In this article, I present a selection of recommended foreign TV shows available on Netflix for English language learning! If you’re a fan of foreign TV shows or seeking listening practice materials, I invite you to consider these recommendations.
Features of Netflix and Why It’s Recommended for English Learning
Netflix stands as one of the premier streaming services globally, renowned for its diverse offerings. It serves not only as a platform for entertainment but also as a highly effective tool for English language acquisition. Personally, I’ve found it indispensable, incorporating it into my daily routine. Over time, I’ve honed my comprehension skills to the point where I can follow content adequately without relying on English subtitles. The breadth and depth of content available are both captivating and enriching, rendering Netflix an invaluable resource for language learners.
Below, I’ll delineate the primary attributes of Netflix and elucidate why it is a recommendable choice for English language acquisition.
A diverse range of content
Netflix offers a diverse array of content, ranging from movies and series to documentaries and anime, catering to a wide range of interests and providing an enjoyable platform for English language acquisition. Notably, its repertoire includes acclaimed original productions such as “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “Bridgerton,” renowned for their exceptional quality and popularity.
Moreover, the availability of Japanese content with English audio and subtitles adds an appealing dimension. This feature allows users to enjoy native language content with English audio, offering an effective learning experience. The benefits of this approach, particularly for beginners, are elucidated in the article below, making it a compelling and effective method for English language acquisition.
Subtitles Functionality
Utilizing the subtitles feature while watching foreign TV shows and movies is highly effective for English language learning. Netflix offers a wide array of subtitle options, including English and multilingual subtitles, allowing viewers to deepen their understanding by utilizing both English and native language subtitles simultaneously.
Language Learning Tool
By using the Chrome extension “Language Reactor,” viewers can access features such as dual subtitles and instant word meaning displays! This allows for efficient vocabulary expansion while watching content.
Below is the link to Language Reactor for those interested. Be sure to check it out!
If you would like to know more about the comparison between Netflix and other media, as well as pricing plans, please refer to the article below! Next, I will introduce you to the recommended foreign TV shows available on Netflix!
Recommended Foreign TV Shows for English Learning on Netflix
Breaking Bad
Script: Created by: Vince Gilligan
Number of Seasons: 5
Number of Episodes: 62
Genre: Crime Drama, Thriller
Synopsis: “Breaking Bad” follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Walter partners with former student Jesse Pinkman to secure his family’s financial future. As they delve deeper into the drug trade, Walter’s transformation from a struggling teacher to a ruthless criminal mastermind unfolds, leading to dire consequences for everyone involved.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You can learn diverse vocabulary including everyday conversation, scientific terms, and criminal jargon.
- The compelling storytelling with suspense keeps you interested while learning.
- Variations in speech patterns among characters (Walter’s intellectual speech, Jesse’s slang, etc.) are beneficial for learning, but the abundance of slang makes the English difficulty level higher.
The story is simply captivating, and with multiple seasons, it offers long-lasting enjoyment! From an English learning perspective, it’s particularly rewarding for intermediate to advanced learners, providing a challenge that enhances listening skills and vocabulary.
Better Call Saul
Script: Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould
Number of Seasons: 6
Number of Episodes: 63
Genre: Crime Drama, Legal Drama, Black Comedy
Synopsis: “Better Call Saul” is a prequel to “Breaking Bad” that explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer, into Saul Goodman, the morally flexible attorney known for representing Albuquerque’s criminal underworld. The series delves into Jimmy’s struggles and his relationships, particularly with his brother Chuck and love interest Kim Wexler, while also revealing the backstories of other “Breaking Bad” characters like Mike Ehrmantraut. Through its narrative, “Better Call Saul” showcases Jimmy’s descent into the shady persona of Saul Goodman, blending legal drama with dark humor.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You can learn English from different social classes and professions.
- You can acquire a diverse vocabulary, including legal and business terms.
- Due to the abundance of technical terms, the difficulty level of English is relatively high.
It’s a spin-off of Breaking Bad! Just as compelling as Breaking Bad, it’s also full of business terms, making it a recommended series for TOEIC study! Once I started watching, I couldn’t stop, and ended up losing sleep every night…lol
SUITS
Script: Aaron Korsh
Number of Seasons: 9
Number of Episodes: 134
Genre: Legal Drama, Comedy-Drama
Synopsis: “Suits” follows Mike Ross, a brilliant college dropout with a photographic memory, who lands a job as an associate at a prestigious law firm in New York City despite never having attended law school. He is hired by Harvey Specter, one of the city’s top lawyers, who takes a gamble on Mike’s talent. Together, they work to solve cases while keeping Mike’s secret safe. The series delves into the complexities of legal battles, corporate power struggles, and the personal lives of the characters, blending drama and wit with a fast-paced, high-stakes legal environment.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- Specialized legal and business terminology frequently appears.
- Many conversations occur in a professional setting, offering clear and polished English.
- It provides insight into the American legal system, business culture, and office etiquette.
“Suits” is a highly engaging TV series with a substantial number of episodes! The abundance of formal English expressions makes it a great resource for learning business-related language. However, since the English used can be quite challenging, I recommend that English learning beginners use Japanese subtitles to aid their understanding while watching.
THE WALKING DEAD
Script: Frank Darabont (based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard)
Number of Seasons: 11
Number of Episodes: 177
Genre: Horror, Drama, Post-apocalyptic
Synopsis: “The Walking Dead” follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, referred to as “walkers.” Led by former sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes, the group navigates the challenges of survival, including limited resources, hostile human factions, and the ever-present threat of the walkers. As they search for safety and stability, the survivors face moral dilemmas, intense personal conflicts, and the constant struggle to maintain their humanity in an increasingly brutal world. The series explores themes of leadership, community, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- Features characters with diverse backgrounds, allowing you to hear various accents and dialects.
- Learn English terms related to survival and combat, including strategies and methods for resource gathering in extreme situations.
- Offers many emotionally charged dialogues and conflicts, providing an opportunity to study deep emotional expressions.
It’s a well-known long-running foreign TV series! The zombie horror genre might not be for everyone (personally, I love it!). While it features a lot of daily conversations, making it relatively easy to follow without too many specialized terms, the non-everyday scenarios lower its overall rating for comprehensive English learning. If you enjoy horror, it’s a great choice, but be prepared for the long haul as the series is quite lengthy!
Stranger Things
Script: The Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross Duffer)
Number of Seasons: 4 (with a 5th season announced)
Number of Episodes: 34 (as of the end of Season 4)
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Drama, Mystery
Synopsis: “Stranger Things” is set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The series begins with the mysterious disappearance of a young boy named Will Byers, which leads his friends and family to uncover a series of extraordinary events involving secret government experiments, supernatural forces, and a mysterious girl with psychokinetic abilities known only as Eleven. As they delve deeper, they discover the existence of an alternate dimension called the Upside Down, which poses a grave threat to their world. The series blends elements of supernatural horror, coming-of-age drama, and nostalgic references to 1980s pop culture, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- Many scenes depict the daily conversations and friendships of children, allowing learners to pick up basic English expressions.
- The show portrays 1980s pop culture and societal context, helping viewers understand the language and cultural expressions of that era.
- The children’s dialogues are rich in slang and colloquial expressions, providing a good opportunity to learn contemporary youth English.
It’s one of Netflix’s big hits! While it has horror elements, the content is extremely captivating and keeps viewers engaged throughout. With plenty of everyday conversations, it’s ideal for English learning, making it suitable even for beginners. It’s also commendable for offering insights into American societal backgrounds. Plus, there’s anticipation for future seasons, making it a promising series to follow!
