How to use TV shows to complement your language exchange

At first, learning a language requires that you memorize new words and learn their associated articles or conjugations. However, as time passes, learning shifts. It starts to focus less on the technical aspects and more on how people communicate, joke, disagree, and express emotions in real life. That’s why, alongside language exchange, one of the most effective (and fun) ways to develop skills is through watching TV shows from the cultures where your target language is spoken.

After downloading Tandem, TV shows can be paired with a language exchange to become more than passive listening practice. They turn into shared cultural references, giving you and your language partner something concrete to discuss while naturally improving fluency and cultural understanding.

This article explores popular TV shows from different countries that are especially useful for language learners, along with tips on how to use them effectively in your language exchange conversations.

Tips for using TV shows as a language learning tool

Watching TV shows can significantly improve your language skills, but only if you watch them actively. Instead of treating a series like background entertainment, a few small adjustments can turn it into a powerful learning resource.

Start with the right subtitles

If you’re a beginner, start with subtitles in your native language to understand the story and context. As you progress, switch to subtitles in your target language to connect spoken words with written forms. Advanced learners can challenge themselves by turning subtitles off entirely. The goal is gradual exposure, not immediate perfection.

Choose shows that match your level

Fast-paced crime dramas or shows with heavy slang can be overwhelming in the early stages of learning a language. If you’re still building confidence:

• Choose slice-of-life or dialogue-driven shows
• Look for series with clear pronunciation and everyday settings
• Prefer shorter episodes if possible

And remember, understanding the general meaning is more important than catching every word.

Focus on repetition, not vocabulary lists

TV shows naturally repeat common phrases, sentence structures, and expressions. Instead of writing down every new word, pay attention to:

• Phrases that appear multiple times
• How characters greet each other or express emotions
• Common fillers and discourse markers

This helps you internalize how the language actually works.

Rewatch short scenes

Rewatching a single scene can be more effective than watching many episodes once. Try:

• Watching a scene once for meaning
• Rewatching it to notice phrasing or pronunciation
• Repeating short lines out loud

Pay attention to tone and body language

Language isn’t just about words. TV shows provide valuable insight into:

• Intonation and emotional expression
• Politeness levels and social distance
• Cultural norms around silence, humor, or disagreement

These details are difficult to learn from textbooks but essential for real communication.

Keep watching enjoyable

Finally, choose shows you genuinely enjoy. Motivation plays a major role in language learning, and consistency matters more than intensity. Even short, regular viewing sessions can make a noticeable difference over time.

Why are TV shows an effective addition to language exchange?

While we don’t necessarily recommend trying to grow in fluency solely by watching shows at home, they can have a significant impact on your learning. TV shows are rich with cultural idioms and regional dialects. They expose watchers to both nonverbal and verbal cues that can help solidify the natural intonation of pronunciation and varying rhythms of speech based on circumstances.

TV shows are especially useful for language exchange because they:

• Expose you to authentic, everyday speech
• Help you understand cultural norms, humor, and values
• Improve listening skills across different accents and speaking speeds

Plus, they serve as ready-made conversation topics to use in language exchanges on the Tandem app. So, instead of asking, “What should we talk about today?”, you can jump straight into discussing characters, storylines, or cultural differences you noticed while watching.

Some popular TV shows that can help with language learning

The TV show you choose to watch will ultimately depend on the language you’re learning, but there are tons of different options available. Below is a curated list of widely recognized TV shows from various cultures. Many of these are popular internationally, which makes it more likely that your language exchange partner already knows them or can easily watch an episode. Some of our favorite recommendations include the following:

Spanish TV shows (Spain and Latin America)

Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – Spain

This fast-paced series is useful for learners because it combines emotional dialogue, persuasive language, and clear character motivations. You’ll hear a mix of informal and formal Spanish, along with expressive intonation that helps with listening comprehension.

Language learning benefits:

• Exposure to emotional and persuasive language
• Common conversational phrases used in tense situations
• Strong discussion potential around ethics, loyalty, and decision-making

Elite – Spain

Set in a modern high school, Elite reflects how younger generations speak. While it includes slang and informal expressions, it’s valuable for learners who want to understand contemporary spoken Spanish.

Language learning benefits:

• Informal speech and youth vocabulary
• Topics related to education, identity, and social class
• Good for comparing teen culture across countries

Narcos – Colombia

Although partly in English, the Spanish scenes expose learners to Latin American accents and historical context. It’s best suited for intermediate to advanced learners.

Language learning benefits:

• Accent awareness and regional vocabulary
• Exposure to narrative and descriptive language
• Discussion of real historical and social issues

French TV shows

Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent)

This series is rich in conversational French and everyday workplace interactions. The dialogue is fast but realistic, making it excellent listening practice.

