Learning a language through TV shows has become a popular method because it combines entertainment with education. Science supports this, showing that exposure to real-life conversations and cultural contexts improves language retention and comprehension. Plus, when it's fun, learning is more engaging.
If you haven’t tried this method, it’s worth a shot. However, remember that if you’re just starting, you might not catch everything—and that’s okay. Don’t overwhelm yourself; focus on understanding words from context clues and only look up a few key terms. Otherwise, it can become tedious and take the fun out of learning.
In this article:
1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)
"La Casa de Papel" is a high-stakes crime drama that has gained global popularity right away. The show revolves around a group of robbers who execute meticulously planned heists on the Royal Mint of Spain and later on the Bank of Spain, under the guidance of their mysterious leader, "El Profesor."
For Spanish learners, this series is a treasure trove of advanced vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and fast-paced dialogue. Perfect for advanced level and to test your listening comprehension and vocabulary retention.
And besides language learning, it’s cultural and socially aware. It's an interesting watch for everyone.
2. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls)
"Las Chicas del Cable" is a period drama set in 1920s Madrid, focusing on four women working at Spain's first national telephone company. It explores the struggles and empowerment of women during a time of significant change.
It’s a great mix of formal and informal language, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced levels. The historical context also provides exposure to period-specific vocabulary and expressions.
With compelling characters and dramatic plotlines, it’s a captivating watch for anyone interested in history and social issues.
3. Extra en Español
"Extra en español" is actually a sitcom specifically designed for Spanish learners. The show follows the lives of four friends living in a shared apartment. The episodes are focused on everyday situations and it's an easy watch. The language used is clear and simple, so it's ideal for beginners.
Each episode has repetitive phrases and slow dialogue to help you learn basic vocabulary and sentence structure. Humor and relatable situations to build your basic Spanish skills while having fun learning.
4. Élite
"Élite" is a teen drama with mystery, romance and social commentary. It’s set in an elite private school and follows a group of students as they navigate relationships, secrets and the challenges of privilege and inequality.
For Spanish learners "Élite" has different accents and contemporary slang. The fast dialogue and complex plots are for intermediate to advanced learners. It’s also a great way to get into modern Spanish culture and social issues.
5. Vis a Vis (Locked Up)
"Vis a Vis" is a gritty prison drama that follows Macarena, a naive young woman sentenced to prison for financial crimes. The show explores her transformation as she navigates the harsh realities of life behind bars.
For Spanish learners, Vis a Vis includes a mix of advanced vocabulary, slang, and fast-paced dialogue. With intense, emotionally charged scenes, it’s best suited for advanced learners who want to challenge their comprehension skills while enjoying themselves with interesting storylines.
6. Paquita Salas
"Paquita Salas" is a comedy series about a struggling talent agent trying to revive her career in the Spanish entertainment industry. The show is filled with quirky humor and lovable characters.
For Spanish learners, Paquita Salas is great for picking up colloquial language and slang, ideal for those at an intermediate level. The series' humorous and relatable situations gives you a fun way to improve your conversational skills while enjoying the light-hearted storyline.
7. Narcos
Narcos is a crime drama about the rise and fall of the cartels in Colombia. Most of the dialogue is in Spanish but some is in English so it’s a great listen for language learners.
For Spanish learners, Narcos is best for advanced learners because of the slang and fast talking. It gives a deep look into the history and culture of the drug trade so great for those interested in Latin American Spanish.
8. Club de Cuervos
"Club de Cuervos" is a sports comedy-drama about a feuding brother and sister who inherit a soccer team in the fictional Mexican town of Nuevo Toledo. It’s funny and drama.
For Spanish learners, Club de Cuervos is for intermediates. It has a mix of formal and informal language and regional slang from Mexico. The show also gives insight into Mexican culture, especially around soccer so it’s fun and educational.
9. La Casa de las Flores (The House of Flowers)
"La Casa de las Flores" is a dark comedy-drama centered around a wealthy but dysfunctional family that runs a prestigious flower shop. The show is known for its satirical take on social issues and its mix of melodrama and humor.