YOU
Script: Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble (based on the novel by Caroline Kepnes)
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 40
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Drama
Synopsis: “You” centers around Joe Goldberg, a charming and obsessive young man who becomes infatuated with various women he encounters. Using social media and the internet, Joe meticulously orchestrates situations to insert himself into their lives, often resorting to extreme measures to eliminate any obstacles in his way. As he navigates his relationships, Joe’s actions escalate from stalking to more dangerous and violent behaviors. The series delves into themes of obsession, identity, and the darker side of romantic pursuit, portraying Joe as a complex character whose internal monologue reveals his justifications and rationalizations for his actions.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- It provides an opportunity to acquire English phrases and vocabulary that articulate intricate emotions and psychological states.
- The series incorporates a wealth of contemporary vocabulary associated with social media and technology.
- Through the narrative tension and suspense, viewers can develop proficiency in emotionally expressive language and tone.
It’s a personal favorite of mine! I initially thought it was a romantic drama based on the title, but it turned out to be a surprising psycho-romantic suspense! There are plenty of suspenseful and thrilling moments that keep you hooked on the story! In terms of English learning, it offers a wide range of phrases for expressing various emotions, making it suitable for learners of all levels from beginners to advanced.
13 Reasons Why
Script: Brian Yorkey (based on the novel by Jay Asher)
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 49
Genre: Teen Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
Synopsis: “13 Reasons Why” revolves around the aftermath of high school student Hannah Baker’s suicide. Before her death, Hannah records a series of cassette tapes explaining the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life, each tape addressing a specific person and event that contributed to her decision. The series begins with Clay Jensen, one of Hannah’s classmates and friends, receiving the tapes and listening to them, uncovering painful truths and secrets about his peers and the school’s environment. The show tackles heavy themes such as bullying, sexual assault, mental health, and the impact of social pressures on teenagers, sparking important conversations about these critical issues.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You can acquire a wealth of real-life English expressions through the rich everyday conversations and emotional expressions depicted.
- The series offers valuable insights into the psychological turmoil and societal dilemmas experienced by its characters.
- It serves as a useful tool for improving comprehension of English speaking speed and accents.
The narrative, while somewhat sensitive in nature, is well-crafted and highly recommended. Set against the backdrop of high school life, it offers valuable insights for English learners and is relatively accessible, making it suitable for beginners as well. Additionally, since it is also available in book format, those intrigued by the series might find it beneficial to further engage with the material through reading.
ORANGE is the new BLACK
Script: Jenji Kohan (based on the memoir by Piper Kerman)
Number of Seasons: 7
Number of Episodes: 91
Genre: Comedy-Drama, Crime Drama
Synopsis: “Orange Is the New Black” follows Piper Chapman, a woman in her thirties who is sentenced to 15 months in a women’s federal prison for her role in a drug trafficking operation ten years prior. The series explores the lives of Piper and her fellow inmates, revealing their backstories and the dynamics within the prison system. The show delves into issues of race, sexuality, gender identity, and the criminal justice system, balancing dark humor with poignant social commentary. Through its diverse ensemble cast, “Orange Is the New Black” offers a compelling and nuanced look at life behind bars and the struggles of reintegration into society.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- The series introduces a diverse cast of characters from different racial, gender, and cultural backgrounds, providing an opportunity for viewers to engage with varied language use and cultural nuances.
- Each character is intricately developed, offering English learners a profound understanding of the language within diverse contexts.
- Furthermore, the narrative delves into the complexities of prison life and addresses pertinent societal issues such as drug-related problems, gender disparities, and racial discrimination, thus fostering a deeper comprehension of these topics.
The series maintains a consistently high standard both in content and for English learners. With a diverse range of characters featuring unique personalities, accents, and racial backgrounds, viewers have the advantage of learning a wide spectrum of English. Its comedic elements also make it easily accessible and enjoyable for all audiences.
The Good Place
Script: Michael Schur
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 53
Genre: Fantasy Comedy, Philosophical Fiction
Synopsis: “The Good Place” follows Eleanor Shellstrop, who finds herself in a utopian afterlife known as “The Good Place” after her death. Realizing she has been mistaken for someone else, Eleanor tries to become a better person with the help of her newfound friends—Chidi, Tahani, and Jason—and their guide, Michael, who is an immortal architect. As the group navigates the challenges and moral dilemmas of the afterlife, they uncover surprising truths about themselves and the nature of good and evil. The series cleverly combines humor with deep philosophical questions, exploring themes of ethics, redemption, and what it means to live a good life.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You can explore English jokes and wordplay.
