One great reason to learn Spanish is because of the many entertaining TV series that are available. Watching these shows from Spanish-speaking nations can also improve your language skills.
There are different ways to learn Spanish, like studying with a teacher or a language institute. There are other traditional methods, such as books, audio, and video lessons, practicing with natives or those who speak well.
These methods are effective and have been in existence for a long time.
But with modern technology, many innovative tools are available. For instance, Spanish language apps, podcasts, software, music, films, and radio channels. These can help you learn and speak Spanish even better.
Viewing TV shows in Spanish is another educational and fun way to sweeten your language skills.
It’s easy and doesn’t require much effort. You can quickly connect with the language and understand the emotions and meanings behind words. This is a natural and amusing path to build fluency in Spanish.
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How TV shows can help you improve your Spanish skills?
Here are some tips for maximizing your Spanish learning experience. These can help you learn a language by watching TV series.
(i) It’s advised to watch it regularly.
Consistent exposure is a practical way to gain fluency. For example, hearing a lot in your target language. This is why watching TV shows in that language is a great way to do this.
You can watch these shows on websites like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney, HBO, and more.
This is more convenient because you can choose when you eye them. But it’s necessary to see them regularly.
(ii) Use Audio and Subtitles in Spanish
If you want to improve this language, watching TV series in Spanish with Spanish subtitles is a superb way to do it.
English subtitles can be distracting if you’re trying to learn the language. You’ll focus more on the English words instead of Spanish. Thus, it is sounder to first see with subtitles in your language to understand the story and talks.
You can watch without subtitles once you are more comfortable with the language. In this way, you can challenge yourself and enhance your listening skills.
(iii) Take Pause and Rewind the TV Series
If you find a frequently used word while watching something, you can pause it to avoid missing anything important.
You also have the chance to adjust the speed to suit your current level of understanding better.
To enhance your learning experience, you can rewatch specific dialogues, scenes, entire shows, or movies tailored to Spanish learners. This enables more efficient and practical learning.
(iv) Watch something that interests you
If you want to study Spanish effectively, having a genuine interest in the language is paramount. Without passion and enjoyment, you may lose motivation and not gain any benefits from the experience.
Spanish TV shows help you develop an authentic ear for the language. You also become aware of the culture and way of life in a fun way.
But for this method to be adequate, it’s crucial that the TV series you watch captures your attention and holds it throughout. If the content is boring or unengaging, it won’t be an effective learning tool.
26 Must-Watch TV Shows for Learning Spanish
In today’s entertainment world, we can witness various cultures and languages making their mark in every genre.
Spanish TV shows can be a perfect option to enhance your language skills. It facilitates how to use the language in real-life situations.
While I can’t list them all since there are countless TV shows for Spanish learners. Many TV series can serve as valuable resources for learning Spanish.
Here are my top 26 recommendations, in no particular order, for your viewing pleasure. Using these TV shows can assist you in improving your Spanish skills.
So, let’s take a look!
1. Narcos TV Series (2015-2017)
- Genre — Biography, Crime, and Drama
- Where to watch — Netflix
The real-life story of cocaine’s rise to fame and the drug cartels behind it is what the TV series Narcos is all about. This is one of the most-watched Spanish TV shows worldwide and the favorite on Netflix.
The show portrays how law enforcement agents confront drug lords. This results in a cruel and bloodthirsty battle.
The Narcos TV series is about Pablo Escobar, the drug kingpin from Colombia. The show concentrates on how his criminal business influenced him deeply across Latin America.
Pablo Escobar is the main element of the first two sessions. In contrast, the third one is after the death of Pablo Escobar. It shows the DEA’s battle against the Cali cartel and its leader, Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela.
This Spanish TV series is best suited for those at a high intermediate or advanced level. You learn plenty of words and phrases while being totally entertained at the same time. You also study a lot of Colombian accents.
2. Narcos: Mexico (2018-2021)
- Genre — Action, Biography, Crime, and Drama
- Where to watch — Netflix
Narcos: Mexico was initially planned as the fourth season of the Netflix series Narcos. But they produced a new companion series based on the illegal drug trade in Mexico.