For Spanish learners, La Casa de las Flores is perfect for beginners to intermediates. It features clear, everyday language with some regional slang, making it accessible while still challenging. The show’s engaging plot and witty dialogue also make it a fun way to learn.
10. Madre solo hay dos (Daughter from Another Mother)
"Madre solo hay dos" is a light-hearted family drama about two women who discover their babies were accidentally switched at birth. They decide to form an unconventional family, leading to humorous and heartwarming situations.
For Spanish learners, this show is ideal for beginners to intermediates. It uses everyday language that's easy to follow, with plenty of relatable conversations. The show's mix of humor and emotional moments makes it an enjoyable way to build your Spanish vocabulary and comprehension.
11. Gran Hotel (Grand Hotel)
"Gran Hotel" is a period drama set in the early 1900s in a luxurious hotel in Spain. The series is about the mysteries, secrets and scandals that happen among the guests and staff.
Gran Hotel is for advanced Spanish learners as it uses formal and old language. The dialogue and period vocabulary is a great way to get into Spanish culture and history, so it’s educational and fun.
12. El Ministerio del Tiempo (The Ministry of Time)
"El Ministerio del Tiempo" is a sci-fi series about a secret government agency that protects Spain’s history by preventing time travel from altering historical events. The agents travel through time, meet famous people and face historical challenges.
El Ministerio del Tiempo is better for advanced learners. It has a mix of old and modern language, so you get to hear different dialects and vocabulary. And the premise is fun to learn about Spanish history and culture.
13. Velvet
"Velvet" is a romantic drama set in a 1950s fashion house in Madrid. It’s the story of a humble seamstress and the heir to the fashion empire, in the glamorous world of high fashion.
Velvet’s Spanish level is intermediate to advanced. The dialogue is formal and informal, so you’ll get to see professional and everyday Spanish. The setting and plot are great to practice your language while you’re surrounded by the glamour of the era.
14. Tiempos de Guerra (Morocco: Love in Times of War)
"Tiempos de Guerra" is a historical drama set in the 1920s during the Rif War. It’s about a group of Spanish nurses who are sent to Morocco to open a hospital. Romance, war and personal sacrifice. Great story.
For Spanish learners, Tiempos de Guerra is advanced. It uses formal and period language, so you’ll get to see deep into historical Spanish. Emotional and historical context, so it’s educational and entertaining.
15. Los Serrano
"Los Serrano" is a Spanish family sitcom from the early 2000s. The show is about the Serrano family and mixes humor with heartwarming moments and the ups and downs of family life.
For Spanish learners, Los Serrano is intermediate to advanced level. The show has different accents and colloquialisms so it’s a great way to improve listening and get used to everyday Spanish in a fun context.
16. Merlí
"Merlí" is a Catalan drama about a philosophy teacher, Merlí Bergeron, who uses unorthodox methods to teach his students. The show explores complex philosophical themes through high school scenarios so it’s both educational and mind bending.
For Spanish learners, Merlí is intermediate to advanced level. The show has Spanish and Catalan so you’ll get to hear different dialects and accents. The philosophical discussions are a great way to immerse yourself in the language.
17. Belascoarán, PI
"Belascoarán, PI" is a Mexican crime series about Héctor Belascoarán Shayne, a private investigator in 1970s Mexico City. The show mixes humor, suspense and social commentary so it’s a fresh take on the detective genre.
For Spanish learners, Belascoarán, PI is intermediate level. The dialogue has formal and informal language so you’ll get to hear Mexican Spanish and regional slang. The story is fun so it’s a great way to practice and improve your language skills.
Conclusion
Learning Spanish through TV shows is an enjoyable and effective way to immerse yourself in the language. Remember to be patient with yourself and use context clues rather than looking up every word.
If TV shows aren’t your thing, or you want something less demanding, try watching Spanish-speaking vloggers. Listening to everyday conversations and observing real-life scenarios can be easier to follow and just as engaging. Whether it’s TV shows or vlogs, the key is to keep the experience fun and stress-free.
