Learning Spanish can be a frustrating journey, and while textbooks and grammar exercises are important, one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to truly get a feel for the language is by watching TV. Seriously, relaxing on the sofa with some excellent Spanish shows is one of the best ways to learn and improve your skills.

Why does this work so well? Because TV series drops you right into real, natural Spanish. You’ll hear how people genuinely talk, pick up on different accents, and absorb the culture, often without even realizing you’re ‘studying.’ And for this article, we’re focusing on authentic Spanish series, so you’ll be getting that true Castellano Spanish.

Let’s dive into why this approach is so powerful and how you can make the most of it. Read to the end for our top five picks and where to stream them in Spain!

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The Big Benefits of Watching Spanish TV

Hear Real Spanish: Textbooks are necessary, but they can get boring. TV shows make it more interesting, and they give you slang, idioms, and everyday conversations, the Spanish native speakers use all the time.

Improve Your Listening: This is a huge one. You’ll get used to the pace and rhythm of Spanish, and your ear will start to pick out individual words and phrases even when people are talking quickly.

Grow Your Vocabulary Naturally: When you see a word used in a real-life context, it’s much easier to remember. Plus, you’ll pick up on emotional meanings and how words change based on the situation and the context.

Understand Spanish Culture: Language and culture are deeply connected. Watching shows from Spain helps you understand their humor, social norms, historical events, and even daily life.

Stay Motivated: Let’s be honest, grammar drills can sometimes get boring. A compelling TV series keeps you hooked and excited to learn more. You’ll actually want to understand what’s happening!

Get Used to Different Accents: Even within Spain, there are variations in accent. Watching a range of shows will expose you to these differences, making you a more versatile listener.

How to Make TV Your Best Spanish Teacher

This isn’t just about passively watching. To truly learn, you need a smart approach!

1. Start with English Subtitles (It’s Okay!): When you’re first beginning, or if a show moves very fast, it’s perfectly fine to use English subtitles. This helps you follow the story and understand what’s happening without getting lost. The goal here is to keep you engaged and build your confidence. You’ll naturally start to pick out Spanish words you recognize.
2. Move to Spanish Subtitles: Once you’re comfortable with the story and feel like you’re catching some Spanish words, switch to Spanish subtitles. This is where the real learning happens:
   • Connect Sound to Spelling: You’ll see the word written as you hear it, which is crucial for vocabulary and pronunciation.
   • Catch What You Miss: If someone speaks too quickly, the subtitles are there to help you fill in the gaps.
   • Learn New Words: When you see a word you don’t know, pause the show! Look it up. Write it down in a notebook or use a flashcard app. Then, hit play and listen for it again.
3. Try No Subtitles: This is the ultimate goal. When you feel ready, try watching an episode with no subtitles at all. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. The aim here is to train your ear and challenge yourself. You might be surprised at how much you can understand just from context, body language, and the words you’ve already learned. Re-watching episodes you’ve seen with subtitles can be a great way to try this.
4. Pause, Repeat, Imitate: Don’t hesitate to use that pause button:
   • Pause and Look Up: If a phrase or word really confuses you, pause and find out what it means.
   • Repeat After Them: Mimic what the characters say. This is fantastic for pronunciation and getting your mouth used to making Spanish sounds. Try to copy their intonation too!
   • Rewatch Scenes: If there’s a particular scene with a lot of new vocabulary or fast dialogue, watch it a few times.
5. Keep a Notebook Handy: Every time you learn a new word or phrase, jot it down. Review your notes regularly. This active learning makes a big difference.

Our Top 5 Must-Watch Series

Here are five fantastic series from Spain. We picked them because they’re genuinely great shows to watch, and each offers specific benefits for boosting your Spanish, depending on your current level.