The fans of Narcos seasons 1-3 will find Narcos: Mexico equally pleasing. Season 1 premiered on Netflix on November 16, 2018. Season 3 in 2021 was the last. As of today, there isn’t any information on season 4.
The Narcos series takes place in Colombia and Mexico. As an outcome, a notable amount of it is in Spanish language.
The Narcos TV series on Netflix lets people learn and improve Spanish by watching it. It will increase your knowledge of South America, its history, and the various Spanish dialects in the region.
3. Destinos (1992-)
- Genre — Drama and Family
- Where to watch — YouTube
Destinos is a TV series meant to teach Spanish to beginners and lower intermediates. This is one of the most popular shows to learn Spanish.
It centers on the words and expressions we use in our daily lives. You can also reap the benefits.
It has a total of 52 episodes that cover different aspects of Spanish grammar. It focuses on many tenses, like the present, future, conditional, imperfect, preterite, perfect, pluperfect, subjunctive, etc.
Destinos, remarkably entertaining, is about a lawyer. He travels to Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and Puerto Rico while searching for a secret.
You will learn about the different Hispanic countries as you observe and keep up with the plot lines.
4. Who Killed Sara (¿Quién mató a Sara?), 2021-22
- Genre — Mystery, Melodrama, Thriller, Crime
- Where to watch — Netflix
“Who Killed Sara?” (Spanish title: “¿Quién mató a Sara?”) is a Mexican TV series that premiered on Netflix in March 2021.
The series, created by José Ignacio Valenzuela, falls into crime, mystery, and thriller genres. It gained popularity for its suspenseful plot and complex characters.
The series revolves around the character Alex Guzmán (played by Manolo Cardona). He is wrongfully accused and imprisoned for the murder of his sister, Sara.
After spending 18 years behind bars, Alex is released. He is determined to uncover the truth about who killed Sara.
He becomes entangled in a web of family secrets, rivalries, and mysteries surrounding Sara’s death. This is a must-watch Spanish series if you love crime drama, mystery, and suspense.
You can enjoy 25 episodes of non-stop cliffhanger mystery by watching all three seasons released in 2021 and 2022 on Netflix.
The series is primarily in Spanish. It allows viewers to absorb themselves in the language and hear the authentic conversation.
5. Isabel (2011-2014)
- Genre — Biography, History, Drama
- Where to watch — HBOMax
Isabel is a Spanish TV series that displays the life of Queen Isabella of Spain in historical fiction. She became queen during an era when women were only expected to be wives and mothers.
The story recounts Isabel’s struggle to claim her rightful place on the throne and the difficulties she faced as the ruler of the Spanish empire.
Isabel is a recipient of many awards. This series will ignite a passion for history in those drawn to it, inspiring them to explore deeper into Spain’s past.
Although the English subtitles feature Spanish dialects, higher-level learners should find them manageable. Isabel is one of the top TV shows if you’re at an advanced Spanish level.
6. Luis Miguel, 2018-2021
- Genre — Biographical, Drama, and Musical
- Where to watch — Netflix
“Luis Miguel” is a biographical drama TV series of 2018. It focuses on the life and career of the internationally acclaimed Mexican singer Luis Miguel. People often call him “El Sol de México” (The Sun of Mexico).
The series depicts Luis Miguel’s personal and professional struggles. Diego Boneta plays a prominent role in this approved biography about Luis Miguel.
This Spanish TV series offers a close look into the life of one of Mexico’s most iconic musicians. This show may interest lovers of Luis Miguel’s music and those curious about his life journey.
The three seasons, with 27 episodes, will keep you engrossed till the end.
This has many characters with Mexican dialects. This makes it a fabulous choice for those interested in learning this Spanish variant. It encourages viewers to develop language skills while enjoying Latino music.
