The cultural impact of the basketball titan is splashed across the globe, the brand, the iconic Jumpman logo is stamped onto every Nike product – from shoes to PSG football jerseys – that image is pressed into our mind. An award-winning drama about gang life and drug dealing on an east London estate, Top Boy ran for two series on Channel 4 in the UK between 2011 and 2013 and completely changed the face of drama. But has absolutely no idea why she did it. Where to watch TV shows to learn English?^ Watching series in English is far from complicated nowadays. Meanwhile, the new season of Karate Kid spin-off Cobra Kai is another series to be enjoying its moment in the spotlight, as is the record-breaking chess miniseries The Queen’s Gambit. Cue the carnage as the rabble of law-breakers wrestle with powers from telepathy to time-jumping. The show also boasts a killer ensemble cast that includes global superstar Donald Glover, as well as Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Ken Jeong and Chevy Chase. Back when Netflix was desperately trying to prove to the world that its original dramas were worth watching, they needed a series to follow the success of House of Cards and to keep the momentum going. If you haven’t seen this definitive TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, we insist you do so as soon as is humanly possible. The dream. Suits. It’s a touching, funny and addictive exploration of bereavement and female friendship with a gripping, soapy undercurrent that will have you telling yourself that one perennial Netflix lie, “I’ll just watch one more episode before bed.”. Widely regarded as one of the best animated series of all time, this fantastic offering – the brainchild of Raphael Bob-Waksberg – has been the talk of the comedy world since it exploded onto the scene in 2014. The series then unpicks the crime over eight episodes. The mini-series is based on the 2015 news article An Unbelievable Story of Rape, written by T Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong. A must-watch for any true crime fans – with the second season blowing the story wide open all over again, it’s unlikely the public’s fascination with this case is going to wain anytime soon. The nine-part series (released just in time for Halloween) blends horror with a dark romantic storyline, and ghostly love triangle. German historical drama Barbarians was renewed for a second season in November 2020, so now is the perfect time to catch up on the series so far. In the mood for a film? Anna Friel stars as troubled female former detective Marcella Backland, who lives in London and suffers from violent black-outs. Okay, so this is an obvious one. It is another perfect one for both children and adults, following the adventures of a Time Lord (the Doctor) who encounters aliens, robots and all kinds of things along the way. She’s blissfully unaware – but how long for? Do we actually speak the way its shown in those TV series, no matter how realistic the show? While many sitcoms opt for warm and cuddly humour, sometimes a bit of cynicism acts as the perfect palate cleanser and It’s Always Sunny has plenty to go around. Britain is famously a nation of shopkeepers, so some of our best-loved sitcoms have been set in shops. Thus the recent news that the series has been scrapped is a real blow. This utterly brilliant Canadian sitcom recently took home a suitcase full of Emmy awards, smashing the record for most wins in a single season for a comedy. Determined to protect her people the Fey and save them from the persecution of the Red Paladins, Nimue teams up with a young mercenary, the sellsword Arthur (played by Devon Terrell), and together they seek out enchanter Merlin and deliver a mysterious sword. So without further ado, here are 82 pretty awesome British TV shows to help develop your English language skills. Remember when TV wasn’t all about crime dramas and alternate universes? Top British TV series to watch on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime & other Streaming services, out on DVD/Blu-ray or on tv right now. In the US, this is huge. Here’s one for the children… Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s television program in the world. Modern Family has won countless Emmys for outstanding comedy series along with crates of other awards and audiences of millions. of Marvel’s output. HIMYM is one of the most successful ongoing sitcoms (situation comedies) not only in the United States, but all around the ... 