On average, Netflix subscribers spend 2 hours a day streaming their favourite content. With so many binge-worthy series out there, it’s no surprise! But if you’re feeling guilty about all that screen time, why not switch on the subtitles and learn a little English while you’re watching?

With so many fantastic series to watch, you might be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a new show. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the most gripping and popular series out at the moment, which will help you not only practise comprehension, but help you pick up on new accents and vocabulary in the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Here is our pick of the best Netflix series to learn English.

Let’s get watching!

 

1. End of The F****** World

 

End of Th F****** World is a tale of first love, self-identity and teenage rebellion that explores the difficulties of adolescence and the important lessons to be learned along the way.

The show follows James, an angsty teenager, who in believing he is a psychopath, plots to kill his outspoken and unruly classmate Alyssa. Alyssa, wanting to escape her difficult home life, proposes the two run away together. And so begins their tumultuous adventure. They get into deep trouble with law, and ultimately become the centre of a national manhunt.

Why is it good for learning English? Each episode is only around 20 minutes long, making it easy to digest and squeeze into your day. The show is based in the U.K., which is great for students wanting to practise their listening comprehension of British slang (and get a lesson in British cynicism). There’s also lots of opportunities to learn new vocabulary related to love and crime. Lucky for you, Netflix have just released a second season!

 

 

2. Ozark

 

Loved Breaking Bad? This one could be for you. Ozark is another dark, fast-paced and twisting crime drama that deals with family loyalty and betrayal.

A financial planner named Marty is forced to relocate his family to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, after becoming involved with a Mexican drug cartel and a money laundering plan that goes wrong. Marty then becomes entangled in a bigger operation to pay off his debt, and in the process, his fractured family is forced to work together and face their own problems.

Why is it good for learning English? The show contains lots of day to day language that is simple to understand. Ozark is great for those wanting to listen and imitate an American accent. In addition, the intense dramatic monologues offer a quick lesson in the art of public speaking – the perfect opportunity to try speech shadowing!

 

 

3. The Crown

 

Do you have a keen interest in period dramas, true events and British culture? If so, then try The Crown. Public fascination with the British royal family has increased the popularity of this series, and it has been nominated for many awards over the years, including several Emmy Awards and Golden Globes.

The Crown is a historical drama which chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, starting from her early childhood and then the beginning of her reign. It also follows the lives of the rest of the royal family, their political rivalries and their romantic scandals.

Why is it good for learning English? Not only will you get a lesson in the British monarchy, you’ll pick up some impressive formal language – and, perfect your posh English accent too!

 

 

4. The Good Place

 

Looking for an escape? Watch The Good Place. This fantasy comedy is a great Netflix show to watch if you want to focus on something light-hearted.

The story follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a young American woman who dies, enters the afterlife and accidentally reaches The Good Place – a fictional utopia only reserved for people who’ve done great things in life. Upon realising the mistake, Eleanor desperately tries to become a more ethical person and hide her morally corrupt past.

Why is it good for learning English? The Good Place is very visual and the dialogue is clear, making it easy to follow the storyline. Again, the episodes are short so you don’t need to concentrate for too long. There are some funny lines, too. For example, in The Good Place you can’t use bad language, meaning swear words are replaced with comical variations like ‘forked up’.

 

 

5. Love is Blind

 

If you haven’t heard of Love is Blind, you’re missing out. It’s one of the most talked about (and ridiculous) Netflix series of 2020.

Love is Blind is a reality dating show. It is set in the U.S. and is based around an experiment in which contestants date other contestants. But there’s a catch. They are only allowed to see each other in person once they are engaged to be married. The newly engaged couples are then taken on a romantic trip to Mexico before their wedding a month later.

Why is it good for learning English? Love is Blind is a factual show which means it focuses around real people and authentic dialogues. The contestants have a range of different American accents, and there are lots of opportunities to hear colloquial language – as well as vocabulary related to marriage and relationships!

 

 

Have you seen any of these series? Let us know your favourite in the comments!

Looking for more tips? Check out this blogpost: How to improve your English using Netflix.

Glossary for Language Learners

 

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Binge-worthy (adj): a tv series that is highly addictive.

Spoilt for choice (exp): more than one excellent option, making it difficult to choose.

Outspoken (adj) : someone who is very direct in their opinions.

Manhunt (n): an organized search for a criminal.

Money Laundering (n): transferring illegally obtained money via another existing business.

Reign (n): rule as monarch.

Light-hearted (adj): amusing and entertaining.

Afterlife (n): life after death.

Swear words (n): bad or offensive language.

Catch (n): a hidden obstacle or problem.

Key

adj = adjective

exp = expression

n = noun

pv = phrasal verb

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