7. Cable Girls (Las chicas del cable), 2017-2020
- Genre — Telenovela, Drama, Historical drama
- Where to watch — Netflix
Las Chicas del Cable is a Spanish period drama streaming TV series from April 2017 to July 2020. Set in the late 1920s, it stars Nadia de Santiago, Ana Fernández, Blanca Suárez, and Maggie Civantos.
It is a well-made and entertaining series that offers an intriguing glimpse into women’s lives in Spain in the 1920s. It is a must-watch for fans of period dramas, feminist stories, and strong female characters.
The four women face various challenges in five seasons, like sexism, racism, and homophobia. They also experience love, loss, and betrayal. Along the way, they form a strong friendship bond that helps them overcome their problems.
The Cable Girls show was a critical and commercial success.
It won many awards, like the Ondas Award for Best Online Show and the Platino Award for Best Actress for Suárez. The critics praised it for its strong female characters and realistic picture of life in Spain in the 1920s.
You can immerse yourself in everything Spain and the Spanish language with 42 episodes spanning 5 seasons. Each lasts 50 minutes. You will learn many new words about women, society, fashion, and music.
8. Always a Witch (Siempre Bruja), 2019-2020
- Genre — Romantic Comedy, Drama, and Fantasy
- Where to Watch — Netflix
This is a TV show about a witch named Carmen who lived a long time ago in a place called Cartagena in Columbia.
She was enslaved and was in love with a white man, which was not allowed back then. Because of this, she would be killed by being burned alive.
But then, a wizard offered her the chance to travel to a future where people no longer believed in witches. She promised not to use her powers to travel in time.
She made new friends, went to college, and started a new life in this new time. But one thing never changed — she was always a witch, no matter when or where she was.
This show is excellent for people who want to study Spanish.
It’s easy to understand, and teenage characters speak with a Columbian accent and clear Spanish idioms. Watching this show can help you learn new words and communicate better.
9. Extra, 2002-2004
- Genre — Comedy
- Where to watch — YouTube
“Extra” (also known as “Extra en español” or “Extr@”) is a language education TV series that aired from 2002 to 2004.
The show makers created this TV series for learners of Spanish as a foreign language.
It supports viewers to improve their language skills while enjoying a sitcom-style show. The series was produced in various languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish.
This is a valuable resource for beginners and intermediate learners of Spanish. It helps you learn through a fun and immersive venture.
While the series may be dated, its focus is on practical use. It has gripping storytelling that can satisfy those interested in knowing Spanish.
This show will challenge your basic skills as they correct each other’s mistakes and laugh. It also repeats day-to-day phrases suitable for levels A1 and A2 of the DELE or SIELE examination.
10. Elite (Élite), 2018 –
- Genre — Adolescence, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Where to Watch — Netflix
“Elite” is a Spanish teen drama series by Carlos Montero and Daro Madrona. It came on Netflix in 2018 and is set in a prestigious Spanish high school.
The show follows a group of students, including scholarship students from the working class. They clash with wealthy students in a web of lies and murder.
The show is alluring and addictive. It has complex characters, class themes, intense plot twists, privilege, and social justice.
The writing, acting, and cinematography have all received positive reviews. It has had six successful seasons, with the seventh set to be released in 2023.
This Madrid-based series, featuring European Spanish, is perfect for casual conversations with friends. It covers a range of accents, words, phrases, and colloquial expressions commonly used in Spain.
You can quickly get started with this Spanish TV series on YouTube. The characters speak slowly, making it effortless to understand the talk.
11. Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, 2016-2018
- Genre — Animation, Action, Adventure
- Where to Watch — Netflix
Renowned Mexican director Guillermo del Toro created this TV series. It is the story of an ordinary boy who becomes the chosen troll hunter. This happened once he discovered a magical amulet.
Charged with protecting both humans and trolls, Jim, the teenage protagonist, embarks on many adventures to find the true evil of the world. Alongside his friends, he learns how to navigate the world of Trolls.
“Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia” is a fun show for viewers of all ages. It has colorful animation, interesting characters, and exciting action scenes.
It has received positive reviews for its fascinating friendship, courage, and commitment story.