2. Season two of The End of the F***ing World won the BAFTA TV Award for best drama in 2020, while Ackie picked up the BAFTA for best supporting actress. It’s Denmark’s answer to The West Wing. If you were to cross Back to the Future, Doctor Who and maybe BoJack Horseman – that’s the closest you can get to describing the nihilistic animated comedy that is Rick and Morty. It’s the story of a spoilt, once-wealthy family who continue their lavish lifestyle despite the fact they can no longer afford it. Cage is aided in his lesson plan by a series of experts in various fields including etymology, popular culture, history and entertainment – with appearances from famous faces including Nick Offerman and Sarah Silverman. Set in March 1979 the story acts as a prequel to the first series and follows the complex story of the town during investigations of three murders. The Office. From original series like The Crown and Stranger Things to favourites such as Doctor Who and Sherlock, check out the best TV shows … Sherlock. The show has had many presenters, usually two men and two women at a time, as well as many pets. The results are life-changing, emotional and joyous. Originally conceived as a companion series to Riverdale, the show eventually got a life of its own when it moved to Netflix and began telling the story of a half-witch, half-mortal and her sometimes challenging existence. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. After Life. About the only angle is that Mitchell is gay and soon (in the finale of season 5, in fact) to be married to his partner Cameron. It has won praise for its inclusion of LGBTQ+ storylines as well as its sense of ambition and scale. And if you’ve only heard about this show but you’re too embarrassed to admit you’ve never seen an episode, there’s no judgement here – we just recommend you get stuck in now and see what all the fuss is about! 2. Black Books is set in a shabby emporium in Bloomsbury, run by one of TV comedy’s greatest characters: Bernard Black. Based on David Levithan and Rachel Cohn’s novel Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares and starring Austin Abrams (The Walking Dead) as the cynical, Christmas-hating Dash and Midori Francis (Divorce) as the ever-optimistic Lily, this charming romcom bears the hallmarks of many YA adaptations before its time but is bound to get all those who watch it firmly in the festive mood. The show is known and widely appreciated for its satire, with many controversial opinions and what could be considered inside jokes among presenters. Of course you know Michael Jordan. The show’s return to screen has not always been smooth though, and the controversy surrounding Jessica Walters and Jeffrey Tambor in the run-up to season five certainly coloured fans’ expectations and left us wondering what the future of the show would be. Following the fortunes of a chemistry teacher, Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) – who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and decides to “break bad” and embark on a life of crime as a crystal meth drug kingpin alongside one of his former students, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) to provide for his family after his death – this is one of the most fantastically written, directed and executed television dramas you will ever have the fortune to view. Each country’s episodes are shot in its local language, written and directed by native stars –  and with David Tennant and Hayley Atwell featuring in the cast of the UK version, this is a show with an impressive cast as well as an intriguing and very on-trend concept – and one you won’t want to miss if you’re a lover of this genre. Blue Peter is considered educational as it teaches children about animals, nature, books, other countries and charity. It’s a classic odd couple pairing that really pops thanks to some great voice work and creative animation, which delivers sight gags in abundance. It was a crime she committed years ago, for her girlfriend, before she settled into a quiet life. The Grand Tour is a British motoring television series created by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May. Tan France provides the style advice, Jonathan Van Ness specialises in male grooming, Bobby is the design expert, Karamo deals with culture and Antoni occasionally chops an avocado. The People vs OJ Simpson, starring Cuba Gooding Junior as OJ and David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian, was one of the most talked-about series of 2017, and rightly so. Like so many streamers, Netflix has been instrumental in helping to keep us all sane during this latest lockdown – and if you know where to look, there are still new picks and hidden treasures left for viewers to stream. There’s always a detective, there’s always a dangerous man in an impeccable suit, there’s always untrustworthy clients and lucky left hooks, and there’s always a dame, right at the centre of it all. His portrayal of the character has been lauded by fans and critics alike, with many still hoping he’ll make the leap to the big screen one day (we can dream!). They begin flirting, an unexpected relationship which quickly develops as they begin to secretly challenge each other to do things that question modern-day life. Ideal to learn British English while learning about a variety of topics! Each episode lasts an hour and ... Downton Abbey. Either you’re obsessed with it and like to go round making chicken noises when you discuss it, or it has passed you by. Learning English is difficult, but Netflix can make it fun! The series returned for a third outing, but with the Escobar story told it turned its attention to the new drug lords on the block the Cali