TV series to learn French

Contents

1. How TV Series Aid in Learning French
2. Criteria for Selecting TV Series to Learn French
3. Best TV Series for Beginners
4. Top Intermediate-Level TV Series
5. Advanced TV Series Recommendations
6. Series for All Levels
7. Comedy Series for Learning French
8. Dramatic Series for Deep Engagement
9. Romantic Series for Vocabulary and Idioms
10. Crime and Thriller Series
11. How to Make the Most of Watching TV Series

If you love TV and are serious about learning French, watching TV shows on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or HBO can be a fun and effective option.

Imagine picking up French slang while watching a thrilling crime drama or understanding idioms through romantic comedies. With TV series you can reach the everyday life of French speakers, an aspect that is not always easy to find in formal textbooks and that makes learning French more enjoyable. No matter what level of French you have.

In this article, you will find some of the best TV series and shows that will help you to improve your French.

How TV Series Help in Learning French

Exposure to Authentic Language

TV series immerses you in natural, everyday French. Unlike textbook dialogues, the language used in shows reflects how people speak with colloquialisms and regional accents.

Understanding Cultural Context

Also, when you watch a TV series set in France, you will have access to cultural insights that are invaluable for French learners. Thus, you’ll gain a better understanding of social norms, humor, and historical context, which enriches your timing when using certain phrases and tones when speaking in French.

Improving Listening and Pronunciation Skills

You will hear native speakers not performing or recording for French learners but for any French speaker. You might find that some of them speak too fast or maybe don’t vocalize as clearly as you would like and will improve your listening skills and pronunciation. But far from being a problem, this will help you become familiar with the language as it is spoken by native speakers.

Criteria for Selecting TV Series to Learn French

Language Level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

Choose a series that matches your proficiency level. If you are a beginner, you might prefer simpler dialogues, or if you are a more advanced learner, you will handle complex vocabulary and idioms.

Genre Preferences

Besides, your level, it’s important to consider your interest in the show’s genre. Whether you like comedy, drama, or crime, pick something that keeps you engaged.

Subtitles

Having French subtitles is essential. It will help you understand difficult dialogues and improve your reading skills simultaneously. Rewind the movie and listen again to a sentence you don’t understand while reading the French subtitle as many times as necessary.

Best TV Series for Beginners

Les Aventures de Tintin

Based on the famous comic series, “Les Aventures de Tintin” is perfect for beginners. It uses simple language, and the adventures are engaging. Following Tintin on his quests around the world helps you pick up basic French vocabulary and sentence structures.

Extra French

This series follows the lives of four friends and is filled with humor and repetition, making it easy to grasp and remember new phrases. It’s designed specifically for French learners and you will enjoy it if you are starting your learning adventure.

Top Intermediate-Level TV Series

Call My Agent! (Dix pour cent) on Netflix

This comedy-drama revolves around a Parisian talent agency and its agents’ efforts to keep their star clients happy.

It has real-life scenarios and conversational French, which is perfect if you are looking to move beyond the beginner level. It has a mix of professional and everyday language.

Pay attention to the fast-paced dialogues and try to mimic the intonation. Also, industry-specific jargon will challenge and expand your vocabulary.

Un Village Français

Set during World War II, this historical drama provides rich, contextual language learning opportunities. They use more formal dialogues to reflect the era. That will help intermediate learners understand more complex sentence structures and historical vocabulary.

Take notes of new words and phrases to review after each episode.

Advanced TV Series Recommendations

Engrenages (Spiral)

A gritty police procedural, “Engrenages” is filled with legal and crime-related terminology. It’s a good choice for advanced learners looking for complex and nuanced French while watching this realistic series.

Le Bureau des Légendes

This spy thriller features sophisticated language and political jargon. If you are an advanced French learner, you will feel challenged by this TV show but also will be rewarding for you to reach a strong grasp of French and refine your understanding further.

Series for All Levels

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir

A hit with all ages, this animated series is great for learners at any level. It has an accessible language and the engaging storyline keeps you hooked, making it easier to learn and retain new words.

Les Revenants (The Returned)

This supernatural thriller uses everyday language in a unique context. This is for all learners wanting to explore different themes while improving their French. An eerie drama about the dead coming back to life in a small French town. With its engaging plot and complex characters you are given a deep dive into conversational and dramatic French.

Comedy Series for Learning French

Kaamelott

Set in medieval times with a comedic twist, “Kaamelott” combines humor with historical references. It’s a fun way to learn French and enjoy its clever dialogues and fast-paced humor.

Bref

This series uses contemporary slang and quick dialogues. If you are an advanced learner, it can be a real challenge, and at the same time, a lot of fun.

Dramatic Series for Deep Engagement

Versailles

A historical drama set in the court of Louis XIV. You will find rich historical vocabulary and some insights into French history in this TV show.

Romantic Series for Vocabulary and Idioms

Clem

This TV series follows the life of a young single mother. It is perfect for learning modern French and idioms since it has many everyday conversations and emotional dialogues.

Plan Cœur (The Hook Up Plan) on Netflix

A modern romantic comedy exploring contemporary relationship dynamics in Paris. You will find it light-hearted and filled with vocabulary for social interactions.

Crime and Thriller Series

La Mante on Netflix

A crime thriller that’s perfect for learning crime-related vocabulary and maintaining suspense. The intricate plot keeps you engaged while learning.

Les Témoins (Witnesses)

A mystery series set in a small town. The detailed investigations and mysterious elements provide rich vocabulary and context for learning.

How to Make the Most of Watching TV Series

Active Watching Techniques

Engage actively with the content. Pause and replay scenes, write down new words, and try to use them in sentences.

Note-taking and Vocabulary Building

Keep a notebook handy to jot down new vocabulary and phrases. Revisit them regularly to reinforce your memory.

Repetition and Re-watching

Don’t hesitate to re-watch episodes. Repetition helps reinforce learning, and each viewing will reveal new nuances and vocabulary.

Mimic the speakers

You get to mimic the intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation of native speakers, making your spoken French more authentic.

Learning French through TV series is an effective and enjoyable method. While having fun by immersing yourself in authentic French language and engaging storylines, you can improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural understanding.

So, grab some popcorn, pick a show, and start your French learning journey today!