The simple plot is straightforward for all levels to follow. It teaches many basic and modern phrases to help prepare viewers for the Spanish DELE test.
12. Locked Up (Vis a Vis), 2015-2019
- Genre — Drama and Thriller
- Where to Watch — Netflix
Locked Up is a Spanish TV series aired in 2015 on Antena 3. The show has 48 episodes and 5 seasons that you can enjoy.
The story is about a woman named Macarena Ferreiro who was accused of financial fraud by her boss, whom she loved.
She now lives in a Spanish high-security women’s prison with dangerous women, making her life there very difficult.
The show has a lot of words and phrases in Spanish, which is ideal for language studies. If you plan to visit Spain, this can help you understand the language spoken by locals.
13. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), 2017-2021
- Genre — Heist, Drama, Crime film, Thriller
- Where to watch — Netflix
If you’re looking for a great TV series to help you learn Spanish, La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) should definitely be on your bucket list.
Originally shown on a regular Spanish TV channel, it was later bought by Netflix, edited, and re-aired. It became one of the most popular foreign-language television shows.
The show follows a professor and his team attempting to rob the Spanish Royal Mint of 2.4 billion euros. It’s full of spectacular heists and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The best thing about La Casa de Papel is that you don’t need to read a book to know the criminal and legal terms used in the show. The dialogue is in standard Spanish, with some slang here and there.
You’ll learn to understand actual conversations and improve your Spanish listening skills. This show is perfect for intermediate-level learners like those at B1 of DELE or SIELE exams.
14. ¡Nailed it! México (2019-2021)
- Genre — Reality Show, Food Competition
- Where to Watch — Netflix
Have you heard of “Nailed It Mexico”?
It’s a Spanish-language version of the popular baking competition TV program “Nailed It!” of 2018. Each season consists of 18 episodes lasting around 30-35 minutes.
The show follows a group of amateur bakers competing under time pressure to win $10,000 by creating the best desserts and recipes. The result is a hilarious and delightful reality show filled with funny moments.
Besides being entertaining, it is a great way to learn baking and cooking-related vocabulary in Spanish.
Even if you’re a beginner or studying the A2 exams for Spanish, the show is easy to follow, thanks to context and recaps. So, sit back, chill, and enjoy the fun of this lighthearted show.
15. Victim No. 8 (Víctima Número 8), 2018
- Genre — Action, Drama, and Thriller
- Where to Watch — Netflix
A Spanish thriller TV series called El Víctima Número 8 was created by Aitor Gabilondo and released in 2018. The show is loosely based on the August 2017 Barcelona attacks.
The main character is Omar, a young man (played by César Mateo). He was charged with a serious crime he did not commit in this action-packed drama that spans eight episodes.
Originally, the situation seems simple. But things become increasingly murky and complex as the story unfolds.
Omar fights to clear his name while uncovering a conspiracy threatening the region’s stability. The police eventually investigate and catch the person responsible for the crime. But this happened only after many twists and heart-stopping moments.
The show enables learners to practice Spanish slang and expressions. Thus, it is ideal for general language practice.
The fast-paced dialogue and tricky words and phrases require advanced language ability. So, it is best suited for higher levels like B2 of DELE.
16. Grand Hotel (Gran Hotel), 2011-2013
- Genre — Drama, Crime, and Mystery
- Where to Watch — Netflix
In the period drama, Julio Olmedo searches for his sister at the Grand Hotel in the fictional coastal Spanish town of Cantaloa in 1905.
Gran Hotel is a TV show set in the early 20th century that follows the lives of the guests and workers of a luxury hotel in Spain.
The show combines drama, romance, crime, comedy, blackmail, and mystery. It features many charming characters with complex relationships and narratives.
The story circles around the disappearance of Julio Olmedo’s sister. This is covered up by the hotel’s owners, guests, detectives, and residential employees.
This TV series is known for its period setting and costume design, as well as its intricate plot and interesting characters.