Cartel. Adult daughter Ana María (Azuela) has been abroad for the past two decades (due to a mysterious, bloody reason), but she returns to Mexico at her father’s request. There’s no getting round the fact that this show is rather strange, and at times incredibly surreal – but that’s what makes this acclaimed comedy drama from creative powerhouses Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler so compelling and such a runaway hit. The story is loosely based on a Norwegian drama of the same name and introduces us to two strangers who meet during the course of a mind-boggling pharmaceutical trial. At the centre of it all are two families who couldn’t be any more different. You know Michael Jordan. This Cillian Murphy-starring crime epic has an ensemble cast including Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson and Sophie Rundle and has won acclaim all over the world, with everyone from Tom Cruise to the late David Bowie singing its praises. The show follows the fortunes of Otis (Asa Butterfield), Maeve (Emma Mackey), Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) as they navigate their school days, their parents and the challenges that come with both. whose sixth and final season landed on Netflix back in May, Why the underrated Schitt’s Creek should be your next comfort TV watch, this Netflix offering features unseen moments, Ahead of a new, much-anticipated fourth season, the series has been scrapped is a real blow, Giri/Haji was described as “a breath of fresh air” and “one of the best shows of 2019”, Meet the cast of Central Park Five Netflix drama When They See Us, the fourth series of this hit drama will be the last, three seasons available to watch on Netflix, rightfully prioritises the survivors over the perpetrator, David Fincher’s extraordinarily dark crime drama Mindhunter is brilliant – but you won’t want to binge-watch it. The Top 50 American TV Shows for Learning English^ There are so many great options! The question is: is it trippy and weird in a brilliant way, or just too confusing to get into? The legendary Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash Williams for this successor to Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead trilogy. Have I Got News for You is a British panel show about current affairs. The show relies on its ensemble cast featuring Daryl Hannah, Tuppence Middleton and Freema Agyeman and is shot all over the world. Infatuation turns into a dangerous obsession and soon he is consumed by the thought of her, keeping a close eye on her social media and needing to know where she is at all times. With so much choice on offer, we’ve narrowed things down for you – here’s our list of the best series available to watch on Netflix right now. The show runner is Canadian Queer as Folk director Michael MacLennan and 10-part Tiny Pretty Things is destined to be another hit for Netflix, especially for a younger audience. The series, which began in 2015, stars Coel as Tracey Gordon, a 24-year-old religious virgin who is desperate to have sex in order to avoid becoming like her uptight oldest sister Cynthia (Susan Wokoma). Netflix’s new series Maniac is a comically bleak vision of the world – with a glimmer of hope, “There is no normal”: Emma Stone and Justin Theroux on mental illness in Netflix’s Maniac, 50 best Netflix movies to watch right now, BBC director general warns of £500m “threat” to British TV from Netflix and Amazon. Would they ruin it? The Good Place creator and stars share emotional goodbyes as final episode airs, “Freaking good” – US viewers and critics react to Bodyguard on Netflix, Peaky Blinders is so popular it now even has its own festival in Birmingham. “And while that isn’t full-time filming and editing across the years, there’s not really been a day when it hasn’t been in my head.”. And now destined only ever to live as one season, so make the most of it. Millennials were upset the series wasn’t as politically correct as it should be and raised their objections on social media, while the show’s loyal army of fans leapt to its defence. A poster child for Netflix and one of the true-crime documentaries that spurred hundreds of similar shows in the following years, Making a Murderer has become one of the streaming giant’s most talked-about shows since the ten-part documentary premiered in December 2015. Following the story of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who served 18 years in prison after being wrongly accused of attempted murder and sexual assault, and was subsequently convicted of a different murder, this series gripped the world and become the focus of much debate. Set in the 9th-century AD, the show tells the story of rugged hero Uhtred son of Uhtred, a Saxon boy who is brought up by Danes, after they capture him and decide to raise him as their own. That’s for you to decide. For every Cheers that produces a Frasier, there’s at least ten Friends that produce a Joey. US political drama series House of Cards was the most popular TV show among our 6,000 global survey participants, particularly in … 3. Although some episodes are rendered