Everyone likes watching TV, but it’s usually considered a mindless, lazy activity. However, you can turn your drama 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 Chinese subtitles into the equation. When you first start watching Chinese TV, have the Chinese and English subtitles on simultaneously with a program like Trancy or Language Reactor. This will allow you to get familiar with Chinese 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’re ready to start turning off the English subtitles, I recommend starting with modern Chinese dramas and live-action movies, since they are significantly easier to understand than period dramas or donghua. First, watch the show with dual subtitles, then watch it with Chinese subtitles, and then watch it one more time with no subtitles. The repetition of watching a show over and over will help vocabulary and grammar stick. As you get more advanced, you may skip the first step of watching the show with dual subtitles and go straight to watching it with Chinese subtitles.

Netflix – Premium

Netflix is the best streaming platform for learning Chinese. It has a vast library and with an extension like Trancy or Language Reactor, it is easy to add dual subtitles with a pop-up dictionary. If you have a VPN, you can also access Taiwanese Netflix, which has lots of Chinese dramas and donghua, all with Chinese subtitles.

Viki – Freemium

Viki has a large library of Chinese dramas that are free with adds, many of which come with Chinese subtitles. Unfortunately, Viki has no dual subtitle or pop-up dictionary capabilities, so you’ll have to switch between subtitles if you can’t understand something.

iQiyi – Freemium

iQiyi is a popular Chinese streaming service with lots of dramas and movies to choose from. Although most shows require a VIP membership, there are free shows as well!

Youku – Freemium

Youku is another popular Chinese streaming service with its own massive library of shows and movies some of which are free while others require a VIP membership.

Xiaobao

Xiaobao has a huge library of Chinese dramas and movies all of which have Chinese subtitles making it perfect for Chinese learners!