Ever wondered why your English teacher sounds so different from that British YouTuber you follow? While English might be the global language of business, entertainment, and pretty much everything online, it comes in more flavors than your local ice cream shop.
If you're looking to learn British English (or just want to understand what your favorite British celebrities are saying), there's no better way than diving into some quality British TV shows. In this post, we've rounded up ten of the best British shows that'll have you speaking like a local in no time. Ready to give each a go?
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British TV Shows To Learn English
Bridgerton
"Bridgerton" sweeps viewers into the glamorous world of Regency-era London, where high-society families navigate the competitive marriage market amid scandal, romance, and social intrigue.
For English learners, the Bridgerton series offers an interesting mix of formal historical British English and aristocratic speech patterns. The show's elaborate compliments, witty remarks, and proper etiquette phrases provide excellent examples of sophisticated English vocabulary and formal speaking styles. Even though some of the language is period-specific, many of the formal expressions and polite conversational patterns are still relevant in professional British settings today.
The Crown
"The Crown" takes you straight into the heart of the British monarchy, following Queen Elizabeth II's journey from her early days as a young princess to her reign as the longest-serving British monarch.
Here, you'll train your ears to "Received Pronunciation" – the most prestigious British accent often heard in formal settings. You'll pick up sophisticated vocabulary, proper etiquette phrases, and formal speaking patterns that are still used in professional British environments today.
Misfits
"Misfits" follows a group of young offenders doing community service who suddenly gain supernatural powers after a mysterious storm. This award-winning series perfectly captures British youth culture with its raw, unfiltered approach to storytelling and dark humor.
If you're looking to learn everyday British English, including slang and informal expressions, this show is your perfect teacher. The characters speak in authentic London accents and use contemporary British colloquialisms, giving you a real taste of how young Brits actually talk to each other in casual settings.
The End of the F***ing World
"The End of the F***ing World" is a darkly comic series that follows two misfit teenagers: James, who believes he's a psychopath, and Alyssa, a rebellious classmate who becomes his unlikely partner in crime. Their chaotic road trip across England turns into an unexpectedly touching story about love, identity, and growing up.
Perfect for intermediate learners, this show offers a glimpse into British teen speak and regional accents. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and packed with modern British slang, helping you understand how young people in the UK really communicate – from casual conversations to emotional outbursts.
Black Mirror
"Black Mirror" is a mind-bending anthology series that explores the dark side of technology and its impact on modern society. Each episode tells a different story with a fresh cast and setting, but they all share one thing in common: a haunting look at how tech could shape our future.
What makes this show great for English learners is its wide variety of British accents and contexts. From corporate boardrooms to suburban homes, you'll hear different speaking styles and vocabulary used across various social situations. Plus, since each episode stands alone, you can watch them in any order without losing track of the plot.
Sherlock
"Sherlock" brings the classic detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into the modern world, with Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of the brilliant but socially awkward Sherlock Holmes solving crimes in contemporary London. Alongside his trusty partner Dr. John Watson, he tackles mind-bending mysteries with razor-sharp wit and deductive reasoning.
Language learners will particularly enjoy the show's quick-paced, clever dialogue that ranges from sophisticated deductions to witty banter. The series showcases both upper-class British English through Sherlock's eloquent speech patterns and more casual everyday English through Watson and other characters, giving you exposure to different speaking styles and vocabulary levels.
Sex Education
If you're looking dor the best TV series on Netflix to learn English, "Sex Education" is a must-watch! This follows the story of Otis, an awkward teenager who starts an underground sex therapy clinic at his high school, despite his own lack of experience. Set in a quirky British school that feels both modern and timeless, the show tackles coming-of-age issues with humor, heart, and refreshing honesty.
For English learners, this series is perfect for learning contemporary British teen slang. You'll hear a mix of different accents and social backgrounds, making it perfect for understanding how young people talk today. Plus, the show's frank discussions about relationships and daily life will teach you useful vocabulary you won't find in textbooks.
Skins
"Skins" revolutionized British teen television by following the raw, unfiltered lives of a group of Bristol teenagers dealing with love, friendship, mental health, and growing up. Known for its gritty realism and groundbreaking storytelling, each generation of characters brings their own unique struggles and triumphs to the screen.
Language learners will get an authentic dose of British youth culture through the show's use of regional accents (particularly West Country), colloquial expressions, and slang. It's an excellent resource for understanding how British teenagers really speak, complete with idioms and informal language you won't find in traditional learning materials.
Heartstopper
"Heartstopper" is a heartwarming coming-of-age romance that follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, two British teenagers navigating school life, friendship, and first love. Based on Alice Oseman's beloved graphic novels, this Netflix series captures the sweetness and complexity of teen relationships with authentic charm.
The show is particularly valuable for English learners because of its clear, natural dialogue and teen expressions. The characters speak at a comfortable pace with standard British accents, making it easy to follow along while picking up modern phrases and casual conversation patterns commonly used today.
Downtown Abbey
"Downton Abbey" transports viewers to the grand halls of an English estate in the early 20th century, following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants. This period drama masterfully weaves together the upstairs and downstairs worlds of British society, showing how historical events impact both the wealthy and working classes.
This series is particularly valuable for English learners interested in formal, traditional British English. The upstairs characters demonstrate impeccable "Queen's English" with sophisticated vocabulary and proper etiquette, while the downstairs staff uses more modest yet still proper English. This contrast provides an excellent study of how social class influences British speech patterns and formality levels.
British vs. American English
While watching these shows, you might find yourself scratching your head at some peculiar expressions. That's because British English can feel like a completely different language sometimes!
What Americans call an elevator, Brits call a lift, and while Americans are "tired," Brits are more likely to say they're "knackered." These differences can make watching British TV both challenging and incredibly rewarding for English learners.
Common British vs. American Expressions
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Fancy a cuppa? | Want some tea? |
| I'm knackered | I'm exhausted |
| Bloody hell! | Oh my god! |
| Cheers! | Thanks! |
| Proper | Really/Very |
| Mate | Friend/Buddy |
| Brilliant! | Awesome! |
| Queueing | Standing in line |
| Rubbish | Trash/Garbage |
| Chips | French fries |
These expressions are just the tip of the iceberg, but they'll help you start understanding British dialogue better. You'll notice these phrases pop up frequently in the TV shows we've mentioned, and once you start recognizing them, you'll feel more confident in your understanding of British culture and communication styles.
Lorena Macedo
Learn English Through British TV Shows
Whether you're aiming to master formal British English or just want to understand what "bloody hell" really means, these series provide an immersive learning experience that beats traditional textbook learning any day. Now if you're genuinely interested in mastering British, then we highly recommend the Lingopie.
Lingopie makes it easier than ever to learn while you watch. With interactive subtitles, vocabulary tracking, and personalized learning features, you'll be speaking like a true Brit in no time. Start your free trial today and transform your favorite shows into powerful language-learning tools.
Remember, the best way to learn a language is to actually enjoy the process – and what better way than binge-watching some of the best television Britain has to offer?
