Now you can watch TV and improve your British English

We all love watching TV, right? Whether it is loading up your favourite show on Netflix or flicking between the channels to see what is on, it is something that you have probably spend hours doing in your life.

If only there was a way you could combine this activity with learning English! That way you could do something you enjoy and improve your English at the same time!

You are in luck! Today, I am going to show you how to do exactly that so you can watch TV and become a better English speaker!

Learning British English doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be pretty fun, especially when you add entertainment into the mix. Imagine improving your language skills while binge-watching your favorite TV shows – sounds like a dream, right?

When you watch TV shows, especially the ones in this article, you’re not just glued to the screen; you’re also soaking in real, everyday English.

Think about it… TV shows give you a front-row seat to how British people actually talk. You’ll hear native speakers using slang, idioms, and all the cool stuff you won’t find in textbooks. (Don’t forget to get my British Slang guide to help you with this stuff!)

And it’s not just about words – it’s about accents too. By listening to native speakers in british TV shows, you can pick up their pronunciation and sound more like a local in no time.

But there’s more to it. TV shows are like a window into culture. You’ll learn about traditions, customs, and how people live their lives – all while relaxing with the telly.

Because you are trying to learn British English, aren’t you? Not much point watching Friends if you want to improve your knowledge of British slang or pronunciation, is there?

British TV shows are like a portal to the UK. You can get access to how native speakers actually communicate from anywhere in the world.

Also, in case you have been living under a rock for a while, British TV shows are massively popular all over the world! So whether you are into drama, comedy, or crime thrillers, there is something for you!

If you are not sure where to start, here are some recommendations for you!

Imagine a show that combines wacky challenges, uproarious humor, and a dash of British eccentricity – that’s “Taskmaster” in a nutshell. If you’re looking for a delightful way to improve your British English while having a laugh, this show is an absolute gem.

Here’s the deal: “Taskmaster” features a group of comedians who are handed a series of absurd tasks by the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies, a towering figure of comedic wit. The catch? These tasks are designed to be as mind-bending and creative as possible.

Why should you watch it? First, it’s a linguistic playground. You’ll hear an array of accents and dialects as the comedians tackle the tasks. It’s like an English language buffet!

Second, it’s hilarious. The contestants’ reactions and antics are comedy gold, and you’ll pick up loads of humor and wit along the way.

Lastly, it’s a crash course in British culture. From quirky traditions to oddball challenges, “Taskmaster” is a window into the delightful oddities of British life.

“Black Mirror” is not your typical TV series. It’s a thought-provoking anthology that dives into the dark, often dystopian side of technology and its impact on society.

Each episode of “Black Mirror” is a standalone story, which means you can jump in at any point. The common thread? A fascination with the unanticipated consequences of technology. From mind-bending simulations to cautionary tales about social media and artificial intelligence, “Black Mirror” serves up stories that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

So, why give it a watch? For starters, it’s a linguistic treasure trove. You’ll encounter a wide range of British accents and dialects as you explore different settings and characters. It’s an ideal way to fine-tune your listening skills.

Moreover, “Black Mirror” is a conversation starter. Its episodes are designed to provoke thought and discussion about the role of technology in our lives. Watching it not only improves your language skills but also engages your mind in meaningful ways.

It’s not your run-of-the-mill show – it’s a unique concept that centers around people watching television, and surprisingly, it’s captivating and enlightening.

Here’s the setup: “Gogglebox” features a diverse array of British households hailing from different backgrounds, regions, and age groups. Cameras are discreetly placed in their living rooms as they react to and discuss an eclectic mix of TV shows, news segments, and even advertisements. It’s essentially a show about observing individuals as they engage with the world of television, and it’s strangely charming.

So, what’s the allure of “Gogglebox”? First and foremost, it serves as a remarkable window into authentic British conversations. As you tune in, you’ll eavesdrop on everyday Brits candidly sharing their thoughts, perspectives, and witty banter on the latest televised offerings. It’s akin to sitting in on a casual chat at your local hangout.

Beyond the banter, “Gogglebox” offers an insightful peek into British pop culture and current affairs. It’s an entertaining way to stay in the know about what’s trending and making waves across the UK, which can be immensely beneficial for understanding the pulse of British society.

What truly sets “Gogglebox” apart is its remarkable ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions, from hearty laughter to poignant moments. It’s a show that unites people through the shared experience of television, and it’s an authentic reflection of British living rooms.

“Sherlock” brings the famous detective Sherlock Holmes into modern-day London, offering an exciting mix of mystery, humor, and British charm. With Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson, the series presents a series of intriguing mysteries set in today’s bustling city.

For intermediate learners, this is great because of the clear and easy-to-understand language. The sentences are short and straightforward, making it easier to grasp. Even though there is a lot of difficult vocabulary, it’s within a range that lets you learn new words without feeling overwhelmed. The content offers a nice mix of descriptions and information, creating opportunities to practice language that’s enjoyable but not too difficult.

Advanced learners, on the other hand, will also find this recommendation useful with its more advanced vocabulary and phrasing. It introduces descriptive elements that add depth to the story, encouraging advanced learners to understand and analyze more deeply. It also highlights subtle differences in how English is spoken in different places, like various British accents, which can be interesting for those aiming to improve their listening skills. There are complex sentences and ideas to challenge advanced learners and help them understand intricate language structures.

For a riveting television series that combines drama, history, and a deep dive into British culture, “Peaky Blinders” is a must-see. Set in the aftermath of World War I in Birmingham, it unfolds the gripping tale of the Shelby family, led by Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy.

So, why should you consider immersing yourself in “Peaky Blinders”? To start, it’s a really interesting when it comes to the language side of things. Throughout the series, you’ll find loads of British accents and dialects, from the distinct Birmingham twang to the refined English spoken by the Shelby clan. This provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your listening skills and fully embrace the richness of British English.

Moreover, “Peaky Blinders” is a captivating window into history and culture. It offers a glimpse into post-World War I Britain, complete with period-appropriate attire, music, and a look at the society of the time. It’s not merely a story of criminal activity; it’s a interesting journey through the evolving landscape of British society.

Watching British TV shows like “Peaky Blinders” and “Taskmaster” isn’t just about passive viewing; it’s an active opportunity to improve your language skills and cultural understanding. Here’s how to do that:

Re-watch scenes and dialogue that you find challenging. Pause and repeat phrases to practice pronunciation and intonation. This hands-on approach helps improve your listening and speaking skills effectively.

Keep a notebook handy to jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Use these notes in real-life conversations or writing exercises to reinforce your learning and make it easier to remember.

Join online forums or language learning communities where you can discuss the show with fellow learners. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and practice using newly acquired language in a practical, conversational context.

British TV shows are great for seeing how Brits actually communicate with each other. However, this also means you are going to hear a lot of new words that might not make much sense.

I’m here to help! I made a guide to British slang that you can download right now that is full of slang from the UK. It also has examples and explanations so you can see what is really going on!