- The everyday conversations among the characters, especially the unique humor of the protagonist Eleanor, create a rich learning environment for English within a relaxed atmosphere.
- Through philosophical discussions and contemplations in English, you can cultivate profound insights.
It’s personally one of my favorite shows! The content is incredibly engaging, making it a great recommendation for those looking to learn English jokes! The difficulty level of English itself isn’t too high, and the shorter duration per episode makes it convenient to watch. It’s definitely a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts!
MANIFEST
Script: Jeff Rake
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 62
Genre: Supernatural Drama, Mystery
Synopsis: “Manifest” centers on the passengers and crew of Montego Air Flight 828, who experience a turbulent flight but land safely, only to discover that five and a half years have passed in the world while they were in the air. As they reintegrate into society, they begin to experience “callings,” which are visions and voices guiding them toward certain actions. The series follows the passengers’ struggles to understand what happened to them, the implications of their “callings,” and the mysterious forces at play. Balancing elements of supernatural mystery with personal drama, “Manifest” explores themes of destiny, interconnectedness, and the search for truth.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You can acquire proficiency in both formal and informal English language.
- You’ll gain insight into contemporary expressions and trending linguistic usages.
- This series is particularly beneficial for acquiring specialized vocabulary and phrases pertinent to fields such as investigation, evidence, and theory.
This series concludes with its fourth season. Its focus on mystery and suspense captivates viewers, fostering a heightened interest and motivation for learning while enjoying the storyline. With numerous scenes featuring specialized expressions, it’s recommended for intermediate to advanced English learners.
COBRA KAI
Script: Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg
Number of Seasons: 6 (with the 6th season announced as the final season)
Number of Episodes: 50 (as of the end of Season 5)
Genre: Martial Arts, Comedy-Drama
Synopsis: “Cobra Kai” continues the story of the “Karate Kid” film series, set 34 years after the original movie. The series rekindles the rivalry between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. Johnny, down on his luck, reopens the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, seeking redemption by teaching a new generation of students. This revival reignites his rivalry with Daniel, now a successful car dealership owner who struggles to maintain balance in his life. The show explores themes of redemption, bullying, and the impact of past choices, blending action and comedy while honoring the legacy of the original films.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- It’s ideal for learning contemporary English expressions and the language used by young people.
- Characters from 1980s movie series make appearances, providing exposure to English expressions from that era as well as modern youth slang.
- The show depicts various aspects of everyday life, offering abundant opportunities to observe realistic conversations and slang usage among the characters.
It’s highly recommended for English learners, especially beginners, as it centers around youth vernacular. Additionally, being a sequel to the popular 1980s movie series “The Karate Kid,” it offers compelling content that will surely captivate fans of the franchise.
The Umbrella Academy
Script: Steve Blackman (based on the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá)
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 30 (as of the end of Season 3)
Genre: Superhero, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Synopsis: “The Umbrella Academy” follows the lives of seven children born under mysterious circumstances and adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves, a billionaire industrialist. Each child exhibits unique superpowers, and they are trained to become a superhero team known as the Umbrella Academy. The series begins with their reunion years after disbanding, following the death of their adoptive father. As they investigate his death and try to prevent an impending apocalypse, the dysfunctional siblings confront their complex family dynamics and personal struggles. The show combines action-packed superhero elements with dark humor and explores themes of identity, destiny, and the consequences of using extraordinary abilities.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- Characters’ everyday conversations and slang are abundant, providing opportunities to learn authentic English expressions.
- You can learn unique English expressions and specialized terminology used by characters with extraordinary abilities.
- Through scenes depicting emotions and conflicts, learners can enhance their understanding of English nuances and expressive abilities.