Language learning benefits:

• Natural conversational pacing
• Workplace and professional vocabulary
• Cultural insight into French communication styles

Lupin

With clear storytelling and modern dialogue, Lupin balances accessibility with cultural depth. It also introduces references to French literature and society.

Language learning benefits:

• Modern, clearly articulated French
• Cultural references that spark discussion
• Useful for practicing summaries and predictions

German TV shows

Dark

While complex, Dark encourages learners to focus on narrative comprehension and abstract language. It’s particularly good for learners who enjoy analytical discussions.

Language learning benefits:

• Exposure to serious, reflective language
• Practice with longer sentences and explanations
• Deep discussion topics that encourage extended speaking

Babylon Berlin

This historical series introduces learners to a different register of German while offering insight into cultural history.

Language learning benefits:

• Exposure to formal and historical language
• Cultural context for Germany’s past
• Strong visual cues that support comprehension

Korean TV shows

Crash Landing on You

This drama is accessible even for learners at lower levels due to its emotional clarity and frequent repetition of key phrases.

Language learning benefits:

• Clear emotional expression and tone
• Cultural insight into social hierarchy and politeness
• Vocabulary related to relationships and daily life

Reply 1988

A slower-paced series that focuses on everyday life, making it ideal for learners who want to understand natural Korean conversations.

Language learning benefits:

Everyday vocabulary and expressions Family- and friendship-related language Cultural understanding of community and tradition

K-pop Demon Hunters

Although a movie, not a show, K-pop Demon Hunters blends Korean pop culture with fantasy and action elements, making it appealing to learners interested in modern, youth-oriented content. While more stylized than everyday dramas, it introduces contemporary language and cultural references connected to K-pop and media trends. It's mostly in English, but beginners can benefit from learning catchy songs in Korean.

Language learning benefits:

• Exposure to modern expressions and pop-culture vocabulary
• Insight into how Korean media blends global and local influences
• High engagement value, which helps maintain motivation and consistency

Japanese TV shows

Terrace House

Because it features unscripted conversations, Terrace House is especially valuable for listening to natural speech patterns.

Language learning benefits:

• Real conversational Japanese
• Politeness levels and casual speech
• Cultural norms around communication and conflict

Midnight Diner (Shinya Shokudō)

Short episodes and simple dialogue make this series approachable, even for learners who prefer slower-paced content.

Language learning benefits:

• Simple sentence structures
• Vocabulary related to food and emotions
• Storytelling that encourages reflection and discussion

Italian TV shows

Gomorrah

This series is best for advanced learners interested in dialects and informal speech.

Language learning benefits:

Exposure to regional accents Informal and idiomatic expressions Insight into contemporary social issues

Suburra

With a mix of politics and crime, Suburra introduces formal and informal registers of Italian.

Language learning benefits:

• Political and institutional vocabulary
• Opinion-based discussion opportunities
• Practice understanding tone and intention

How to use TV shows in your language exchange

Simply watching a TV show in another language is a great way to reinforce learning and complement your language exchange sessions. However, if you want to incorporate what you watch into your conversations, it’s important that you first talk with your language partner. You should agree on a show and a schedule if you want to watch and discuss together. Alternatively, you can watch a show that your language partner has already seen, and they can do the same for you. Some other ways to use TV shows in your language exchange include the following:

Choose a show you can both relate to

You don’t always need to watch the same episode. Often, choosing a well-known show is enough to spark meaningful conversations, especially if one of you has already seen it. For example, If you’re learning Spanish and your language partner is learning English, maybe you can watch La Casa de Papel, and they can watch Friends. This way, you have something to talk about without having to watch something you’ve already seen in your language.

Then, try to prepare some simple questions before your language exchange. Examples include:

• Who is your favorite character, and why?
• What cultural differences did you notice?
• Would this show work in your country?

You can also ask more specific questions based on your fluency, or if there’s something that you want to talk about. Just remember, when incorporating shows into your language exchange, it’s more about finding new topics to practice than getting things perfect. You can:

• Ask about slang and informal expressions
• Practice summarizing plots in your own words
• Learn how emotions are expressed naturally

Your language partner can correct you in context, which makes learning more effective. And if you’re both learning each other’s languages, start discussing one show in one language, then switch and do the same for the other (or switch languages and talk about the same show). This reinforces vocabulary and comprehension without feeling forced.

Start using TV shows with your language exchange partner on Tandem

TV shows give you a shared cultural experience, and that’s exactly what makes language exchange work so well. Instead of practicing isolated sentences, you’re talking about stories, characters, and ideas that matter to both of you.

On the Tandem app, you can find language partners from around the world who are excited to talk about their favorite shows and learn about yours in return. Whether you’re discussing a Spanish heist series, a Korean drama, or a German thriller, you’re building real communication skills through real conversations. Download Tandem today to get started.