shows available on Netflix for learning English, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve done the research and identified the best options for English language learners, considering factors like difficulty level, accents, genres, and themes.

We’ve incorporated the reliable IMDB rating system for 2023, ensuring you have access to high-quality content that you can enjoy with confidence.

The 8 must-watch Netflix shows for learning English are:

Next, we’ll look at each of these shows in more detail.

Friends: Best for slow dialogue

“Friends” is a beloved American sitcom that has played a significant role in helping countless individuals learn English. This phenomenon, known as the “Friends effect,” has captivated fans from various backgrounds, including baseball player Luis Severino and soccer coach Jürgen Klopp, who have embraced the show as a fun and effective language-learning tool.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, *Friends* follows the enduring bonds and adventures of six close-knit pals—Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler, Joey, and Monica. This beloved sitcom has garnered numerous Emmy and Golden Globe awards for its delightful humor and relatable storytelling. With its laid-back dialogue and a treasure trove of catchy phrases and colloquialisms, *Friends* invites viewers to immerse themselves in the charming, everyday lives of its characters.

We highly recommend this series for its straightforward plots and clear, easy-to-follow dialogue. It’s an excellent resource for familiarizing yourself with everyday conversation and sentence structures. Whether you cherished it in the 90s or are a newcomer, this show is an ideal option for enhancing your English skills with Netflix.

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The Great British Bake Off: Best for British accents

If you’re keen on honing your British English skills, this show is a must-watch. Not only is it one of the most beloved British series of all time, but it also delivers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making your learning experience enjoyable and relaxed.

The Great British Bake Off, known as The Great British Baking Show in the US, is a delightful television baking competition that blends educational insights into baking with humor and engaging challenges. Unlike the often intense and fast-paced American cooking shows, this series features soothing music, charming British accents, and a spirit of camaraderie among contestants, making it an ideal choice for relaxed language learning.

The language in this show is straightforward and flows smoothly, featuring common phrases from everyday British conversations. While the vocabulary largely centers on baking, you’ll also catch glimpses into the contestants’ personal lives, offering insights into British culture and some delightful slang. If you enjoy baking, friendly interactions, and charming British accents, this show is a must-watch!

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The Crown: Best for British history

Are you ready to dive into Netflix’s most lavish drama series to date? “The Crown” is a captivating British show that chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, starting in 1947, six years prior to her coronation. With six seasons available, there’s an abundance of episodes that not only entertain but also offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the nuances of the Queen’s English!

The show features distinct British accents, specifically Received Pronunciation, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of standard British English. It’s important to recognize that the language used is formal and less frequently spoken in contemporary UK. While the series is rooted in true events and presents itself as a historical drama, it remains a captivating way to explore Britain’s rich history and its monarchy.

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The Big Bang Theory: Best for short watching

This beloved American comedy centers on the lives of four quirky scientists—Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard—who navigate their social challenges alongside their vivacious neighbor, Penny. Spanning 12 entertaining seasons, the series is an excellent resource for mastering informal spoken English, everyday phrases, and American cultural nuances. With its short episodes, it’s easy to rewatch and pick up new insights each time!

In the early seasons of the series, much of the humor revolves around physics, offering viewers a chance to dive into science-related jokes and pick up some advanced vocabulary along the way. You’ll also encounter engineering and scientific terminology sprinkled throughout. Additionally, with a diverse cast representing various cultural backgrounds, the show features a rich tapestry of English accents, enhancing the overall experience.

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Sherlock (TV series): Best for detective stories

“Sherlock” offers a contemporary twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tales featuring the iconic Sherlock Holmes. While familiarity with the original stories isn’t essential, it can enhance your appreciation of the series. This British crime drama spans four thrilling seasons, with each episode running approximately 90 minutes, perfect for an immersive viewing experience.

The series centers around the brilliant consulting detective Sherlock Holmes, who partners with the Metropolitan Police Service and Senior Inspector Greg Lestrade to crack a variety of intriguing cases. His trusted roommate, John Watson, a military veteran recently returned from Afghanistan, plays a crucial role in the investigations. While the show features a diverse array of criminals, the intense rivalry between Holmes and his arch-nemesis, Jim Moriarty, remains a thrilling focal point throughout the storyline.

If you’re looking to sharpen your modern British English skills while indulging in a captivating detective tale, this series is an excellent choice. Amidst numerous Sherlock Holmes adaptations, this particular version stands out, thanks to the outstanding performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. While the dialogue may occasionally be complex, Sherlock’s reasoning is always articulated in a way that’s easy to follow.

If you enjoy classic detective tales infused with a contemporary flair, then using Netflix is an excellent way to enhance your English skills.

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House of Cards: Best for intermediate English and politics

For fans of politics, *House of Cards* offers a gripping portrayal of political drama that delves deep into the murky waters of greed, corruption, and relentless ambition. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Washington, the series uncovers the intricate power plays and behind-the-scenes maneuvers that define the political landscape.

The series centers on Frank Underwood, a driven Democratic politician, who, alongside his formidable wife Claire, schemes to exact revenge on the sitting President. Their ultimate goal? To secure Frank’s ascent to the highest office in the land.

The dialogue in the show strikes a balance between everyday language and intricate political terminology. While the plot and character situations are fictional, they provide valuable insights into how language can be a powerful tool for navigating difficult situations. The fast-paced and often complex conversations make it an excellent choice for advanced learners looking to enhance their intermediate English skills through Netflix.

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Grey’s Anatomy: Best for medical vocabulary

For those learning medical terminology, *Grey’s Anatomy* is a fantastic option. Each 45-minute episode delves into the intense and demanding lives of doctors striving for success in the medical field. Viewers are treated to a captivating mix of complex storylines featuring unusual medical cases, alongside a tapestry of personal relationships that includes everything from casual workplace friendships to fiery romances, all infused with plenty of drama.

With its captivating blend of professional challenges and romantic entanglements, this show is a treasure trove of medical terminology and conversational phrases. We suggest it for intermediate to advanced learners, as the plot unfolds quickly, making it easy to lose track if you skip an episode.

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Suits: Best for business English

If you’re looking to enhance your business English vocabulary, “Suits” is an excellent choice. This captivating legal drama, set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, spans nine thrilling seasons with episodes lasting about 40 minutes each. The storyline follows a former student who narrowly avoids arrest during a drug sting and unexpectedly crosses paths with Harvey Specter, the city’s top lawyer. Despite never attending law school, he lands a job at Harvey’s prestigious law firm. The series showcases the dynamic between a relentless boss and his devoted employee, exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and the high-stakes world of corporate law.

Suits is an excellent choice for aspiring legal professionals, as it provides a wealth of legal terminology. While it may not be ideal for those seeking to learn everyday English, it is particularly beneficial for students of business English. If you’re looking to enhance your language skills for your career, Suits is definitely worth exploring!

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Check out the 10 best Netflix series to learn English below:

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4 ways to learn English with Netflix effectively

Watching Netflix can be a fun and engaging experience, making it tempting to binge-watch frequently. To enhance your learning while enjoying your favorite shows, consider these tips for a more efficient viewing experience.

1. Watch with the subtitles on

To kickstart your English learning journey, begin by watching shows with English subtitles. Research from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona reveals that students who engage with English TV shows this way experience a notable boost in their comprehension skills.

Watching shows with subtitles can significantly enhance your English vocabulary. By following along, you’ll become familiar with commonly used words and phrases, making it easier to recognize and remember them.

English spelling and pronunciation can often be perplexing, especially for beginners. That’s where subtitles come in handy—they allow you to see the spelling while simultaneously hearing the correct pronunciation, making the learning process much smoother and more effective.

For English learners, watching shows without subtitles can pose a real challenge, particularly when diverse accents come into play. The team at LingualNeeds highlighted just how tricky it can be to decipher accents and identify their origins. Why not give it a try yourself?