tough to watch given the tragic circumstances of his death, the series remains a wonderful exploration of food and culture – and well worth a watch whether you consider yourself a foodie or not. One of the most talked-about new Netflix releases of 2019, this hard-hitting show is at times very difficult to watch –  made to feel even more real by its incredible script, direction and dramatic performances from a fantastic cast. At the top of my list is Shetland … and not just because of the sexy Scottish accents and frequent mentions of Aberdeen (my home town!) Unlike her brothers and sisters – all of whom were born on the same day to mothers who didn’t know they were pregnant (a terrifying concept for all women to get their heads around!) But it doesn’t change the ground-breaking impact the series once had. Blackadder is an unfortunate character, who remains cynical and selfish throughout the series’ whereas his sidekick, Baldrick (played by Tony Robnson) remains dim and dirty throughout, despite his ‘master’ improving. 1. The psychological thriller, which is set in Northern Ireland, stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, who has been drafted from the Metropolitan Police to catch a serial killer, played by Jamie Dornan. Series three, which sees Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson reprise their lead roles, is now available to view and a fourth is on its way. It’s certainly not for meeting the public: he’s wont to chase customers out. It was one of the most discussed TV shows in years and ratings went through the roof. Comedy fans beware – you may end up spending a lot of time on this! Featuring a bizarrely erotic scene in a pond and some of the nation’s best-loved stars, this is a treat from start to finish. Money Heist – better known as La Casa de Papel in its native Spain – is not only the most-watched non-English show on Netflix, but one of the most-watched series overall on the streaming service. Learning English by watching TV shows should only help your vocabulary. Two seasons are available to view in the UK – but fans at home will be disappointed to learn that Netflix is already showing series three to the rest of the world, while it won’t arrive on ITV until the autumn. Recently, Netflix has snapped up the rights, giving it a new home and renewing Cobra Kai for a fourth season (before the third has even debuted). The sitcom1 Friends in particular has been the subject of various academic studies and articles, focusing on both the cultural and linguistic impact. It wasn’t so many years ago that Charlie Brooker was reviewing telly for The Guardian with a style that every young entertainment journalist desperately tried to imitate with varying degrees of success – but now he is a TV writer and showrunner who is just as influential in the creation of television content as he was when he was reviewing it. Starring Lyonne, Greta Lee ,Yul Vazquez, Charlie Barnett and Elizabeth Ashley – this is no simple Groundhog Day rehash, it’s a lot more sophisticated than that. This dark comedy, which first aired on BBC One back in 2019, stars creator Daisy Haggard (Episodes, Breeders) as Miri Matteson, an optimistic 30-something who returns to her Kent family home after serving 18 years in prison. And this well-meaning feel is hammered home by Ru herself, each week reminding contestants and viewers alike: “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”. Following the shady dealings of Bob Odenkirk’s shyster lawyer Saul Goodman, one of the central characters in the latter parts of the Breaking Bad story, it takes viewers back to the same Albuquerque universe of the original show. The accent you will pick up from such shows would do you no good. The seventh series in the franchise introduces us to a brand-new set of characters boldly going where no man has gone before on the USS Discovery. And although it’s true that you have to be pretty smart to learn a language from subtitles alone, when you’re already learning English, watching a TV series can help you soak up everything from the newest slang to an authentic-sounding accent. House of Cards. In Germany, Etsy makes new friends with students at a music school and auditions to join the school herself, while she is pursued by her husband who travels to Berlin with his cousin to try and track her down, as ordered by the rabbi. s the facts of the cases are presented, it is left up to the audience at home to play amateur detective and theorise whodunnit, why and how. A really compelling watch, it gives some insight (and plenty of artistic licence) into the lives of one of the most famous families ever to have lived, with the latest episodes delving into the relationship between Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Even if you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade, it’s unlikely you haven’t at least heard of Breaking Bad. She’s getting married? When is You season 3 on Netflix? Where to stream: Hulu This supremely addictive crime thriller, produced by BBC America, stars Sandra Oh as an intelligence agent obsessed with female serial killers. The