The period drama covers the reign of King Alfonso XIII and was highly praised by Spanish audiences and critics. They modified it to cater to international viewership in France, Italy, and the USA.
If you want to learn Spanish by watching an entertaining and educational TV series, “Gran Hotel” could be an incredible choice.
It has minimal slang, easy dialogues, and clear pronunciation, making it a brilliant series to learn new words. It also gives historical context and rich culture to make you aware more of Spain and its language.
17. The Mess You Leave Behind (El Desorden Que Dejas), 2020
- Genre — Crime, Drama, and Mystery
- Where to Watch — Netflix
In 2020, Netflix premiered a Spanish drama TV show created by Aitor Gabilondo and Carlos Montero.
The series follows Raquel, a young high school literature teacher. She returns to her hometown in Galicia after her former mentor dies under mysterious circumstances.
Raquel’s investigation into her mentor’s death uncovers a web of secrets and lies threatening to ruin her life.
“El Desorden Que Dejas!” provides an opportunity to learn formal Spanish. You also have some Spanish literature knowledge because many scenes occur in a literature classroom.
The show is excellent for learning Spanish, primarily featuring Galician Spanish. This is a regional variant of the language spoken in northwest Spain. You also learn different terms and informal phrases commonly used in the region.
18. Escobar, Boss of Evil (Escobar, El Patron Del Mal) (2012)
- Genre — Biography, Crime, and Drama
- Where to watch — Netflix
This is one of the most compelling drug and crime series ever to emerge from Colombia. It covers the life and adventures of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin cartel.
To delve deeper into the life of the notorious Pablo Escobar, this is the Spanish TV series to watch. The show covers almost everything, from his small-time thievery to his rise as the head of a drug-trafficking empire.
You will remain highly engrossed in this series, which has over 70 episodes.
Are you fascinated by the beautiful Colombian dialect? This is the one to watch as all cast are Colombian, with entirely local locations and accents.
19. The Queen of South (La Reina Del Su), 2011, 2019, 2022
- Genre — Action, Crime, and Drama
- Where to Watch — Netflix
La Reina del Sur is a Spanish-language TV series. The inspiration comes from a novel of the same name, written by Arturo Pérez-Reverte.
The show’s storyline revolves around Teresa Mendoza. She is a young woman from a poor neighborhood in Sinaloa, Mexico. After her boyfriend, a drug cartel member gets murdered, Teresa flees to southern Spain to start afresh.
Later, Teresa becomes a powerful narco-trafficking queen in Southern Spain and the USA. She builds her empire through intelligent schemes and strategic alliances. Despite that, it puts her business and personal life at risk.
The show was filmed in several international locations. It provides the added edge of exposing viewers to different Spanish-language accents.
It’s an outstanding show for those who want to study Spanish. It blends Mexican and American Spanish with words and sentences from various Spanish-speaking regions. It suits all levels of learners.
20. Mi Corazon Es Tuyo (My Heart is Yours) (2014–2015)
- Genre — Comedy and Romantic
- Where to watch — Apple, YouTube, etc.
Are you a fan of telenovelas?
This beautiful Mexican story is about Anna Leal. She is a multifaceted woman with two different lives.
During the day, she works as a nanny, and at night, she’s an exotic dancer. The show talks about romantic relationships and has lots of drama.
This adapts the original Spanish series “Ana y Los 7.” This great romantic comedy show has a talented cast. It has over 170 episodes, each lasting over 40 minutes.
Follow this one to learn the Spanish language online with a Mexican dialect.
21. El Tiempo entre Costuras (The Time in Between) (2013-2014)
- Genre — Adventure, Drama, and History
- Where to watch — Apple, Amazon, Disney
Following the Spanish Civil War, a young Spanish dressmaker named Sira Quiroga was featured in a Spanish show from 2013 to 2014.
Looking for a Spanish show with an entertaining romantic spy drama? El Tiempo entre Costuras is a must-see. It was 1934 when the story began. The main character of the program is a spy.
The story tells of his secret efforts against the Nazis, taking her on many thrilling adventures.
