Best Netflix Shows for Learning English by Level

Key takeaways

• Not every Netflix show is equally useful for English learning. Difficulty depends on speech speed, accent variety, vocabulary level, and how much context visuals provide.
• Beginner-friendly shows (A2-B1) use clear speech, predictable vocabulary, and strong visual context.
• Intermediate shows (B1-B2) include natural-speed conversation, varied vocabulary, and regional slang.
• Advanced shows (C1-C2) feature complex vocabulary, rapid informal speech, technical language, and cultural references requiring background knowledge.
• Watching actively (with English subtitles, pausing to check vocabulary, rewatching key scenes) is far more effective than passive background viewing.

Not every Netflix show will help you improve your English. A documentary with dense academic narration, a teen drama full of American slang, and a courtroom thriller with legal vocabulary all exist on very different levels. Watching something too far above your current level means you will understand 40% and tune out the rest.

Watching something too easy means you are being entertained without being challenged.

italki operates across 150+ languages with more than 30,000 tutors, giving you access to English teachers who guide your viewing strategy and help you extract maximum learning from each show. This guide covers the best Netflix shows for learning English organized by CEFR level, from A2 for beginners through C1 for advanced learners, with notes on why each show works for language learning and tips on how to watch each one effectively.

How to watch Netflix shows for maximum learning

Passive watching (sitting back and letting the show run) does not build language skills effectively. Active watching does:

Watch with English subtitles, not subtitles in your native language. This connects what you hear to how it is spelled. Pause when you hear a word you do not recognize and look it up immediately, not later. Rewatch short scenes (1-2 minutes) without subtitles after watching with them. Try to understand without the support. Take notes on useful phrases, expressions, and vocabulary that appear naturally in context. Shadow characters: repeat what they say immediately after they say it, matching their pronunciation and rhythm.

Work with English language tutors to review your vocabulary notes and discuss what you watched.

A2 level: Beginner-friendly shows

At A2, you need shows with slow, clear speech; simple vocabulary and short sentences; strong visual context; and stories in familiar, everyday situations.

Peppa Pig (and other animated children’s shows)

The vocabulary is genuinely elementary, the sentences are short, and the situations are universally relatable. The language is accurate, natural, and simple without being unrealistic. Adult learners who feel embarrassed watching children’s content often find that starting here builds confidence quickly. The predictability of children’s storytelling also lets you anticipate vocabulary and structures before you hear them.

Puffin Rock (narrated nature documentary)

Gentle narration, beautiful visuals, simple descriptive language. The narrator speaks slowly and clearly with a pleasant Irish accent. Vocabulary covers nature, animals, weather, and family, all A2 topics. The visual context of animals and landscapes supports every word.

Cooking shows (e.g., Nadiya’s Time to Cook)

Cooking demonstrations use clear, instruction-based language: simple imperatives, predictable vocabulary, and strong visual context that makes every word understandable. Shows with a single presenter who speaks directly to camera are the best choice at A2. You watch the action while hearing step-by-step language that matches what you see.

Get beginner-level feedback on your comprehension from an English tutor online.

B1 level: Intermediate shows

At B1, you are ready for natural conversation speed, everyday idioms and informal expressions, multiple characters with different speaking styles, and stories that mix dialogue with narration.

The Crown (Seasons 1-2)

The British royal family drama uses formal, careful English throughout. Actors speak clearly, the dialogue is scripted for historical drama, and the situations involve polite, structured language. The British RP accent (received pronunciation) is consistently used, which is useful for learners targeting formal British English. You will hear how educated native speakers construct arguments and express disagreement diplomatically.

Anne with an E

Set in 19th-century rural Canada, this adaptation of Anne of Green Gables uses deliberate, literary language at a pace manageable for intermediate learners. The protagonist talks extensively, which gives you long stretches of continuous English to follow. The period setting makes the language slightly formal, which reduces dialect and slang obstacles.

