Watching shows in Spanish is a powerful way to improve your language skills because it exposes you to real-life conversations, native accents, and cultural expressions. You hear how the language is actually used—informal phrases, tone, rhythm, and slang—which textbooks often don’t include. It also helps you improve your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary naturally. Subtitles can support your understanding at first, and over time, you’ll start thinking and responding faster in Spanish. Plus, it’s a fun and motivating way to learn without feeling like studying.
Here are ten highly acclaimed Latin American shows available on Netflix. Pick one and watch an episode per day, you will see how your understanding of spoken Spanish improves in just one month!
La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)
A Spanish heist crime drama series following a group of robbers assaulting the Royal Mint of Spain, led by the enigmatic ‘Professor’.
La Reina del Sur (The Queen of the South)
This Mexican telenovela follows the chaotic life of Teresa Mendoza, a major player in the drug trafficking business who finds herself fighting for her life and running from Mexican drug cartels.
Monarca
A Mexican drama series that delves into the world of a billionaire tequila magnate and his family, exploring themes of corruption and family loyalty.
El Dragón: Return of a Warrior
A Mexican crime drama where a financial expert returns from Japan to take over his family’s drug cartel after his grandfather’s assassination.
Club de Cuervos
A Mexican comedy-drama series about a brother and sister battling for control of a football (soccer) team after their father’s death.
Narcos
An American-Colombian crime drama series chronicling the real-life rise and fall of drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar in Colombia.
Ingobernable
A Mexican political drama where the First Lady of Mexico must uncover the truth after being implicated in her husband’s death.
La Casa de las Flores (The House of Flowers)
A Mexican dark comedy series centered on a dysfunctional family running a prestigious flower shop and their hidden secrets.
El Chapo
A crime drama series that traces the life of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, one of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords.
Luis Miguel: La Serie
A biographical series about the Mexican singer Luis Miguel, exploring his rise to fame and personal struggles.
Please note that the availability of these shows may vary based on your region.
Watching TV shows in Spanish is an excellent way to improve your Spanish! Here are some strategies to make the most of them:
1. Choose a Level-Appropriate Show
- Beginner: Opt for shows with slower dialogue and simpler vocabulary, like Eva Lasting.
- Intermediate/Advanced: Challenge yourself with shows like Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal or Bolívar, which feature regional accents and complex storytelling.
2. Use Subtitles Strategically
- Beginner: Start with Spanish audio and English subtitles to understand the story while getting used to the sounds of Spanish.
- Intermediate: Use Spanish subtitles to connect spoken words with their written forms.
- Advanced: Turn off subtitles entirely to focus on listening comprehension.
3. Take Notes
- Write down new vocabulary, expressions, or slang. For example:
- From Wild District: “¡Qué bacano!” (How cool!)
- From The Queen and the Conqueror: Historical terms or formal language.
4. Practice Speaking
- Pause the show and repeat lines to mimic pronunciation and intonation.
- Try summarizing scenes out loud in Spanish to practice fluency.
5. Focus on Regional Vocabulary
Colombian Spanish has unique phrases and slang. Pay attention to words like:
- Parcero/parcera: Friend
- Chévere: Cool
- Paila: Bad luck
6. Analyze Cultural Context
Shows like Bolívar and La Reina de Indias y el Conquistador offer insights into Colombian history and culture. This helps you understand the context behind certain phrases or behaviors.
7. Create a Language Routine
- Watch 15-30 minutes daily to build consistency.
- Pair with other learning tools, like apps or grammar books, to reinforce what you learn.
8. Discuss the Shows
Find a language partner or join a discussion group to talk about the shows in Spanish. This enhances your speaking and comprehension skills.
9. Rewatch Episodes
Rewatching allows you to catch details or vocabulary you missed the first time.
10. Supplement with Resources
- Use a dictionary or translation app for unfamiliar words.
- Explore YouTube videos or podcasts discussing these shows for more vocabulary and insights.
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