Filled has a very talented cast, and the acting is impressive. The TV show was filmed in various stunning locations across Spain and other parts of the globe.
Drama, fashion, suspense, thriller, espionage, and superb acting are perfectly combined in the movie.
The show is perfect for those who want to learn history and enhance their Spanish wording regarding social and political issues. Enjoying a top-rated TV series while improving your Spanish will get you hooked.
22. Vis a Vis (Locked Up), 2015-2019
- Genre — Action, Adventure, and Drama
- Where to watch — Netflix
Vis a Vis is a clever and ruthless show on Netflix that’s one of the best to learn Spanish.
This tells the story of Macarena. Because of trusting the wrong person, she finds herself thrown in jail. There, she meets a host of very different and deadly characters.
The show provides a wealth of Spanish vocabulary, colloquialisms, and accents for the audience to experience.
This is beneficial if you’re preparing to visit the country and want to comprehend the language spoken in a real-world context.
23. Velvet, 2013–2016
- Genre — Drama and Romance
- Where to watch — Netflix
The plot of Velvet takes place in Madrid’s major fashion houses during the 1950s. The story tracks the complications that arise when the company heir and one of its sewists fall in love.
You can binge-learn a lot with Velvet since it has four seasons and fifty-five episodes! The feel-good story will keep you hooked throughout.
This show teaches more than just fashionable Spanish phrases and vocabulary. It allows you to dive deep into the Spanish business language.
24. The Ministry of Time (El Ministerio del Tiempo), 2015-2020
- Genre — Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, and Science-Fiction.
- Where to watch — Netflix, HBO, Hotstar, Voot
El Ministerio del Tiempo is a Spanish TV series aired from 2015 to 2020. Pablo and Javier Olivares created this show with science fiction, fantasy, and historical drama.
The Ministry of Time follows the activities of a secret Spanish government agency. This is responsible for guarding and managing time portals.
The central concept of the series is time travel. Each episode takes the characters to different historical eras. E.g., medieval Spain, the Golden Age, the Spanish Civil War, and other influential periods in Spanish history.
You will also learn how people spoke the language back in time. It helps you in your listening grasp and exposure to conversational Spanish.
25. Club De Cuervos (Club of Crows), 2015-2019
- Genre — Comedy, Drama, and Sport
- Where to watch — Netflix
A comedy show worth binge-watching, Club De Cuervos is translated in English as Club of Crows.
The story revolves around siblings who inherit their father’s soccer club and compete for the club presidency.
Both American and Mexican writers wrote the show, which critics praised for its originality and pacing.
Fantastic for learning Spanish with ease — and practicing your Mexican slang! If you want to speak Spanish naturally and fast, check out some episodes of Club De Cuervos in a day.
26. La Casa De Las Flores (The House of Flowers), 2018-2020
- Genre — Comedy and Drama
- Where to watch — Netflix
La Casa de Las Flores, i.e., The House of Flowers, is an intelligent and darkly humorous show.
It examines the aftermath of discovering a man’s lover’s body at his engagement party. This is about a wealthy and famous family with hidden secrets.
The success of this Spanish series led to a movie spin-off with the same name earlier this year. You can relax and enhance your Spanish language ability with this addictive series.
Final Words on TV Series for Spanish Learners
If you want to improve your Spanish skills while enjoying, these are a list of TV series you should check out.
These shows alone won’t make you fluent in Spanish. But they can help you remember new words, phrases, and sounds. This could be a starting point.
Spanish TV series for learners can enrich your speaking, listening, and reading skills. Mixing with your language-learning routine can take your Spanish proficiency to the next level.
It is crucial to use other resources when learning Spanish.
Consider taking offline or online lessons with a language institution or tutor along with TV series. Combining these can make learning Spanish more engaging, less dull, and more practical.
Watching Spanish TV shows provides a more enjoyable alternative than many well-known conventional studies. You’ll gain confidence in your language abilities in no time.
Now that you know which series to check out, it’s time to begin your journey toward fluency in Español. Share any suggestions or ideas you have in the comments below!