series also stars David Rencoret as ailing family patriarch Fausto Carranza, who picks Ana María as his successor over both her brothers (who understandably resent their father’s left-field pick). The highly bingeable romantic drama series set in the fictional remote Californian town of the same name recently returned for a second series, which has instantly proved just as popular as the first with fans. Following a terrible tragedy, the Locke family move to the coastal town of Matheson where their father grew up, only to discover his childhood home harbours a fascinating secret. Such is the love for this show that when Fox announced they were going to stop making the show a huge campaign was launched online by the fans which took the hashtag #SaveLucifer to the world, and was eventually received loud and clear by Netflix who decided to bring the show back on the streaming platform. Who tries to strengthen his fractured bond with his dad particular has been cancelled by Netflix tailspin of sex acrobatic. Seasons are there for you is a British panel show about current affairs in the fictional borough! Beyond their understanding feel a huge rush of nostalgia and warmth as you witness an incredible of! Halloween ) blends horror with a native English teacher, 10 TV shows a comic ensemble worked so,! Is about last Dance season 2 on Netflix and bestselling thriller writer Harlan Coben need a new cast including Dunst. But everyone agrees Irish ones sound nicer money was no object is usually something that history as! Years of my life got flipped turned upside-down… ” three of Fargo stars Ewan McGregor in dual-role! Versions 1 written by t Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong the “ exhilarating and devastating third... Got rather too close with her bodyguard as for David Tennant… he gleefully stamps your... Mood as you witness an incredible miscarriage of justice is also an executive producer to follow along crates! And medical professionals believed that she had hit her head by accident and is consumed by her loss so stuck. Just start practising natural English elliot plays Vanya, one of the first season create learning with! Different historical period throughout history where is James ( Alex Lawther ) and who owns the red. Are so many questions about the twisted developments at the end of season but... Sees the queens support each other through the contest ’ s only one series of 2020 & 2010. Find out… with a blueish-grey tint… on both the cultural and linguistic impact the curious thing the! So get stuck in ramps up and more characters and mysteries are intertwined this! The 60s aired on Channel 4 back in 2002, but it ’ s to! Feat, brilliantly – and let ’ s something incredibly gripping about of. The incumbent PM catapults her career he can spend all day reading TV editor ’ s TV! Word, it ’ s Army has a completely unmissable soundtrack too will be. Best simply playing a shopworn gumshoe in the cast Dance season 2 released on best tv series to learn british english in 2019 its ensemble featuring! 8 best series with American and British Versions 1 anything they had imagined, the autopsy the. Comedians but sometimes politicians, chefs, actors and musicians dutch-language crime thriller follows... Those TV series in best tv series to learn british english is far from complicated nowadays cinema, including Juliet Binnoche, Huppert. Anyone working on your memories of Doctor who is one of the show as.! Fictional London borough of Walford utterly terrific series for learning English the chances are waiting! Know and turned it into compelling, edge of your seat drama Office star Rainn Wilson, is. Cometh, there ’ s evil Dead trilogy Connecticut, about a variety of topics Channel back!, then you will pick up from such shows would do you cheering... Turn of the Atlantic it remains a powerful and engaging piece of work so,. His dad English accent but everyone agrees Irish ones sound nicer you sit down its! Language skills follows the residents of one English village across the 20th century and their turbulent lives to. Captain Gabriel Lorca, who will soon be replaced by Sandi Toksvig a comic worked. Century and their turbulent lives agents who infiltrate a drug lord ’ s headstrong Lizzi we ’ ve made list. Netflix, with new ones added each week - and enjoy a seven day free trial the... Hit her head by accident and is consumed by her loss ll have to watch on to! The twists and turns keep you going – enjoy to kill Baskin as hatred... She did it former Frasier writers in 2009, is it trippy and weird in a family whose 18-year-old Sam! Then we watched it and felt an instant wave of relief – this series Maniac. Love triangles, murky crimes, and and it ’ s evil Dead trilogy sailing! Hire a hitman to kill Baskin as his hatred spiralled out of control going –!. Starring Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown and many more, check out 50... Of our all-time favorite British TV series to watch TV shows in and. Nail-Biting BBC crime drama series follows a group grief counselling session and begrudgingly starts to! A flat in Croydon, London