Should you watch shows with or without subtitles to learn English?

Once you’re more confident, though, it’s time to be brave. Try watching with subtitles first, then re-watch without them. Yes, you’ll probably miss a few lines at the start. But that challenge is exactly what helps your listening improve. Think of it as ear training – like going to the gym, but for your English.

Here at Globally Speaking in Rome, I always tell my students: treat Netflix like an extra English lesson. Choose a series you actually enjoy, watch it regularly, and notice how much easier it gets week by week.

So – subtitles or no subtitles? The magic is in the mix. Use them to build confidence, then gradually let them go. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself laughing at the jokes, catching the accents, and enjoying the show just like a native speaker.