9 Best Spanish TV Shows for Engaging Learning

By Milagros de la Horra

Reading time: 0 minute

January 09, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why Learn Spanish with TV Shows?

1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

2. El Internado (The Boarding School)

3. Gran Hotel (Grand Hotel)

4. Narcos: Mexico

5. Club de Cuervos

6. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls)

7. Elite

8. Velvet

9. Vis a Vis (Locked Up)

How to Make the Most of Learning with Spanish TV Shows:

Conclusion

Introduction

Watching TV shows is a super fun and effective way to learn Spanish! It's like getting to travel to a Spanish-speaking country without even leaving your couch. It helps your listening skills and teaches you new words. It also gives you a glimpse into the cool cultures of Spanish-speaking places.

Here are nine great Spanish TV shows for learning. They are perfect for all levels, whether you are a beginner or almost fluent!

Why Learn Spanish with TV Shows?

Before we start the list, let's discuss why watching TV is a great way to learn Spanish.

Real Spanish

You hear how native speakers actually talk, not just textbook phrases. This includes slang, different accents, and how sentences really flow almost like a relaxed form of Spanish immersion in your living room.

Improves Listening

Your ears get used to the sounds and rhythm of Spanish. This is a huge part of understanding conversations and complements your daily Spanish practice really well.

Boosts Vocabulary

You will learn new words and phrases naturally. You can often understand them from pictures and context, even if you don't know every word.

Cultural Immersion

TV shows offer a window into daily life, customs, humor, and social issues in Spanish-speaking countries. It's like a mini-trip!

It's Fun!

Let's be honest, studying can sometimes be boring. Watching a great show makes learning enjoyable, which helps you stay motivated! It's entertainment for learning at its best.

Now, let's look at some of the best Spanish TV series to learn Spanish!

1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

What it's about: This very popular show is about a group of smart robbers. They plan and carry out a big heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. It's full of action, suspense, and twists!
Who it's for: This is best for intermediate to advanced learners. The characters talk pretty fast, and the plot can be complex, so it's a good challenge once you have a solid grasp of Spanish.
Why it's great for learning: You'll hear lots of everyday Spanish phrases and slang used in Spain. It's also a great way to see how both formal and informal Spanish are used in different situations.
Where to watch: Netflix (it's one of the most famous Spanish series on Netflix!).

2. El Internado (The Boarding School)

What it's about: Imagine a mysterious boarding school filled with secrets, drama, and even some supernatural elements. This show will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Who it's for: This show is good for beginners who are moving towards intermediate levels. The language is often clear and sometimes repeated, which helps with understanding.
Why it's great for learning: The clear language and repetition make it easier to follow along and pick up new words. The mystery will keep you hooked!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime.

3. Gran Hotel (Grand Hotel)

What it's about:This is a beautiful historical drama set in a fancy hotel in Spain in the early 1900s. Think romance, secrets, and beautiful costumes!
Who it's for: Ideal for intermediate learners who enjoy shows with detailed stories and clear, well-spoken dialogue.
Why it's great for learning: The characters often speak very clearly, which is great for listening comprehension. You'll also get a sense of Spanish history and how people used to live. It's a delightful way to learn Spanish with TV shows.
Where to watch: Netflix.

4. Narcos: Mexico

What it's about: This intense crime drama dives into the true story of how drug cartels started in Mexico. It's gripping and dramatic, showing the origins of the drug war.
Who it's for: This show is for advanced learners. While most of it is in Spanish, some characters speak English too, which can help a little. The vocabulary is rich, and the topics are complex.
Why it's great for learning: You'll learn a lot of vocabulary related to crime, politics, and Mexican culture. It's perfect for those interested in real-world issues while improving their language skills.
Where to watch: Netflix.

5. Club de Cuervos

What it's about: This is a funny comedy-drama about a brother and sister. They fight to take over their family's soccer club after their father dies.
Who it's for: This is a fantastic choice for beginners and above who want to hear Mexican Spanish and learn some slang used in Mexico.
Why it's great for learning: It's funny and the language is quite accessible, making it easy to follow. You'll pick up lots of everyday conversational phrases and some regional slang. It's one of the great Spanish series for beginners who also love comedy.
Where to watch: Netflix.

6. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls)

What it's about: This is a historical drama set in 1920s Madrid, Spain. It follows the lives of four women who are telephone operators. It’s about their friendships, romances, and struggles for independence.
Who it's for: Great for intermediate learners.
Why it's great for learning: You will learn words about old technology, social changes, and women's rights from that time. It also gives you a fascinating look into Spanish history and culture. This is an excellent example of
Where to watch: Netflix.

7. Elite

What it's about: This teen drama takes place in a fancy private school in Spain. It mixes mystery, romance, and suspense after a student is murdered.
Who it's for: This is best for advanced learners. The characters often speak quickly, and the talks cover complex social issues and relationships.
Why it's great for learning: It challenges your listening comprehension with quick dialogue. You'll also get a modern look at Spanish culture, youth issues, and social dynamics.
Where to watch: Netflix (another top Spanish series on Netflix for advanced learners).

8. Velvet

What it's about: This is a romantic drama set in the glamorous world of a fashion department store in 1950s Spain. It follows the love story of a seamstress and the owner's son.
Who it's for: Ideal for intermediate learners.
Why it's great for learning: You will learn many words about fashion, relationships, business, and daily life in the 1950s. It's also a beautiful way to explore Spain's culture and style from that time period. It's a charming choice among Spanish TV shows for learners.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime.

9. Vis a Vis (Locked Up)

What it's about: This show is often compared to "Orange is the New Black." It is an intense drama set in a women’s prison in Spain.
Who it's for: Perfect for advanced learners because it uses a lot of prison slang and has very fast-paced dialogue.
Why it's great for learning: It offers a deep look into everyday Spanish. This includes the language used in real-life situations. It also touches on Spanish legal and social issues. It's a gripping way to learn Spanish with TV shows if you're ready for a challenge.
Where to watch: Netflix.

How to Make the Most of Learning with Spanish TV Shows:

To really get the most out of these Spanish shows for language learners:

Start with subtitles: Begin by watching with Spanish subtitles. This helps you connect the sounds you hear with the words you see. Avoid English subtitles if you can, as you'll rely too much on them.
Rewatch scenes: If a scene is difficult, watch it a few times. First, just listen. Then, watch with subtitles. You might even try repeating lines.
Look up new words: Keep a notebook handy and jot down new vocabulary or phrases you hear. Don't stop the show every time, just get the main idea and look up words later.
Pick the shows you like: You will feel more motivated to keep watching and learning if you enjoy the story and characters.
Don't worry about understanding everything: It's okay if you don't catch every single word. Focus on the overall plot and key phrases.
Pick shows that fit your level: Starting with very fast-paced or complex shows can be discouraging. Look for

For even better results, consider pairing your TV watching with top Spanish learning apps and resources for tech-savvy learners to reinforce vocabulary and grammar in an interactive way.

Conclusion

Watching Spanish TV shows is an awesome way to improve your language skills while having a great time. These shows are more than just entertainment for learning; they're like a direct line into the diverse and exciting world of Spanish-speaking cultures.

Grab your remote and choose a series from this list of the best Spanish TV shows. Start your fun journey to Spanish fluency! Share your favorite shows and tips with your friends who are also learning Spanish!

Milagros de la Horra

Academic Team

Milagros De La Horra is a Spanish teacher from Rosario, Argentina, with experience teaching learners of all ages. She brings her background in creative writing, editing, and literature into the classroom. Passionate about culture and language, Milagros uses games, videos, and poetry to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences.