20 Best British TV Series to Learn English - Beginner to Advanced Level

Summary

In this English with Lucy video, viewers are introduced to a curated list of top British TV shows suitable for learners of different English proficiency levels. The script begins with recommendations for beginners, such as 'Peppa Pig', and progresses to pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced levels, featuring shows like 'David Attenborough's nature documentaries', 'Nigella Lawson's cooking programs', and 'Sherlock'. It also includes sitcoms and crime dramas to help learners grasp British humor and slang. The video concludes with advanced listening options like comedy panel shows, emphasizing the importance of understanding language nuances for cultural engagement.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is a lesson on using top TV shows to learn British English, with recommendations for different proficiency levels.
• 🔍 The script emphasizes the benefits of watching TV shows for improving fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening skills in English.
• 👶 For beginners, children's TV shows like Peppa Pig and Sarah and Duck are recommended due to their clear language and simple vocabulary.
• 🏞 Nature documentaries, especially those narrated by David Attenborough, are suggested for pre-intermediate learners to learn new vocabulary and listen to a clear RP accent.
• 🍳 Intermediate learners can benefit from cooking shows featuring Nigella Lawson, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and Jamie Oliver to hear different British accents and learn about food culture.
• 📺 Sitcoms like The Vicar of Dibley, Ab Fab, The Office, and The Inbetweeners are recommended for intermediate learners to understand British humor and slang.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Dramas such as Broadchurch, Happy Valley, The Informer, Sherlock, and Dr. Who are suitable for intermediate learners to enhance their language skills through engaging stories and diverse accents.
• 🎭 Advanced learners can enjoy comedy panel shows like Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, QI, and Would I Lie To You to grasp nuances of the language and improve storytelling skills.
• 🗣️ Accent diversity is highlighted as important, with shows covering a range from Scottish to Cockney, helping learners understand different British accents.
• 🌐 The video mentions that the recommended shows and information can be found in the description box for viewers to easily access them.
• 📈 The script suggests that watching TV shows in a second language can be a fun and effective way to improve language skills, making it less of a chore.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to recommend various British TV shows that can help learners improve their British English, covering different levels from beginners to advanced.

Why are children's TV shows recommended for beginners in learning English?

Children's TV shows are recommended for beginners because they cover basic vocabulary and use simple grammar, and characters often speak clearly with good pronunciation, which is beneficial for those struggling with listening skills.

What makes Peppa Pig a suitable choice for English learners at the beginner level?

Peppa Pig is suitable for English learners at the beginner level because it is written in simple English, uses simple tenses, and covers basic vocabulary, all while featuring a British accent and clear speech.

Why is the Scottish accent considered difficult and what TV show is recommended to understand it?

The Scottish accent is considered difficult due to its distinct pronunciation and intonation. The TV show 'Katie Morag' is recommended to understand the Scottish accent as it features a little girl with a Scottish accent in a non-cartoon format.

Who is David Attenborough and why is he recommended for pre-intermediate English learners?

David Attenborough is a renowned broadcaster and natural historian known for his work with the BBC. He is recommended for pre-intermediate learners because he speaks with a clear and beautiful Received Pronunciation (RP) accent, uses a variety of adjectives, and speaks relatively slowly, which is helpful for learning.

What type of TV shows are recommended for intermediate English learners and why?

Cooking programs and sitcoms are recommended for intermediate English learners. Cooking programs introduce new vocabulary in a relaxing context, while sitcoms expose learners to British humor and a variety of accents, enhancing listening skills and cultural understanding.

Which celebrity chef is known for her indulgent recipes and beautiful RP accent?

Nigella Lawson is known for her indulgent recipes and her beautiful Received Pronunciation (RP) accent, making her show a good choice for intermediate English learners.

What is unique about the TV show 'The Office' in terms of language learning?

The British version of 'The Office' is unique for language learning as it is a mockumentary that introduces learners to a lot of mundane daily vocabulary, small talk, and subtle British humor, along with various regional accents.

Why are comedy panel shows recommended for advanced English learners?

Comedy panel shows are recommended for advanced English learners because they involve quick wit, current affairs, and complex humor that can enhance language understanding and cultural awareness once the learner is comfortable with the nuances of the language.

What is the significance of the TV show 'Sherlock' for English learners and which version is recommended?

Sherlock is significant for English learners as it features a variety of British accents and slang. The version recommended is the one that started in 2005, as it offers a modern and diverse linguistic experience.

What is the final recommendation for advanced learners and why is it beneficial for storytelling skills?

The final recommendation for advanced learners is 'Would I Lie To You?' as it is beneficial for storytelling skills because it involves panelists and celebrities sharing funny and unusual stories, which can help learners understand how to construct and tell engaging narratives.