As a British ESL teacher here in Rome, I’m often asked by my students, “What should I watch to improve my English?” My answer is always the same: watching English-language shows, films, and videos is one of the best (and most enjoyable) ways to learn. It allows you to hear natural expressions, practise listening, and absorb the rhythm of the language—all without feeling like homework.

TV shows for everyday English

For conversational English, nothing beats a good sitcom. I always recommend Friends because the dialogue is simple, humorous, and full of useful phrases. One of my students, Matteo, started watching it with subtitles last year. At first, he struggled to follow the jokes, but after a few weeks he was quoting Joey’s famous lines in class and even making his classmates laugh in English. That’s the power of learning through TV.

TV shows for everyday English

Films give you cultural context as well as language practice. If you’re a beginner, animated films from Disney or Pixar are brilliant, with clear pronunciation and straightforward vocabulary. At an intermediate level, I suggest romantic comedies: light-hearted stories full of everyday conversations. More advanced students often enjoy classics like Forrest Gump, which provide rich storytelling and varied accents.

News, documentaries, and talks for formal English

If your goal is professional or academic English, tune into BBC News or CNN – you’ll pick up formal vocabulary and neutral accents. Documentaries from National Geographic or Discovery are great for expanding your vocabulary on specific topics. For advanced learners, I often share TED Talks, as they feature inspiring speakers with different accents from across the world.

A teacher’s tip

Like Matteo, you’ll make the most progress if you watch regularly. Use English subtitles, pause to note new phrases, and repeat them aloud. Here at Globally Speaking in Rome, I’ve seen students transform their English simply by making watching a daily habit. So, pour yourself an espresso, choose a show, and let English become part of your everyday life.