Watching TV shows in Spanish is an effective way to practice your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and learn phrases that are commonly used in real life. By immersing yourself in authentic dialogue, regional accents, and cultural nuances, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the language.
Here’s a list of the best 50 TV shows in Spanish, grouped by genre, to help you on your language-learning journey. As well as a few tips on how to maximize your learning experience while watching.
Why TV Shows Are a Good Learning Tool:
Real-life Vocabulary:
Unlike textbooks, TV shows expose you to natural language, including slang, idiomatic expressions, and colloquial phrases.
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Improved Listening Skills:
You’ll develop your ear for different accents, intonation, and rhythm.
Cultural Context:
TV shows provide cultural insights that can enhance your understanding of how the language is used in various countries.
Engaging Content:
The stories and characters keep you motivated to continue learning because you’ll want to understand what’s going on and what will happen in the end (No spoilers!)
Tips for Watching TV Shows to Improve your Spanish:
Use Subtitles Wisely:
Start with subtitles in your native language, and as soon as possible, switch to Spanish subtitles as you become more confident. Try checking if you are advanced enough to make the switch once per week or at least once per month.
Eventually, aim to watch without subtitles.
If you find yourself struggling to understand everything without subtitles, try watching the show without subtitles one time. Then, watch the same episode one more time with subtitles in Spanish, and only read the subtitles in sections where you truly can’t understand what’s being said in Spanish (you can pause and rewind as many times as needed.)
The main goal is to stop using subtitles so you can focus entirely on listening to what’s being said.
Rewatch Episodes:
Repetition reinforces learning. Rewatching episodes can help solidify vocabulary and phrases.
Pause and Take Notes:
Write down new words, phrases, and expressions to review later.
Shadow the Dialogue:
Repeat lines aloud to practice pronunciation and rhythm.
Choose a Variety of Genres:
This helps expose you to diverse vocabulary and contexts.
Now, let’s review the list of shows grouped by genre, with notes about country of origin, and TV channels or streaming services where they are available.
50 Best TV Shows in Spanish:
Drama:
1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) (Spain) – Netflix
2. Elite (Spain) – Netflix
3. Monarca (Mexico) – Netflix
4. Narcos (Colombia) – Netflix
5. El Señor de los Cielos (Mexico) – Telemundo/Peacock
6. Bolívar (Colombia) – Netflix
7. Vis a Vis (Locked Up) (Spain) – Netflix
8. Griselda (Colombia) – Netflix
9. Alba (Spain) – Netflix
10. Hernán (Mexico) – Amazon Prime
Comedy:
11. Club de Cuervos (Mexico) – Netflix
12. La Casa de Las Flores (Mexico) – Netflix
13. Harina (Mexico) – Netflix
14. Ojitos de Huevo (Mexico) – Netflix
15. División Palermo (Argentina) – Netflix
16. 100 Días Para Enamorarnos (Mexico) – Telemundo/Peacock
17. La Que Se Avecina (Spain) – Amazon Prime
18. Machos (Chile) – TVN
19. Casados con Hijos (Argentina) – Telefe
20. Vecinos (Mexico) – Televisa
Thriller/Crime
21. Quemar Después de Leer (Mexico) – Amazon Prime
22. El Marginal (Argentina) – Netflix
23. Pátria (Spain) – HBO Max
24. La Reina del Sur (Mexico) – Telemundo/Peacock
25. Código Implacable (Peru) – Latina Televisión
26. Perdida (Spain) – Atresmedia/Netflix
27. Fugitiva (Spain) – Netflix
28. Señorita 89 (Mexico) – Starz
29. Mar de Plástico (Spain) – Netflix
30. Oscuro Deseo (Dark Desire) (Mexico) – Netflix
Historical
31. Isabel (Spain) – RTVE/Prime Video
32. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls) (Spain) – Netflix
33. El Tiempo Entre Costuras (The Time in Between) (Spain) – Antena 3/Netflix
34. Luis Miguel: La Serie (Mexico) – Netflix
35. La Catedral del Mar (Spain) – Netflix
36. Juana Inés (Mexico) – Netflix
37. Amar en Tiempos Revueltos (Spain) – RTVE
38. La Pola (Colombia) – RCN Televisión
39. El General Naranjo (Colombia) – Fox Premium
40. Gran Hotel (Spain) – Atresmedia/Netflix
Fantasy/Sci-Fi
41. El Internado (Spain) – Amazon Prime
42. Los Protegidos (Spain) – Antena 3/Atresplayer
43. Diablero (Mexico) – Netflix
44. Bienvenidos al Edén (Spain) – Netflix
45. Luna Nera (Italy/Spain) – Netflix
Reality / Documentary
46. Niquelao! (Nailed It! Spain) (Spain) – Netflix
47. Street Food: Latin America (Various Countries) – Netflix
48. Made in Mexico (Mexico) – Netflix
49. Bake Off España (Spain) – Amazon Prime
50. El Chef del Mar (Spain) – RTVE
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Here it is: 15 Minute Spanish Listening Mastery
With so many great options across genres, there’s a Spanish TV show for every learner. Whether you’re drawn to drama, comedy, or historical series, each show provides a unique opportunity to improve your Spanish while enjoying high-quality entertainment. By following the tips provided and integrating TV shows into your learning routine, you’ll notice significant progress in your listening comprehension, vocabulary, and cultural understanding.
Happy watching! ¡Disfruta las series!
What other shows have you tried? What do you recommend? Please share them in the comments section at the end of this page.