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How to learn English with Netflix subtitles

Depending on your level of English, try watching an English series on Netflix with the following subtitle options:

• **For Beginners: Watch English Shows with Native Language Subtitles**
  Start by watching English TV shows with subtitles in your native language. This approach helps you grasp new vocabulary while comprehending the overall context.
• **Intermediate Level: Enhance Comprehension with English Audio and Subtitles**
  Boost your English comprehension and pronunciation by watching shows with both English audio and subtitles. This dual approach allows you to hear and read the words simultaneously, reinforcing your learning.
• **Advanced: Watch English Shows Without Subtitles**
  As an advanced English learner, watching shows without subtitles can simulate real-life conversation listening. Bob the Canadian, a popular YouTuber with 1.67M subscribers, recommends this approach to enhance comprehension skills. Discover more of Bob’s insights on learning English through TV here.

2. Write down words you don’t recognize

Expanding your vocabulary through shows is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Simply pause the video whenever you encounter a new word, jot it down, and check its meaning in an online dictionary. This approach not only boosts your engagement but also shifts you from a passive viewer to an active learner. To enhance your experience further, consider using a Google Chrome extension that allows you to compare subtitles in two languages and provides a convenient pop-up dictionary, making it even quicker to discover new words.

Discover a fantastic way to expand your vocabulary with the LingualNeeds free app! It not only allows you to gather unfamiliar words but also offers engaging exercises to reinforce your memory. Start enhancing your language skills today!

3. Rewatch sections you don’t understand

Native English speakers often communicate at a rapid pace, which can pose challenges for language learners. This means you might encounter parts of an episode that are difficult to grasp. Since many words and phrases rely heavily on context, consider rewatching the sections you found confusing after finishing the episode. This approach can help you catch nuances and details you may have overlooked the first time around.

Consider tackling questions such as: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Remember, it’s okay if you don’t grasp everything right away—language learning is about progress, not perfection. As your English skills develop, you’ll find your comprehension will enhance too.

4. Repeat what you hear out loud

Listening is just the first step in mastering a new language. To truly enhance your English speaking skills, it’s essential to practice speaking as well. One fantastic feature of Netflix is the ability to mimic your favorite characters. Simply listen to a sentence, pause the show, and then repeat it aloud. This method not only helps improve your pronunciation but also boosts your confidence in speaking!

Record your voice and then listen to how it matches up with the original pronunciation. If it’s similar, fantastic! If it differs significantly, don’t be discouraged—just give it another shot! Pay attention to the intonation as well. Is the character expressing happiness, sadness, anger, or excitement? Keep in mind that you’re not just mastering word pronunciation; you’re also learning to use those words in the appropriate context.

How to put new words into practice

Follow these tips to make sure you’re learning English with Netflix effectively:

1. Write down all unfamiliar words while watching, and look them up in an English dictionary afterward.
2. If you’re unclear about certain terms, discuss them with your tutor and rewatch the relevant TV show segment for additional context.
3. Record yourself saying new words and cross-check against the pronunciation in the TV show.
4. When you feel confident, use the words in your English classes or in conversation with native English speakers.
5. Join forums or subreddits related to the show and engage in discussions. Creating social media posts can also enhance your writing and reading skills.

Combining Netflix series with private language classes

While Netflix is an excellent tool for enhancing your listening skills, mastering a language requires speaking practice with an English teacher. Elevate your understanding of English phrases and vocabulary by engaging in conversation. Explore LingualNeeds to find the ideal tutor tailored to your language goals, and confidently showcase your Netflix-inspired knowledge in your lessons.

Partnering with a tutor for personalized one-on-one sessions can greatly accelerate your journey to mastering English. This unique opportunity allows a professional to closely track your progress, providing valuable feedback on your fluency, grammar, pronunciation, and overall communication skills.

Learning with Netflix at home is an excellent way to improve your English, but pairing it with speaking practice will elevate your skills to fluency! Engaging with the content while speaking will enhance your comprehension and build your confidence in using the language.