Best Chinese TV Shows for Mandarin Learners (2026 Guide)

You're learning Mandarin and want to watch something actually entertaining while picking up the language. Good call. Chinese TV has exploded in quality over the past few years, and there's a ton of great stuff out there that'll help you improve your listening skills while getting hooked on a good story. The trick is finding shows that match your level and keep you interested enough to actually finish them. I've spent way too many hours testing different Chinese shows to see which ones work best for learners, so here's what you must watch.📺

Why Chinese shows beat textbooks every time

Here's the thing about learning from TV shows. You get real conversational Mandarin, not the stiff textbook dialogue that nobody actually uses. You'll hear how people actually talk, complete with filler words, natural pacing, and all the little expressions that make you sound like a real person instead of a phrasebook.

Plus, you're absorbing cultural context without even trying. You'll pick up on social dynamics, family relationships, workplace hierarchies, and all the unspoken rules that textbooks can't really explain. When someone in a show uses a particular phrase or gesture, you see exactly when and how it fits into real conversations.

The best part? You're way more likely to stick with it. Grinding through grammar exercises gets old fast, but when you're invested in whether the main character gets the job or wins over their crush, you'll keep watching. And the more you watch, the more you learn.

Slice of life shows that feel like real China

Nothing But Thirty (2020)

This one follows three women in Shanghai dealing with marriage, careers, and friendships as they hit their thirties. The dialogue is super natural and covers everyday situations like apartment hunting, office politics, and relationship drama. You'll hear tons of useful vocabulary for modern urban life in China. The theme explores that there is no happily ever after in marriage, and seeking the joy of life is a long-lasting marathon.

The Mandarin is pretty standard and clear, making it solid for intermediate learners. The characters come from different backgrounds, so you get exposed to various speaking styles and vocabulary ranges. Fair warning though, it moves fast and covers some heavy topics, so maybe not the best choice if you're still struggling with basic sentences.

A Love So Beautiful (2017)

This high school romance follows Chen Xiaoxi and her longtime crush Jiang Chen through their school years and beyond. Yeah, it's cheesy, but the language is straightforward and the episodes are short. Perfect for beginners who need something they can actually follow without getting lost every five minutes.

The show uses everyday vocabulary about school life, friendships, and family dynamics. The actors speak clearly, and since it's set in a school environment, you'll pick up tons of useful phrases for talking about daily routines and relationships. Chen Xiaoxi's character is super expressive, which actually helps you connect emotional context to the words being used.

Best Chinese drama picks for history buffs

The Untamed (A costume drama in 2019)

This fantasy historical drama became absolutely massive both in China and internationally. It follows Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji through a world of cultivation, supernatural powers, and complex political intrigue. The production quality is genuinely impressive, and the story will keep you hooked for all 50 episodes. Fans are particularly passionate about the chemistry between the main characters.

The language here is more formal and poetic, mixing classical Chinese elements with modern Mandarin. Language learning is challenging but rewarding for intermediate to advanced learners. You'll encounter tons of cultural references, idioms, and classical phrases that show up constantly in Chinese literature and conversation. The Untamed really showcases how historical Chinese drama can teach you a different register of the language that's still relevant today.

Nirvana in Fire (2015)

This political intrigue drama set during a fictional ancient China period is basically Chinese Game of Thrones, minus the dragons. It's a must-watch if you're into history and political plots. The plot follows a brilliant strategist seeking justice while navigating deadly court politics. The writing is sharp, and the story actually makes sense, which is refreshing.

The Mandarin is formal and literary, great for advanced learners who want to level up their vocabulary. You'll hear tons of four-character idioms (Chengyu) used naturally in context. The drama is a slow-burn compared to other modern dramas, giving you more time to process what's being said. Just be ready for complex political terminology and classical references.

Eternal Love (A romantic drama in 2017)

Also known as "Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms," this fantasy romantic drama follows the immortal Bai Qian and her complicated relationship with Ye Hua across multiple lifetimes. The show mixes historical elements with fantasy, creating a unique setting that's become super popular in Chinese drama.

The language combines poetic classical phrases with more accessible modern dialogue. Characters like Bai Qian and the fox immortals use different speech patterns, which gives you exposure to various registers. The show features actors like Yang Mi and Mark Chao (Zhao Youting), who speak clearly and expressively. It's visually stunning too, which helps when you need context clues for unfamiliar vocabulary.

Family TV series that teach everyday Chinese

Home With Kids (A comedy series in 2005-2007)

This sitcom about a blended Chinese family with three kids is basically a cultural phenomenon in China. Many Chinese who grew up in the 2000s watched this show, which is one of the best Chinese dramas to watch. It covers everyday family situations with humor and heart, making it incredibly useful for learners.

The dialogue is casual, natural, and covers all the vocabulary you'd actually use at home. You'll hear kids talking to parents, siblings arguing, and family discussions about homework, chores, and daily life. The episodes are short and the humor is pretty universal, so you can jump in anywhere. Great for beginners to intermediate learners who want to sound natural in casual settings.

My Own Swordsman (A period drama in 2006)

This Chinese TV series set in a fictional Ming Dynasty inn became legendary in China. It's basically a sitcom with historical costumes, focusing on the quirky staff and guests at the Tongfu Inn. There is also the element of the martial arts world blended in. The humor is character-driven and surprisingly clever.

You get a mix of modern conversational Mandarin and period-appropriate vocabulary, all delivered in a way that's actually funny. The recurring characters each have distinct speaking styles, from the verbose innkeeper to the simple-minded security guard. It's excellent for intermediate learners who want to expand their vocabulary while having a good time.

Mystery and thriller shows that'll keep you hooked

Bad Kids (2020)

This psychological thriller follows three children who witness a murder and get pulled into increasingly dark situations. It's based on a novel and the adaptation is genuinely tense and well-crafted. The show got huge attention for its mature storytelling and complex characters. There were even memes coming out when the show was on air because of the excellent acting of the male leads.

The Mandarin is contemporary and natural, with a good mix of adult conversation and how kids actually talk. You'll hear investigative terminology, family discussions, and the kind of tense dialogue that happens when people are hiding secrets. The Bad Kids proves Chinese television can handle sophisticated storytelling, and it's accessible for intermediate learners who want something with real stakes.

The Long Night (2020)

This crime drama interweaves multiple timelines to unravel the tragedy caused by corruption. It's dark, morally complex, and features some of the best acting you'll find in Chinese television. The plot actually respects your intelligence, which is refreshing.

You'll hear legal terminology, police procedural language, and intense dramatic dialogue. The show features actors like Qin Hao (Yes, the same actor in Bad Kids) and Wang Jingchun who deliver nuanced performances with clear diction. It's definitely for advanced learners, but if you can handle the vocabulary, it's incredibly rewarding.

What to watch on Netflix, Viki, and other platforms

Netflix has been picking up more Chinese content lately, though the selection varies by region. As of 2026, you can find shows like The Untamed, Nothing But Thirty, and various other dramas depending on where you're located. The subtitles are usually decent, though sometimes they simplify or localize things more than necessary.

Viki is honestly better for Chinese learners. They have a massive library of Chinese drama, and the community-contributed subtitles often include cultural notes and more literal translations. You can adjust subtitle settings and the selection is way more comprehensive than Netflix. Plus, they organize content by difficulty level sometimes, which is super helpful.

iQIYI and Youku are the major Chinese platforms with international versions. They have the biggest libraries and get new shows first, but the interfaces can be clunky and subtitle quality varies. Still, if you're serious about accessing the full range of Chinese television, these platforms are worth checking out.

Finding popular Chinese shows that match your level

Beginners should stick with modern settings and clear dialogue. School dramas, romantic comedies, and family shows work well because the vocabulary centers on everyday situations. A Love So Beautiful, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, and similar youth-oriented shows use straightforward language and visual context that helps comprehension.

Intermediate learners can handle more complex plots and vocabulary. Contemporary dramas about workplace dynamics, relationships, and social issues like Nothing But Thirty or The Rational Life give you useful adult vocabulary. You can start exploring lighter historical dramas that mix modern and classical language.

Advanced learners should challenge themselves with period dramas, crime thrillers, and content that uses specialized vocabulary. Shows like Nirvana in Fire, The Long Night, or political dramas will expand your range into formal registers and literary expressions. You'll encounter idioms, classical references, and sophisticated argumentation that rarely shows up in beginner content.

Pay attention to where shows are set too. Beijing dramas often feature the northern accent with strong "r" sounds (Erhua), while Shanghai-set shows might include local expressions. Standard Mandarin is clearer for learning, but exposure to regional variations helps you understand real-world Chinese better.

How to practice Chinese by watching Chinese TV shows

Just watching with English subtitles won't do much for your Mandarin. You need to engage with the content actively.

Anyway, if you want to actually use these shows for serious learning, Migaku's browser extension and app let you look up words instantly while watching and automatically creates flashcards from what you're watching. Makes the whole process way more efficient than pausing to check your dictionary every thirty seconds. There's a 10-day free trial if you want to check it out.

Spy drama, time travel theme... Many more best dramas await you!

This post does not exhaust all the themes and genres for Chinese dramas. Under each theme, there are many more engaging and highly rated series as well. Ever wonder where to look for great dramas? You can explore Douban's rating and ranking, or search Rednote on "Best dramas 2026". In the same way, you can search for the best Chinese movies in 2026 as well.

Watch and learn with joy!