Emily in Paris

A light drama set in Paris with an American protagonist. The English is often spoken as a second language by the supporting cast, which makes it more accessible. The main character speaks clearly and at moderate speed. Topics include work, culture, and personal relationships, all B1-relevant vocabulary areas. The show assumes no background knowledge of French or Italian culture.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

A workplace comedy with ensemble characters. The humor relies on wordplay, character dynamics, and situational comedy rather than cultural references requiring insider knowledge. The language is contemporary American English at natural speed but with pauses for laughs. Each episode covers familiar workplace situations.

Study B1 comprehension by reviewing clips with English teachers online.

B2 level: Upper-intermediate shows

At B2, you can follow complex narratives, regional accents, rapid dialogue, and topics requiring background knowledge.

The Crown (Seasons 3+)

Later seasons introduce faster pacing, more complex political language, and Scottish and Irish accents alongside RP. You will hear vocabulary related to governance, international relations, and personal conflict. The visual context (settings, costumes, historical knowledge) supports comprehension.

Sherlock

Complex vocabulary, rapid dialogue, and British humor. Sherlock uses technical vocabulary (forensic science, law), literary references, and wordplay. The characters sometimes speak extremely quickly. This show rewards active watching and vocabulary review.

Money Heist

Fast-paced Spanish drama (with Spanish-accented English in some scenes). Dialogue includes slang, emotion-driven speech, and high-stakes conversations. The narrative is complex and often non-linear. You must actively follow the plot.

Practice B2-level comprehension and discuss plot complexity with an English tutor on italki.

C1 level: Advanced shows

At C1, you are ready for rapid informal speech, specialized vocabulary, cultural nuance, humor that requires context, and complex narratives.

The Diplomat

Political thriller with sophisticated vocabulary related to diplomacy, international relations, and legal procedure. Fast dialogue, multiple accents, and emotional stakes. Characters use idioms and cultural references freely. This show is genuinely challenging for non-native speakers.

Mindhunter

FBI procedural with technical vocabulary (criminal psychology, forensic analysis), rapid dialogue, and period-specific language (1970s-1980s America). Characters discuss complex psychological concepts. The narrative jumps between time periods and perspectives.

Better Call Saul

Legal drama with sophisticated vocabulary, rapid dialogue, and characters who speak in different registers (formal legal language, street slang, regional dialects). The show assumes knowledge of US law and culture. Subtleties in character motivation require cultural understanding.

Master advanced comprehension with online English tutors who discuss nuance, cultural reference, and narrative complexity.

How to choose the right show for your level

Take a 10-minute clip from the show at your target level. Watch with English subtitles. Without looking up words, estimate what percentage you understood. If you understood more than 80%, the show is too easy. If you understood less than 40%, it is too hard. Aim for the 50-70% range, where you understand the plot but encounter new vocabulary regularly.

Consider your motivation. If you love crime dramas, you will persist with advanced shows longer than you will with beginner content you find boring. Enjoyment matters more than perfect level matching, so choose something you genuinely want to watch.

Combine active viewing with a structured study plan by working with an English language tutor who recommends shows and reviews your progress weekly.

With over 15 years of experience connecting learners to qualified teachers, italki has helped students in 190+ countries achieve their language learning goals. Book a trial lesson on italki today.

FAQ

Can I learn English from English-language shows with subtitles in my native language?

You can learn something, but much more slowly. Subtitles in your native language train your brain to rely on reading instead of listening. Watching the same scene twice (once with English subtitles, once without) is far more effective than a single viewing with native-language subtitles.

How many hours of Netflix do I need to watch before I see improvement?

Passive viewing alone rarely produces measurable improvement. Active watching (pausing, reviewing, taking notes) combined with tutoring or language study produces results much faster. Most learners see vocabulary growth after 10-15 hours of active viewing over 2-3 weeks.

Are British shows better for learning than American shows?

No. American shows are equally valid. Choose based on which variety of English matches your learning goals and which shows interest you most. Enjoyment predicts how much you will watch, and volume matters for language learning.

Should I watch movies or series for English learning?

Series are better because repetition helps. In a series, you see characters repeatedly, vocabulary comes up in multiple episodes, and you build familiarity with accents and speech patterns. Movies require more cultural context and offer less repetition of core vocabulary.