Watching TV shows is one of the most engaging and effective ways to learn Languages, in this case Spanish—but should you watch them dubbed, subtitled, or with Spanish audio + Spanish subtitles? The answer depends on your level.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
✅ The best setup for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners
✅ Why Spanish audio + Spanish subtitles is the GOLD STANDARD
✅ Platforms to add Spanish subtitles to any show
✅ Pro tips to boost comprehension & vocabulary fast
✅ 10 Must-Watch Spanish TV Shows for Language Learners
Dubbed vs. Subtitled: Which is Better for Learning Spanish?
1. English Audio + Spanish Subtitles ❌ (Not Recommended)
- Problem: Your brain focuses on listening to English, ignoring Spanish.
- Only useful for absolute beginners who need context.
2. Spanish Audio + English Subtitles ⚠️ (Beginner Option)
- Better than dubbed, but still not ideal.
- Your eyes read English instead of absorbing Spanish.
- Best for: Easing into Spanish with familiar shows.
3. Spanish Audio + Spanish Subtitles ✅ (BEST METHOD)
- Why it works:
- Trains your ears + eyes simultaneously.
- Helps you connect spoken words to written text.
- Improves vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening speed.
- Best for: Intermediate & advanced learners.
4. Spanish Audio Only 🚀 (Advanced Challenge)
- Best for testing real comprehension.
- Try this after mastering subtitles.
Where to Watch Shows with Spanish Subtitles?
Not all platforms have Spanish subtitles, but here’s how to get them:
1. Netflix
- Many shows offer Spanish subtitles & dubbing.
- Use Language Reactor (Chrome extension) to display dual subtitles.
2. YouTube
- Search for “[Show Name] + subtítulos en español”.
- Use auto-translate (not perfect, but helpful).
3. Disney+ / HBO Max
- Offers Spanish dubs + subs for many titles.
4. Lingopie / FluentU
- Built for language learners with interactive subtitles.
Pro Tips to Learn Faster
🔥 Watch the same scene 3 times:
- First with English subs (if needed).
- Then with Spanish subs.
- Finally, no subs to test comprehension.
🔥 Shadow the dialogue (repeat after the actors) to improve pronunciation.
🔥 Keep a vocab list of new words & review them.
Final Verdict: What Should YOU Do?
| Level | Best Setup |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Spanish audio + English subs → Move to Spanish subs quickly |
| Intermediate | Spanish audio + Spanish subs (GOLD STANDARD) |
| Advanced | Spanish audio only (or Spanish subs for hard scenes) |
💡 The key? Consistency! Even 20 minutes daily with the right method will skyrocket your Spanish.
Now, pick a show and start today! 🎬🇪🇸
10 Must-Watch Spanish TV Shows for Language Learners
1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) – Netflix
The ultimate Spanish thriller! Follow the Professor and his team as they execute daring heists on the Royal Mint and Bank of Spain. Perfect for learning command phrases, slang, and fast-paced dialogue.
2. Élite (Elite) – Netflix
Gossip Girl meets murder mystery. Set in an exclusive private school, this teen drama delivers clear, modern Spanish with themes of romance, crime, and class conflict.
3. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls) – Netflix
A 1920s feminist drama. Follow four women working at Madrid’s first telephone company. Great for historical vocabulary and emotional dialogues.
4. El Ministerio del Tiempo (The Ministry of Time) – HBO Max
Spain’s answer to Doctor Who. Time-traveling agents protect Spanish history. Ideal for formal speech, historical terms, and humor.
5. Paquita Salas – Netflix
A mockumentary about a talent agent. Hilarious and heartfelt, this show uses natural, conversational Spanish with lots of humor.
6. El Vecino (The Neighbor) – Netflix
A superhero comedy. A lazy man gains superpowers and tries (badly) to be a hero. Features everyday slang and casual speech.
7. La Reina del Sur (Queen of the South) – Netflix/Telemundo
A telenovela with grit. Follow Teresa Mendoza’s rise in the drug world. Packed with Mexican slang and intense drama.
8. Club de Cuervos (Club of Crows) – Netflix
A soccer dynasty comedy-drama. Siblings feud over their father’s team. Teaches Mexican idioms and sports vocabulary.
9. El Inocente (The Innocent) – Netflix
A noir thriller. A reformed ex-con’s life unravels after a phone call. Uses suspenseful, clear dialogue (great for intermediates).
10. 30 Monedas (30 Coins) – HBO Max
Horror from Álex de la Iglesia. A priest battles supernatural forces in a small town. Learn rural Spanish and dramatic expressions.
