Cantonese TV Show Recommendations
Cantonese TV Shows for Listening Practice!
If you’re learning Cantonese (or just want fun TV lol) Cantonese shows are an underrated goldmine for learning. They're going to reflect everyday language way better than textbooks ever will.
This list isn’t necessarily “the best shows of all time.” but it is full of shows that are actually enjoyable to watch (and useful!)
I’ll keep this updated over time as I find and watch more!
Why Watching Cantonese TV Is So Good for Learning
Watching TV in the language your learning is one of the best ways to learn because you're learning like a baby does, aka LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. What you're listening to includes real world dialogue (mostly), stories you can follow, expressions from characters, and you can pick up slang, tones, and rhythms.
What's Included on This List
You can use these shows in different ways:
Casual watching: subtitles on, relax, enjoy
Language exposure: listen for repeated phrases (challenge yourself and turn off subs in your native language!)
Both methods will prove valuable to you!
Kids Shows
Lower barrier to entry, simpler language. They can kind of be hard to find with other language subs (like English) so this is where your vocab comes in!
Not included in this list is Peppa Pig (mostly because I'm not a huge Peppa Pig fan, I know, sorry)
#1. Doraemon
A classic, even though it's Japanese TV show, almost any Canto kid remembers watching Doraemon growing up. I'll provide two playlists: one is short but has English subs, one is longer, but doesn't.
#2. Lightening Eleven People (yes, this is the actual name)
Another Japanese TV show made in Cantonese, this one doesn't have English subs.
Cantonese Dubbed Shows
Popular Mandarin TV-Shows that have been dubbed in Canto. These are really nice since they tend to speak pretty clear without a particular accent. These are on IQYI, and will require a subscription to watch the full series (honestly in my opinion tho, worthwhile subscription, they update new shows a lot and they're good shows!)
#1. Imperfect Victim
A crime/mystery drama from 2023.
#2. Follow Your Heart
A mystery romance that takes place in ancient China from 2024
#3. The Ingenious One
An adventure, action, romance that takes place in ancient China from 2023
#4. The Come Back
A police & crime show from 2023
#5. The Story of Kunning Palace
I've watched this one and it was SO good! It takes place in ancient China and after the Empress ends up taking her own life after a series of events (that she crafted) she gets a second chance at life and is reborn 5 (or 10) years before. Highly recommend this one, it's from 2023.
#6. Homeland Guardian
This is a police & crime TV show, and this actually does have some real spoken Canto, not dubbed.
#7. Go East
This is a comedy that takes place in ancient China from 2024.
#8. Fangs of Fortune
I've heard good things about this show, but haven't watched it myself. Its a fantasy, costume, romance, mystery show from 2024
TVB Shows
The classics, you're going to get real people speaking their native Cantonese. Subs in another language (like English) are a little more sparse. If you want more go to YouTube and search "tvb cantonese shows English subtitles" you should find more! You can also download the TVB app, just be aware, you're gonna get a decent amount of ads if you don't subscribe.
#1. Line Walker
A crime/mystery drama.
#1. Finding Qin
A modern yet historical drama. This is considered one of the most Classic TVB dramas. They even have a follow up coming out!