Selecting the right TV series is crucial to your Spanish learning journey and might be the most important decision in the whole process. Please consider the following factors:

• Genre: Choose genres that interest you. If you love crime dramas, opt for those over sitcoms. Your enjoyment will fuel your motivation to continue watching and learning. Also, you’ll note this list contains several Tv shows that are not originally in English; nevertheless, their dubbed versions are amazing as well.

• Level: I could tell you to watch shows that match your Spanish level. For example, for complete beginners, the advice would be to start by watching Peppa Pig because of its simple dialogue and easy-to-understand plot. But no, I know this might sound counterproductive, but if you choose to watch something you don’t enjoy, trust me, this will not work. If you are a beginner but love complex and intricate adult TV dramas, go for it. Choose whatever interests you regardless of your perceived Spanish level.

• Extra (Extra; Original in Spanish): This sitcom is actually made to learn Spanish by watching a TV show. It follows the lives of language students and their quirky landlord, with humorous scenarios and everyday vocabulary. The only real problem with this show is that it is kind of boring, and sometimes you can't find episodes with closed caption subtitles in Spanish. Available on YouTube

• Adventure Time (Hora de Aventura; Dubbed in Spanish): This animated series is designed for young children, making it an excellent starting point for beginners with its simple vocabulary and clear pronunciation. Even though the show is meant for children, it can be quite interesting to watch for adults as well because the show portrays some universal topics like loneliness and friendship, especially in the latest seasons. Available on HBO Max

• Bluey (Bluey; Dubbed in Spanish): Just as with Adventure Time, Bluey is a TV show meant for little kids, but it is a very enjoyable show for parents as well. The Heeler family has given us some of the most emotionally charged episodes on TV from the last few years, and if you're just starting out, you can't go wrong with the dubbed version in Spanish. Available on Disney Plus

• Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (Star Wars: Las Aventuras de los Jóvenes Jedi; Dubbed in Spanish): If you are a Star Wars fan, you must start with this one. It is a little kids show, but it's not a bad show at all. It's perfect for beginners who enjoy science fiction. Available on Disney Plus

• Cuphead (Cuphead; Dubbed in Spanish): This show is for older kids, but it can also be enjoyed by students who like this kind of animation style and quirky themes. Available on Netflix

• Club of Crows (Club de Cuervos; Original in Spanish): One of the first hits in Spanish by Netflix. If you enjoy family drama, dynasties, or sports, this is the show for you. With definitely adult themes, this show offers a broad vocabulary that will help you gain more daily life and Mexican, vocabulary. Available on Netflix

• 31 Minutos (31 Minutos; Original in Spanish): This is another one originally meant for teens. Think The Muppets x Sábado Gigante. This beloved TV series will make you laugh, and it is also a great show that can help you understand Chilean humor, as well as Latin American humor, but mostly Chilean jokes and culture. Available on YouTube

• The Simpsons (Los Simpsons; Dubbed in Spanish): This American classic is one of the most beloved shows in the world for a reason: funny family dynamics and some very clever jokes, mostly in the first eight seasons. You cannot go wrong with the dubbed version in Spanish. This show will get you a lot of basic vocabulary, but some advanced words and phrases will be there as well. Available on Disney Plus

• Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (Star Wars: Historias de los Jedi; Dubbed in Spanish): Again, if you are a fan of Star Wars, animation, and science fiction, this must be your pick. With more adult themes while keeping it PG, Tales of the Jedi is a great pick for students who want a more nuanced sci-fi show. Available on Disney Plus

• The Legend of Aang (La Leyenda de Aang; Dubbed in Spanish): The live-action version of the beloved kids’ show brings a lot more vocabulary than the animated version. Because it is a new show, you can find the closed caption subtitles in Spanish on Netflix. Available on Netflix

• I Am Ugly Betty (Yo Soy Betty, la Fea; Original in Spanish): This complete icon of Latin American TV has inspired millions of people all over the world with a story about love and drama in the workplace. It's a great show to get immersed in some Colombian and Latin American pop culture. Available on YouTube (clips)

• Friends (Friends; Dubbed in Spanish): This one is a little tricky for me to recommend. The show is pretty good, but the problem is with the Spanish dubbed version. The translation for this show is really awful, and most jokes won't land in Spanish. Just a heads up, but I still believe it will help a lot with vocabulary building. Available on HBO Max

• Chespirito: Not Really on Purpose (Chespirito: Sin Querer Queriendo; Original in Spanish): This big production by HBO relates some aspects of the life of one of the most influential comedians in Latin America. It's great for understanding some Mexican lingo and culture. Available on HBO Max

• Money Heist (La Casa de Papel; Original in Spanish): This thrilling drama series offers suspenseful storylines and a glimpse into Spanish culture and colloquial language. Probably the greatest hit in Netflix Spanish history, this is definitely for students who want to learn Spanish from Spain. Available on Netflix

• 30 Coins (30 Monedas; Original in Spanish): A great horror show for students who want to delve deep into Spain's culture and language. Great performances and a great story. Mysteries are great for learning Spanish. Available on HBO Max

• Narcos (Narcos; Original in Spanish): Although the protagonist is from Brazil, and his accent is far from perfect, Narcos still offers a great show for Spanish students who want to learn nasty words in Spanish. Great show, but definitely for adults who are comfortable with violence and adult themes. Available on Netflix

• 100 Years of Solitude (100 Años de Soledad; Original in Spanish): The adaptation of one of the most popular books in the Spanish language, a complete classic with a faithful live action adaptation, will transport you to a time of war in Colombia. You'll get romance, family dramas, beautiful scenarios, and action. Available on Netflix

• Rick and Morty (Rick y Morty; Dubbed in Spanish): I'm a sucker for adult animation, and I must say Rick and Morty was the first show I started watching without having to reach for the dictionary after every sentence. The feeling I got for finally being able to understand a complete TV show by myself was incredible, so I definitely have a soft spot for this TV show. I can definitely recommend this to anyone. Available on HBO Max

• The House of Flowers (La Casa de las Flores; Original in Spanish): Another Netflix original from Mexico, this funny show gives us family drama, comedy, and adult scenes. It's great if you want to delve deeper into Mexican culture and lingo. Available on Netflix

• Dark (Dark; Dubbed in Spanish): This German mind-bending sci-fi series delves into complex themes and philosophical discussions, providing exposure to advanced Spanish vocabulary and grammar. You will have to work to solve the mystery of Dark alongside practicing your Spanish. Definitely for more advanced students or for people who want a challenge. Available on Netflix

I’ll be keeping this list up to date; feel free to come back whenever you need a TV show recommendation.

P.S. If you’d like to support this project, please consider getting my book “Binge Better & Speak Spanish” for better results:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMPKPRC9