A Guide To British Television: A Cultural Experience

Studying abroad is all about experiencing new things, learning about a different culture and usually, practising a new language. One easy way to experience cultural learning and work on your language skills is by watching television.

That’s right, watching TV can actually improve your cultural knowledge! Britain’s television shows are a great place to learn about daily life and gain cultural understanding, too, since the country spends £2.6 billion on televised content each year.

So go ahead and gather with your friends at the best student accommodation. Londonand British life in general will make more sense after you watch some of our top picks for the best TV shows from the U.K.

Top of the Pops

If you’re a fan of the Beatles, you may want to learn more about the history of pop music in Britain. This show from the BBC, Britain’s top TV channel, covers the rise of many British musical icons, including the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. This series also documents the history of different music genres like funk, reggae, punk rock and hip hop in Britain, spanning from 1964 to the early 2000s.

Jeeves and Wooster

No British television list is complete without this witty favourite. Downton Abbey fans will delight in this show, whichfollows the lives of the aristocracy in true English fashion – that is to say, with plenty of mocking humour and dramatic plot twists. Starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, this is a must-watch for any student looking to enjoy some serious English comedy.

Doctor Who

This TV classic has a cult following and is a good look into Britain’s pop culture. Doctor Who is a hit science-fiction television series that first premiered in 1963 and is still airing new episodes today. This show is perfect for science lovers and anyone looking for a fun British show with plenty of humour and excitement.

Pride and Prejudice

There are plenty of versions of this beloved Jane Austen tale, but the show starring Colin Firth is probably the most iconic. You’ve probably already read this book in school, but now you can follow along on screen with the dramatic and hilarious adventures of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy while learning all about English social cues and proper etiquette.

Coronation Street

If you think you’ve mastered the English language, learn some different regional British accents by watching Coronation Street. This popular soap opera (and the country’s longest-running show) was the first English TV series to focus on working class families and show accents that were different from what is commonly known as a ‘BBC English’ accent. British television has never been the same since!

No matter whether you enjoy historical dramas, comedy or science-fiction adventures, a lot can be discovered about life in London by watching English TV shows. There’s never been a better time to stream a TV show with your friends at the best student accommodation. Londonlife will make even more sense after you do!

Author Plate

Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for the best student accommodation London has to offer. Here, there’s a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.