Best Shows on Netflix to Practice Listening to Different English Accents
The number one complaint I receive from students about the IELTS listening test is all the different accents that are used. Most of my students live here, in Canada, where the accent is very similar to American. However, during the IELTS listening test, there's a good chance you'll hear a few different accents. The test wants to imitate real life, and in real life, people sound different. I always advise my students to watch series with different accents since this is an excellent tool for improving listening comprehension. And let's face it, you watch a ton of Netflix anyway. At least, I know I do.
Before we look at the best shows on Netflix for learning English accents, I wanted to go over some useful tips to help you learn English while watching Netflix:
Don't rely too heavily on subtitles because you won't have that kind of help in the real world. Use them while you need to, but try to work on understanding shows without them.
Write new words that you do not know. While watching, you can rely on context to guess new vocabulary. If you write the new words down, you can learn them later.
Research the show first, so you understand the context. The more you know about the big picture, the better you can rely on context for guessing words.
Rewind if you are confused or lost. If you missed something important in the storyline, understanding the rest of the show will be more difficult.
With that in mind, here are the best shows on Netflix for learning English accents. Enjoy!
1. Sherlock
Accent: British
Genre: Crime/ Mystery
Sherlock is a British crime television series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories Sherlock Holmes. While the original Sherlock series takes place in the late 19th century to early 20th century, this series modernized the detective and his partner – having them live in 21st century London. If you’re a fan of crime and mystery, then this is the show for you!
2. Glitch
Accent: Australian
Genre: Sci-Fi/ Drama
Any Sci-fi fans out there? If so, this is the show for you! Glitch is an Australian television program that is set in the fictional town of Yoorana, Australia. The show follows seven people who return from the dead in perfect health but with no memory of their previous lives. This compelling series is excellent for familiarizing yourself with the Australian accent.
3. Arrested Development
Accent: American
Genre: Comedy
If crime and people rising from the dead seem too dark for you, maybe you would prefer a comedy like Arrested Development. This quirky television series follows a wealthy American family as they go through financial and legal troubles. While this show is relatively short (only 4 seasons), it remains an iconic cult classic.
3. Heartland
Accent: Canadian
Genre: Drama
Accents from Canada and America are often generalized to be the same; however, both countries are vast and contain various accents. Heartland follows two sisters and their family, who live on a ranch in the Canadian Province of Alberta. If you are a fan of dramas, then I highly recommend this series.
5. Outlander
Accent: Scottish
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Though both are from the United Kingdom, the Scottish and English accents are quite distinguishable. Outlander is a fantastic series to watch to become familiar with the Scottish accent. The series follows an English combat nurse from 1945 who is swept back in time to 1743. This action-packed romance is absolutely worth a watch!
6. Shameless
Accent: Standard American
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Who doesn’t love a good comedy centered on a dysfunctional family? Shameless is a television program that follows a family of six children and one alcoholic father. The eldest daughter, Fiona, guides the other children in the show as they steal money and food while their father offers no help. This dramatic but funny series is excellent for picking up the Midwestern American accent.
7. Murdoch Mysteries
Accent: Canadian
Genre: Crime/ Mystery
If you liked Sherlock, then you will love Murdoch Mysteries. William Murdoch is very much the Canadian Sherlock Holmes. Murdoch is a methodical and dashing detective who solves some of Toronto’s most gruesome murders through innovative forensic techniques. This show is set in the early 20th Century and is excellent for becoming accustomed to the Eastern Canadian Accent.
8. Fargo
Accent: Minnesotan (USA)
Genre: Thriller
Remember earlier when I said that Canada and the US are vast countries with a variety of accents? Well, one of those is the Minnesotan accent. Often described as being similar to the leading Canadian accent, the Minnesotan accent is prevalent in North-Central America. A great show to hear this unique accent is Fargo, a binge-worthy American thriller.
9. Too Hot to Handle
Accent: Multiple
Genre: Reality TV
A genre we have not mentioned yet on this list is Reality TV. This genre is a love or hate genre and includes classics like Big Brother, Jersey Shore, and Survivor. Released in 2020, Too Hot to Handle follows 15 hot contestants who must abstain from all physical and sexual contact with one another to keep their $100,000 cash prize. The great thing about this show is that the contestants are from multiple English-speaking countries, which provides viewers with various accents. Give it a watch and try to see if you can understand everyone.
