Top TV Shows to Learn Spanish and Boost Your Language Proficiency
Want to improve your Spanish while being entertained? Watching TV shows in Spanish is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to build your vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and absorb grammar naturally. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, here are the best Spanish TV shows to learn the language—ranked by difficulty, dialect, and genre.
Why Learn Spanish Through TV Shows?
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Real-world dialogue and authentic accents
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Boost listening comprehension and memory retention
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Fun and low-pressure learning environment
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Cultural immersion from Spain and Latin America
Top Spanish TV Shows to Learn Spanish (Ranked)
| Show | Origin | Level | Genre | Accent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra (en español) | Spain | Absolute Beginner | Sitcom | Castilian |
| Destinos | USA | Beginner | Educational | Neutral |
| Club de Cuervos | Mexico | Intermediate | Comedy-Drama | Latin American |
| La Casa de Papel | Spain | Intermediate–Advanced | Thriller | Castilian |
| Narcos | Colombia | Intermediate | Crime/Drama | Mixed |
| Elite | Spain | Intermediate | Teen Drama | Slang-heavy |
| El Ministerio del Tiempo | Spain | Advanced | Sci-Fi | Formal Spanish |
| Jane the Virgin | USA | All Levels | Comedy/Drama | Bilingual (Sp/En) |
Best TV Shows to Learn Spanish for Beginners
If you’re starting out, look for slower-paced shows or ones designed for learners:
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Extra en Español – Think “Friends” for Spanish learners. Fun, repetitive, and easy to follow.
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Destinos – Structured like a telenovela but designed for Spanish students.
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Use Spanish subtitles to match the audio and improve reading comprehension.
How to Learn Spanish by Watching TV
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Start with subtitles: Spanish first, English second (if needed).
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Rewatch episodes to reinforce grammar and vocabulary.
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Use tools like Language Reactor to pause and explore dialogue.
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Take notes of useful expressions or slang.
Where to Watch Spanish TV Shows
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Netflix – Wide selection with subtitles
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Amazon Prime Video – Many Latin American series
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YouTube – Free episodes of educational content
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RTVE.es – Public TV from Spain
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Vix.com – Free Latin American shows
❓ FAQs – Watching TV to Learn Spanish
Can I really learn Spanish by watching TV?
Yes. It reinforces listening skills, real expressions, and accent recognition.
What’s the best show to learn Spanish for beginners?
Extra en Español and Destinos are beginner-friendly with clear dialogue.
Is Castilian or Latin American Spanish better to learn?
Depends on your goals. Watch shows from both regions for balance.
Final Thoughts
TV can be a powerful tool in your Spanish learning journey. The right show can help you pick up new vocabulary, understand native speech patterns, and stay motivated. Start today with the series that best matches your level—and have fun while learning!
Explore more learning tools and Spanish guides at: Babbel Review