It’s a fantasy drama series with supernatural abilities! With elements of comedy and intense action scenes, it’s recommended for fans of battle-oriented movies. In terms of English learning, it offers a wide range of vocabulary, from everyday conversation to specialized terms related to supernatural abilities, making it beneficial for intermediate to advanced learners to expand their phraseology and vocabulary!
MONEY HEIST
Script: Álex Pina
Number of Seasons: 5
Number of Episodes: 55
Genre: Crime Drama, Thriller
Synopsis: “Money Heist” (original Spanish title “La Casa de Papel”) revolves around a group of robbers led by the enigmatic mastermind known as “The Professor.” Their plan involves carrying out sophisticated heists, starting with the Royal Mint of Spain and later the Bank of Spain, where they aim to print billions of euros. The series explores the dynamics among the robbers, each with a code name based on cities, and their hostages. As the heists unfold, the tension rises, complicated by personal relationships and unforeseen challenges. “Money Heist” blends intricate plotting, suspenseful action, and character-driven drama, becoming an international hit for its gripping narrative and charismatic ensemble cast.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- The series offers opportunities to acquire skills in everyday English conversations, emotional expressions, and effective communication during emergencies.
- Viewers can gain insights into diverse aspects of Spanish culture and values, fostering a deeper understanding of cross-cultural dynamics.
- The show provides exposure to slang and colloquial expressions, enriching language comprehension.
It’s a Spanish television drama series, but it’s available to watch with English audio and subtitles. It’s a suspenseful show depicting an unusual group of thieves planning a heist, and it has gained significant popularity in many countries. Be sure to give it a watch! One of the appealing features of Netflix is the ability to watch content from other countries in English as well!
Prison Break
Script: Paul Scheuring
Number of Seasons: 5
Number of Episodes: 90
Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
Synopsis: “Prison Break” follows Michael Scofield, a structural engineer who devises an elaborate plan to break his brother, Lincoln Burrows, out of prison after he is wrongfully convicted of murder. Michael intentionally gets himself incarcerated in the same prison and uses his engineering skills and an intricate tattooed map of the facility to orchestrate their escape. As the series progresses, Michael and Lincoln navigate through various prisons, government conspiracies, and international intrigue while evading capture and uncovering hidden truths. “Prison Break” is known for its suspenseful plot twists, intense action sequences, and exploration of themes such as brotherhood, sacrifice, and the limits of loyalty.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You can understand American culture, legal systems, and prison environments.
- Idioms and colloquial expressions are commonly used.
- You can also learn slang and informal expressions.
“Prison Break” is indeed a renowned masterpiece! It features a lot of slang, making the English level somewhat challenging, but the story itself is so captivating and engaging!! Since it includes many idioms and colloquial expressions, let’s list these expressions, research their meanings, and study how to use them!
Gossip Girl
Script: Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar)
Number of Seasons: 6
Number of Episodes: 121
Genre: Teen Drama, Romance
Synopsis: “Gossip Girl” revolves around the lives of privileged young adults living on the Upper East Side of New York City. The series is narrated by an anonymous blogger known as “Gossip Girl,” who reveals the scandalous and secretive lives of the main characters through her blog posts. The central characters include Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Chuck Bass, Nate Archibald, and Dan Humphrey, among others, as they navigate relationships, friendships, and the pressures of elite society. The show explores themes of wealth, power, love, and betrayal against the backdrop of Manhattan’s glamorous and competitive social scene.
Content Rating
English Difficulty
Overall Rating for English Learning
- You’ll find a wealth of words and trendy expressions used by young people.
- It focuses on everyday conversations and interactions among friends, allowing you to learn authentic English expressions.
- There are many opportunities to encounter New York slang and youth language.
It’s recommended for those who enjoy the romance genre! The English used is primarily practical and centered around everyday conversation. By learning expressions used by characters to express emotions and opinions, you can develop your ability to express yourself in English!
Summary
The English proficiency level may fluctuate across different shows, yet incorporating subtitles and repeated viewing can prove beneficial for language acquisition. Therefore, I encourage you to consider these methods as valuable tools for learning English.
Moving forward, I commit to periodically updating this article with recommended Netflix shows.
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