British TV for improving your English.
Some of my students asked me which British TV shows I’ve enjoyed over the past couple of years, so I’ve come up with a few personal recommendations. Bear in mind that I’m a 50-something woman who likes a bit of drama and dark humour, so these aren’t going to be everybody’s cup of tea!
All these shows have different level of complexity and different pacing, it's best to check out one or two episodes of each to see which one you feel most comfortable with.
Start with subtitles in your native language, then try 10 minutes of English subtitles, rewatching after if necessary to see how much you’ve understood.
Watch shows that are geared towards your interests. There’s no point watching The Crown if you you couldn’t care less about the Royal family.
Take notes on new vocabulary and phrases that you hear or particularly like.
Repeat scenes or episodes that you found difficult to understand.
Watch shows or series with a variety of accents, this will help you get used to different dialects and pronunciations.
Watching TV shows like the ones I’ve listed below will give you some insight into British culture, history and humour.
Watch an episode then book a conversation class with me to have a chat about the series, perhaps using new vocabulary that you’ve discovered.
Have fun and enjoy the process! The more you enjoy watching, the more motivated you will be to learn.
1.
Everything I know About Love is a British television comedy series that was first aired on BBC2 in 2018. The show is written by comedian and writer Dolly Alderton and is based on her memoir of the same name. The series follows the life of Dolly, a young woman in her late 20s, as she navigates through the ups and downs of love, relationships, and adulthood. The show is a combination of comedy and drama and it explores themes such as modern dating, friendship, and self-discovery. The series has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
2.
It's a Sin is a British television drama series created, written and directed by Russell T Davies. The series premiered on Channel 4 in January 2021. The show is set in London between 1981 and 1991 and follows the lives of a group of friends, Ritchie, Roscoe, Colin, and Ash, as they face the challenges of being gay men during the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the UK. The show explores themes such as love, friendship, loss, and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community. The series has received widespread critical acclaim for its performances, writing, and handling of the subject matter. It has been praised for its historical accuracy and its ability to provide a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the epidemic on LGBTQ+ community.
3.
Sex Education is a British television series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show is set in a fictional high school and follows the story of a socially awkward teenager named Otis, who unexpectedly becomes the school's resident sex therapist. Along with his friend Maeve, Otis sets up an underground sex therapy clinic to help his classmates with their sexual problems. The show deals with various themes including sexuality, relationships, and teenage life. It has received positive reviews for its humor, performances, and its handling of sensitive topics.
4.
The Split is a British television series that premiered on BBC One in 2018. The show is set in London and follows the lives of the Defoe family, who are all divorce lawyers. The series focuses on the personal and professional lives of the Defoe sisters, Hannah, Nina and Rose, who work at different law firms and deal with clients going through divorce. The show deals with themes such as family dynamics, relationships and the legal system.
5.
A Very English Scandal premiered on BBC One back in 2018. The show is based on the true story of the political scandal involving British politician Jeremy Thorpe and his trial for conspiracy to murder. The series follows the story of Thorpe, a charismatic and ambitious politician who becomes embroiled in a scandal when he is accused of plotting to kill his former lover, Norman Scott. The show deals with themes such as politics, sexuality, and the class system in 1960s and 1970s Britain. The series received critical acclaim, praised for its performances, particularly by Hugh Grant as Thorpe, and its darkly comedic tone.
6.
Black Mirror is a British science fiction anthology television series that first aired on Netflix all the way back in 2011. The show is known for its standalone episodes that explore the dark and dystopian implications of technology on modern society and the human condition. The series covers a wide range of topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet, and each episode presents a different story and characters. The series has been praised for its thought-provoking and often unsettling themes, creative storytelling, and its ability to comment on contemporary issues. The show has been recognized with multiple awards and has become a cultural phenomenon.