Watching series in a foreign language is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your language learning. It’s a fantastic way for students to pick up new vocabulary, improve their comprehension and pronunciation as well as immerse themselves in the cultural aspects of the language. With this in mind, in this blog we’ll give you some of our top suggestions for binge-worthy Portuguese language series on Netflix. From edge-of-your-seat crime dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, they’re sure to help you with your studies and keep you entertained over the months ahead.
Coisa Mais Linda (Girls from Ipanema)
Set in 1950s Rio de Janeiro, Coisa Mais Linda is a fantastic Brazilian Netflix series that will have you hooked right away. Malu travels to Rio to open up a restaurant with her husband only to discover that he’s left her for another woman. Instead of going back to São Paolo, she decides to stay and pursue her dreams. Coisa Mais Linda follows her endeavours to open a Bossa Nova club in the city, so expect plenty of groovy, feel-good music to the stunning backdrop of Rio itself.
3%
The first Brazilian Netflix series ever made, and arguably the best ever, is simply a must-watch. 3% is a thrilling series set in a dystopian world divided into a progressive Offshore land and a devastated Inland. In order to get to the prosperous Offshore paradise, everyone has the chance to go through a rigorous system called “The Process”… however only 3% of people ever make it. Captivating, breath-taking and spine-tingling: 3% will have you at the edge of your seat every episode and longing for more. You’ll whizz through the four seasons in no time!
Irmandade (Brotherhood)
Cristina is a normal, hard-working lawyer, but one day she suddenly discovers that her missing brother has actually been in jail for years and is a leader of a powerful criminal faction, known as the ‘Brotherhood‘ (Irmandade). Against her will, she is forced by authorities to spy on her long-lost brother and infiltrate the ‘Brotherhood‘ in an unspeakably dangerous mission. Irmandade is an exhilarating, addictive Brazilian crime drama like no other that will shake you right to the core. Trust us when we say you won’t be able to keep your eyes off this one!
Samantha!
Irmandade and 3% might be a little heavy for some, so if you want something more light-hearted, Samantha! is the series for you. Samantha is a former child superstar from the 80s who is desperately seeking a comeback into the spotlight. Now in her 40s, she devises ridiculous schemes to propel herself back into stardom, however as expected it’s not all plain sailing. With both cringe and laugh-out-loud moments, this hilarious Brazilian series is perfect for a hungover, lazy Sunday afternoon.
Ninguém tá olhando (Nobody’s Looking)
If you’re a fan of the hit series “The Good Place”, there’s no doubt that you’ll love Ninguém tá olhando. This quirky and witty Brazilian series tells the tale of Uli, a new recruit to the ‘Angelus System’. In his new role in the afterlife as a guardian angel, Uli looks out for those on earth and stops disasters from unfolding. However, as a rebel spirit at heart, he breaks some of the ‘four rules of Angelus’ and makes some shocking discoveries about life along the way.
Killer Ratings
Killer Ratings is a chilling series that tells the true story of a Brazilian TV host who was accused of *literally* killing for ratings and then using his political power and prestige to cover up the dirty truth. Scarcely believable and utterly addictive, this docuseries has killer ratings (excuse the pun) on IMDb and is considered one of the best Brazilian series to ever grace Netflix.
Casamento às Cegas Brasil (Love is Blind: Brazil)
Love is in the air during summer, and that can certainly be said in the hilarious reality tv series, Love is Blind (Brazil). After the success of the original American series, the unconventional dating experiment comes to Brazil as singles look for true love, but it’s not that straight forward. In order to leave the show as a couple, the singles must get engaged without ever meeting their partner and, as you’d expect, this leads to some truly comical moments.
Neymar: The Perfect Chaos
Beloved worldwide for his footballing flair but also a lightning rod for critics, Neymar is a phenomenon who has taken the football world by storm from an early age. In this intimate 3-part docuseries, he shares the highs and lows of his personal life and brilliant football career so far. Featuring big names and current teammates, like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and even David Beckham, Neymar: The Perfect Chaos is well-worth a watch for football fans and any learners wanting to pick up some Brazilian slang and colloquialisms.
Temporada de Verão (Summer Heat)
A group of youngsters working at an idyllic resort experience a memorable summer of love, friendship and devastating secrets. Summer Heat is a feel-good, easy watch that will get you excited for the rest of summer and longing for a trip to a heavenly, tropical island.
Along with these cracking series, why not sign up to one of our upcoming online or face-to-face Portuguese courses with IH London? Our next courses start next week! Find out more and sign up here.