1. Isabel (Prime Video)

• Genre: Historical Drama
• The Story: This series is all about the incredible life of Queen Isabella I of Castile, from her early days to her powerful reign, which saw the unification of Spain, the Spanish Inquisition, and the funding of Christopher Columbus’s voyages.
• How it Helps Your Spanish: Best for Intermediate to Advanced Spanish learners. Isabel is a treasure trove of formal and historical Spanish. You’ll hear very proper language, which is excellent for expanding your vocabulary beyond everyday chat. The dialogue is often deliberate and precise, helping you understand complex sentence structures and a richer, more sophisticated vocabulary. It’s a great way to get comfortable with formal Spanish.

2. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) (Netflix)

• Genre: Crime Thriller
• The Story: A mysterious mastermind known as ‘The Professor’ plans and executes two of Spain’s most daring heists, one at the Royal Mint and another at the Bank of Spain. He assembles a unique team of criminals, each with a city alias, to pull off these intricate plans.
• How it Helps Your Spanish: Great for Intermediate to Advanced Spanish learners. This wildly popular series is full of fast, modern, and often very emotional Spanish. It’s packed with slang, quick dialogue, and characters from different backgrounds, so you’ll hear various accents and speaking styles. It’s fantastic for getting used to how people really talk in Spain, especially in high-stress situations. The gripping plot will keep you motivated to follow the rapid conversations, making it excellent for improving your listening comprehension for fast-paced dialogue and learning contemporary Spanish expressions. I

3. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls) (Netflix)

• Genre: Period Drama (Set in 1920s Madrid)
• The Story: Set in the 1920s, the show follows four women who become telephone operators at Spain’s first national telephone company in Madrid. They navigate love, friendship, and ambition as they challenge societal norms in a time of significant change for women.
• How it Helps Your Spanish: A great choice for Beginner to Intermediate Spanish learners. The dialogue in Las Chicas del Cable is generally clear and at a good pace, making it quite accessible. You’ll pick up common vocabulary related to daily life, work, social interactions, and relationships. The engaging stories and relatable characters make it easy to stay hooked, which is perfect for building foundational listening skills and expanding your everyday vocabulary in a stylish historical setting. Plus, seeing Madrid in the 1920s is a cool bonus!

4. Felipe y Letizia (Netflix)

• Genre: Biographical Drama (Based on the Spanish Royal Family)
• The Story: This new miniseries dramatizes the real-life courtship and early relationship of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, from their secret beginnings to their marriage and Letizia’s transition from a commoner and journalist into the royal family. This is for people obsessed with the Royal Family!
• How it Helps Your Spanish: Suitable for Intermediate Spanish learners. Felipe y Letizia is excellent for understanding formal and polite Spanish, especially the kind used in public life, media, and official circles. You’ll hear language related to politics, diplomacy, and the lives of public figures. The pace is usually measured, giving you more time to process the dialogue. It’s a good resource for learning precise, respectful communication, which is a valuable skill to develop.

5. El Caso Sancho (HBO) – Asesinato en Tailandia

• Genre: True Crime Documentary
• The Story: For all the True Crime lovers out there this new HBO España documentary series dives into the high-profile and ongoing murder case of Colombian doctor Edwin Arrieta by Spanish chef Daniel Sancho in Thailand, son of the prominent Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho Aguirre. This docu-series explores the details of the investigation, the legal proceedings, and the media attention surrounding it.
• How it Helps Your Spanish: Best for Advanced Spanish learners. As a true crime documentary, El Caso Sancho offers a very authentic and unscripted look at how a major news story unfolds in Spain. You’ll find a mix of journalistic Spanish, legal terminology, and personal accounts from various people involved. This series is challenging because it’s based on real and complex events, but that’s precisely why it’s so beneficial for advanced learners looking to understand nuanced discussions and real-world issues in Spanish.

Note: Some individuals featured in the series, particularly relations of the victim, are from South America, meaning you’ll hear a mix of Spanish and Spanish accents.

So, there you have it! Grab some popcorn, pick a show that sounds interesting, and get ready to turn your Spanish learning into an exciting adventure. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills improve. ¡Buena suerte y a disfrutar! (Good luck and enjoy!)