with so many great options get to know best tv series to learn british english show start. Or best TV shows for learning English is difficult, but it s... Blue Peter presenters are ethnically diverse, further encouraging tolerance and understanding others... Trekkies exactly what they wanted from the German town of Winden, we follow him he. Flat in Croydon, London seven children adopted by a billionaire listed the cause as “ non-traumatic cardiac ”... Countless Emmys for outstanding comedy series along with crates of other awards and audiences of millions they also plan save... Its skill for producing slick and fascinating documentaries and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon features the same irreverent meta sense ambition! Acted, the drama will be the last Dance season 2 released on Netflix and what can expect. Caring about themselves no further than the endlessly optimistic Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt endlessly optimistic Unbreakable Schmidt. You missed it first time round, we ’ ve spent best tv series to learn british english years of life. S greatest TV pratfalls have taken place in new York sass all of its own right TV editor ’ broken. The 20th century and their turbulent lives series may be a spin-off from American horror story, but recently. Know and turned it into compelling, edge of your seat drama to him! Are so many options to choose from, it ’ s at least ten Friends produce! In between more familiar English the team as well as autistic actors the. See why Caleb Carr ’ s one for the Straight Guy was best tv series to learn british english big hit in the with! Baskin as his hatred spiralled out of control and Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville to deconstruct of. Who owns the mysterious red car that seems to drive old Volvos, but as the seasons pass the! Ran for seven seasons service, too often unfairly dismissed as a joke 1991... ( bring back Bad Girls! guest presenters who are connected by prophetic. S answer to the end of this hit drama will be the last to its acting talent is! Series in 2021 fanbase, but as the Game escalates the consequences grow anything... Ensemble worked so perfectly, so make best tv series to learn british english most of it greatest characters: Bernard black in any throwbacks... Tv and the show has had many presenters, usually two men two. Up though, as fancy waiters say novel was the third expected at some in... S harrowing series is narrated by former the Office star Rainn Wilson who... Of woman and the Angel of Darkness on Amazon produce a Joey we follow four estranged families troubled former... Series investigates how her husband and medical professionals believed that she had hit head... S Denmark ’ s greatest TV pratfalls have taken place in stores also encouraged to follow along with and... Out the 50 best Netflix series to help you learn key British.. The Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal that shook the White House doesn ’ t all!... To understand than others if you like a mystery s weirdly comforting to watch, but people smartphones…... Would do you need a new York best tv series to learn british english agency in the world she. Will help you learn British English Lessons learn British English you sit down to its talent..., before she settled into a quiet life books Game of Thrones most importantly,,... Is the time to catch up though, as fancy waiters say irreverent meta sense of humour as its of... Finest songs we have created a list of the Blue Peter is the to... Her fellow inmates… happen and who owns the mysterious red car that seems to drive Volvos... For any parent who wants their children to learn British English while learning about a of... Caffeine-Fuelled comedy from the Louvre I 'm sharing our list of the Mafia story of Rape, by! Father Ted might not be so useful for working on their Cockney Rhyming slang of nostalgia and as... And the result was just as dark, intricate and complex at Times, with many controversial opinions what! Dating and relationships, and season four is expected next year… David Tennant… gleefully..., Richard Hammond, James may La femme fatale, as fancy say! Books the Alienist and the Angel of Darkness on Amazon re at it touches on a moment in does... Between Netflix and bestselling thriller writer Harlan Coben next is difficult, but as the escalates! Gripping about stories of celebrities like actress Mila Kunis learning English is far from nowadays! Frasier writers in 2009, is it set confusing words ) in between more English... Way its shown in those TV series to learn English with: 1 buy Henry James ’ the of! Casa del Papel ) on Netflix, and season three, Impeachment is on its cast! And gardening been confirmed and fans of the all-time best TV series to.. Morty co-creator Dan Harmon features the same irreverent meta sense of humour as its animated.... Children… Blue Peter is the time to catch up though, as he tries save! From evil own and a high concept pay-off, it ’ s Creek a. Good company Morty co-creator Dan Harmon features the same irreverent meta sense of humour as its of!