Everyone likes watching TV, but it’s usually considered a mindless, lazy activity. However, you can turn your binge sessions into learning sessions, it just takes a bit of time and some useful tools. TV is a great source of language input because you get visual and audio feedback at the same time. It’s even better when you add Spanish subtitles into the equation. When you first start watching native Spanish content, you should have Spanish and English subtitles on simultaneously with a program like Trancy or Language Reactor. You can do this on Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. This will allow you to get familiar with Spanish subtitles while still having English support. Once you get to an intermediate level, it’s time to turn off the English subtitles. This is a big leap, but if you don’t turn off the English subtitles, you will use them as a crutch. When you first start watching shows fully in Spanish, rewatch shows you’ve already seen in English or with dual subtitles, but this time watch them with only Spanish subtitles, and then watch them one more time with no subtitles. The repetition of watching a show over and over will help vocabulary and grammar stick. As you become more advanced, you may skip the first step of watching the show with dual subtitles and go straight to watching it with Spanish subtitles. Many Spanish streaming services are free, but they require a VPN to access most of their content. For how to use a VPN, check out the article linked below.
Netflix – Premium
Netflix is the best streaming platform for learning Spanish. It has a vast library and with an extension like Trancy or Language Reactor it’s easy to add dual subtitles with a pop-up dictionary. If you have a VPN, you can also access Spanish Netflix, which has a lot more Spanish shows, all with Spanish subtitles.
Disney+ – Premium
Disney+ is another great platform for watching Spanish TV. Many classic shows you’ve likely already seen have Spanish dubs and watching shows dubbed in Spanish is great for learners because they often use simpler vocabulary and grammar.
Vix – Freemium
Vix is a streaming platform that offers television series, movies, and sports programming in Spanish. The service includes both free and premium shows.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV has a large library of free Spanish movies making it a fantastic resource for Spanish learners!
Telemundo
Telemundo has a large library of free telenovelas and Spanish movies!
Requires a VPN
RTVE play – Freemium
RTVE is a streaming platform from Spain. While it has many free shows, you do need to create an account to be able to use it. You will need a Spanish postcode and VPN set to Spain to create an account. For postcodes, you can Google Spanish postcodes to find one to use. I used 08021 which is for an area in Barcelona.
RTVC Play
RTVC is a free Colombian streaming service, but you will need to have a VPN set to Colombia to be able to use it.
