What do you do to wind down after a long day at work? If you’re like us, you plop yourself down on the couch with some snacks and watch a few episodes of your favourite TV series. But did you know that watching television in English (with subtitles) will actually help you improve your language skills?

Here are our top picks for business-related viewing pleasure. Pass the remote!

 

House of Cards

Politics boring? Think again! This Washington DC-based series, starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as a cold power couple, will keep you on the edge of your seat while teaching you everything you need to know about the American government.

The Office

Selling paper sounds boring? Well, in the award-winning British fake documentary series The Office, it really is. But David Brent and his co-workers make the best of it by building walls out of office supplies, joining quiz teams and making up songs. A must-watch for any anglophile.

Parks and Recreation

If you’ve ever worked – or still work – in local administration, you’ll recognise some of the situations in Parks and Rec. This warm-hearted comedy is more about the charming characters than it is about what they actually do – but you might pick up some useful one-liners along the way.

The IT crowd

IT workers may or may not recognise themselves or their colleagues in this outrageous comedy. All we know is, it sure is hilarious. Beginners may have some difficulty understanding the accents, but once you’ve overcome that hurdle, you’ll be hooked!

Mad Men

You might have heard people saying Mad Men is one of the best TV series ever. And they might just be right… This series, which combines personal drama with a look into the advertising world of the sixties, will make you hug your computer, and scan the internet for retro furniture.

(Other recommendations include Ally McBeal, Are you being served?, The Newsroom, The Hour, The West Wing, Party Down, Ugly Betty, Murphy Brown)

 

 

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