Regarding learning a new language, each individual has their speed and procedure. Dedicated classes, flash notes, and interactions are indispensable, and visual media such as televisions can be of tremendous help. Studies have suggested that people are more likely to absorb information when presented as an engaging visual narrative.
French is considered one of the most nuanced and hardest to learn languages all over the world by linguists. Suffice to say, if you want your child to learn French, there has to be no stone left unturned. Because children are so attuned to visual-based learning, it is always a good idea to make them watch shows in a similar language.
In light of this, we have compiled a list of twelve Netflix shows. Each show has some degree of French speech or culture represented in it. We believe this will expose your child, no matter their age, to the language in micro-doses, making learning French even more accessible and fun. Let’s take a look!
Shows on Netflix to help your child learn French
1. Care Bear and Cousins
Genre: Animation
Original Language: English
Target Audience: 3 years and above
Along with the main Care Bears, the show introduces four of their equally adorable cousins. On Netflix, the show is available with French dubbed dialogues. The dialogue between the characters is slow-paced, emphasizing each word clearly. This reduced pace and clarity are perfect for your child if they are just starting with the French language.
2. Emily in Paris
Genre: Comedy
Original Languages: English and French
Target audience: Fifteen years and above
The protagonist, Emily, is a young American living in France, trying to juggle her life and work. Although she primarily speaks English, her dialogues are scattered with beginner-level French words. Plus, most of her coworkers speak fluent French. Therefore, this is a good starting point for your teen child to start picking up on essential, entry-level French words. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this show’s locations and fashion are gorgeous!
3. Pokemon the Series: XY
Genre: Animation
Original Language: Japanese
Target Audience: Six years and above
This is the seventeenth season of Pokemon, wherein Ash and his faithful Pikachu embark on yet another adventure. Because Pokemon is primarily a Japanese tv medium, all its sub-media forms are released in Japanese. But owing to its popularity, it has been dubbed and subbed into various languages, French being one of them. Fun, inspiring and filled with life lessons, this is a perfect show for your child. Honestly, regardless of age, everybody loves Pokemon, which is why this is an ideal family show.
4. The Boss Baby: Back in Business
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Original Language: English
Target Audience: Seven years and above
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this show has a literal baby as its protagonist. For all his intents and purposes, the baby is nothing short of an Artemis Fowl stereotype. The show often involves a lot of back and forth and ripostes between the characters. This can make for an exciting and challenging level for your child’s French progress.
5. Le Bazar de la Charité
Genre: Historical drama
Original Language: French
Target Audience: Eighteen years and above
Loosely translating into “The Bonfire of Destiny,” the series’ premise starts with the fire that broke out in Charity Bazaar, Paris, in 1897. From then, it follows the lives of three fictitious women who managed to escape unscathed. Although the show leans heavily on the dramatic side, its aesthetics is French to a T. The language, however, is advanced. This is for those who want a more immersive everyday experience of old France.
6. The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That!
Genre: Animation
Original Language: English
Target Audience: Five years and above
What better way for your child to learn French than through a Dr. Seuss character? It has three seasons, with a total of eighty episodes. Originally in English, the network offers a French dubbed version of this show. It also comes with English subtitles that can help your little one keeps up with the conversation on screen.
7. Chef’s Table France
Genre: Drama
Original Language: French
Target Audience: Thirteen years and above
If anyone in your family is a budding chef, this series is definitely for them. It combines the very best of French food with the language. This series invites audiences into the dining spaces of award-winning, Michelin-star chefs and pâtissiers. Because the French being spoken here is very colloquial and commonplace, it may be challenging to follow for beginners without subtitles.
8. C’est du Gâteau
Genre: Cooking, Reality-tv
Original Language: French
Target Audience: Thirteen years and above
This is another French cooking show on Netflix, but instead of professionals, it is formed entirely of amateur home cooks. Think of The Great British Bake Off, but more French. While watching the contestants fumble and struggle is incredibly fun, it is undoubtedly a feel-good series.
9. Les Aventures de Tintin
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Original Language: English, French
Target Audience: Ten years and above
The beloved Herge comics were brought to life in 1991. The show’s three seasons are available on Netflix in English and French, along with subtitles. This series, considered one of the best pieces of literary adaptations, should be an indispensable part of your child’s growing years. However, the original French version may be hard to follow because the dialogues are in real-time. In that case, we suggest subtitles.
10. Fais pas ci, Fais pas ça
Genre: Comedy, mocumentary
Original Language: French
Target Audience: Fifteen years and above
This show is one of the most popular and beloved series in France. It follows two diametrically opposite families coming together on a tv show. From there onwards, it is a constant tussle and barrage of arguments on how to raise their children. Unfortunately, the show does not come with English subtitles. Therefore, it can mostly be enjoyed by individuals who already have an intermediate grasp of French.
11. Les Mystérieuses Cités d’Or
Genre: Animation
Original Language: French, Japanese
Target Audience: Ten Years and Above
Set in the 16th century, this show follows the adventures of Esteban as he tries to find the Mysterious Cities of Gold in the New World. The series is a combination of history, science fiction and bildungsroman. Spanning three seasons, you can see how the animation has changed over the years. Beautiful animation and a feel-good story make it the perfect before-bed show for your child.
12. Criminal: France
Genre: Drama, Crime
Original Language: French
Target audience: Sixteen years and above
Given the teenage penchant for thrillers and mysteries, Criminal: France is the best show to keep your teen hooked. It consists of three episodes, each dealing with a different case and suspect. All the action happens inside a police interrogation room, and the premise is as simple as it sounds. But all of it makes for a compelling cat-and-mouse game.
Final thoughts
TV shows can be a great way of cramming quick French lessons into your day. Although they aren’t an alternative to structured language classes, they are more accessible. They can help you fine-tune your recently acquired skills or even brush up on your existing knowledge.
Remember not to get frustrated and give up if you aren’t engrossed with these shows on your first watch. After all, they were created for native French speakers. As they say, la patience est une vertue!
