6 TV Shows About Friendship to Stream in 2023

Friendship is a universal theme that transcends language barriers, and what better way to explore the complexities of this bond than through TV shows? In 2023, there are plenty of shows about friendship from around the world that beautifully depict the joys and challenges of human relationships. Here are six must-watch shows that celebrate the power of friendship and can even help you learn different languages!

 

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1.  Friends (USA, American English)

Friends is a classic American sitcom that follows a group of six friends – Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe – as they navigate their careers, relationships, and daily lives in New York City. With their distinct personalities and quirks, the friends share countless hilarious and heartwarming moments, creating an unbreakable bond that stands the test of time.

Friends is a beloved show that showcases the enduring power of friendship. The tight-knit group of friends relies on each other for support, laughter, and companionship through thick and thin. The show portrays the ups and downs of relationships, the importance of communication, and the value of forgiveness, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the beauty of lifelong friendships.

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Friends can be a fantastic tool for language learners as it provides an opportunity to improve English language skills through authentic conversations and everyday language usage.

The show is renowned for its witty banter and colloquial language, making it a fun and engaging way to learn English while enjoying the antics of the beloved characters. It also provided an opportunity to hear the New York accent, which is characterised as nasal, rapid, and emphatic.

2.  Please Like Me (Australia, Australian English)

Please Like Me is an Australian comedy-drama series that follows the life of Josh, a young man navigating his early twenties. After his girlfriend breaks up with him, Josh realizes he is gay and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, leaning on his close friends and family for support along the way.

Please Like Me is a heartwarming and honest portrayal of friendship. The show delves into the complexities of relationships, including friendship, love, and family dynamics. It highlights the importance of acceptance, understanding, and unconditional support from friends, even in the face of difficult situations. The show’s humour and poignant moments make it a relatable and touching exploration of friendship.

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Please Like Me offers an opportunity to learn Australian English, with its unique vowel sounds and colourful Australian slang expressions. The show presents authentic language usage in everyday conversations, providing language learners with exposure to Australian culture, humour, and slang, making it an enjoyable and informative way to learn English and find contrasts between Australian English and other, better-known varieties of the language.

3.  Paquita Salas (Spain, Spanish)

Paquita Salas is a Spanish comedy television series created by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. The show premiered in 2016 on Flooxer, an online platform, and then moved to the streaming platform Movistar+ for its second season.

The show follows the life of the titular character, Paquita Salas, a down-on-her-luck talent agent in Madrid who used to be at the top of her game but has fallen on hard times. The character is portrayed by Brays Efe, who also co-wrote the series with Calvo and Ambrossi. Paquita navigates the ups and downs of the entertainment industry with the help of her loyal assistant, Magüi (Belén Cuesta), and a cast of eccentric clients.

Paquita Salas has received critical acclaim for its sharp writing, hilarious characters, and poignant moments. The show tackles issues such as aging, loneliness, and the struggles of being an outsider in the entertainment industry.

Friendship is a central theme in the show, as Paquita and Magüi’s relationship is the heart of the series. Their friendship is a testament to the power of unconditional love and support, even when things get tough. The show also features a diverse cast of characters who form their own chosen family, supporting each other through thick and thin.

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Paquita Salas is a great way to learn Spanish, as it is filled with colloquialisms and slang phrases that are commonly used in Spain. The show is available with English subtitles on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience. The show’s humor and heart make it one of the best shows about friendship to learn Spanish while also being entertained.

4.  Extr@ (France, French)

Are you looking for French-language shows about friendship? “Extr@”, which has been nicknamed as the “French Friends” is a French sitcom that tells the story of four young adults living in a flatshare in Paris. The show follows the adventures and misadventures of two French girls, Sam and Annie, and their two male flatmates, Nico and Sacha.

The show, which seems designed specifically for language lovers, is a comedy and relies heavily on the hilarious situations the characters find themselves in. Sam and Annie are struggling with their English language skills and decide to invite an American girl, Bridget, to come and stay with them. Bridget arrives, and her cultural differences and misunderstandings provide a lot of laughs. Nico and Sacha also have their fair share of mishaps, and the group dynamic is both entertaining and heartwarming.

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“Extr@” is a fantastic show for French learners, as the language used is simple and easy to follow. The show provides an excellent opportunity to practice listening skills, vocabulary, and understanding French culture.

The show also features Parisian culture, landmarks, and local nuances, making it a fun way to learn about French culture while enjoying the actor’s amazing comedic timing.

5.  Dark (Germany, German)

Dark is a German science fiction thriller television series that debuted on Netflix in 2017. The show is set in the fictional German town of Winden, where the disappearance of two children reveals the dark past and secrets of four interconnected families.

The series has received critical acclaim for its complex storyline, strong performances, and its unique blend of science fiction, time travel, and family drama. The show has been praised for its attention to detail, its use of suspense, and its ability to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

While not many people would immediately mention Dark when discussing shows about friendship, this is a central theme in Dark, as the characters navigate complex relationships and grapple with their own secrets and desires. The show explores the idea of how friendships can be tested when facing adversity and how the bonds of friendship can be a source of strength in difficult times.

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Watching Dark is a great way to learn German as the dialogue is entirely in German with English subtitles available. The show provides an immersive experience in the language and exposes viewers to a wide range of vocabulary, grammar, and colloquial expressions. Additionally, the show offers a glimpse into contemporary German culture and society.

For example, the show touches on the effects of World War II and the impact of the Cold War on Germany. It also explores themes of nuclear energy and its role in German society, which has been a controversial topic in the country for decades.

6.  L’amica geniale (Italy, Italian)

L’amica geniale, which translates to “My Brilliant Friend” in English, is an Italian drama series based on the popular novel by Elena Ferrante. The show follows the intense and complex friendship between Elena and Lila, two girls growing up in a poor neighbourhood in Naples, Italy, in the 1950s.

My Brilliant Friend beautifully portrays the intricacies of female friendship. The show delves into the challenges, jealousies, and deep bond between Elena and Lila as they navigate the complexities of their environment and societal expectations. The series provides a poignant exploration of the power dynamics, loyalty, and love that define a true friendship, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate nuanced shows about friendship.

Language focus

 L’amica geniale offers a rich language learning experience for those interested in Italian language and culture. The show presents authentic Italian conversations, dialects, and cultural references, providing a deep immersion into the language. All of this makes L’amica geniale one of our favourite shows about friendship.

All in all, the compelling story and well-drawn characters offer a captivating context for learning Italian, while also exploring the intricacies of a complex friendship.

These six shows from around the world about friendship offer a diverse and engaging exploration of friendships in various cultural contexts. Whether you’re looking for comedy, drama, or a mix of both, these shows provide compelling stories that highlight the joys, challenges, and complexities of friendship. Additionally, watching these shows can be a fun and effective way to improve language skills, as they offer exposure to different languages, cultural references, and colloquial language usage.

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So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be entertained while celebrating the beauty of friendship!

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