Best Dramas To Learn Cantonese – Recommendations

Angie Lin | Dec. 29, 2022

What is the best way to learn a language in your opinion? If you ask me, one of the most immersive ways is to watch dramas or movies in that language, when you feel comfortable enough to do so. I can vouch for this method because I retained my ability to speak Cantonese and learned Mandarin just by watching dramas and variety shows. Of course practicing speaking is crucial as well, but this method can help improve your vocabulary, listening, and tone. You can sometimes learn cultural facts through these shows. Most importantly, it is fun! You will also not get bored unlike watching some recorded lectures. The plots and dramatic flair will keep you on edge and focused. To get you started on this learning method, we listed 6 Hong Kong TVB dramas for you along with safe platforms to watch them on. They are all favorites of mine and will definitely keep you busy for a while (unless you binge watch them in 5 days like I did).

6 TVB Dramas you need to check out 

法證先鋒 粵語 (Forensic Heroes)

The Forensic Hero series is one of the most popular classics of Hong Kong TVB drama. Having broadcasted in 2006, the first of the series is an oldie. (However, it is definitely a goodie that is worth binging to many hours after midnight.) The drama focuses on different crime cases and how they are solved by the combined efforts of the Hong Kong police forensics team, Hong Kong police force, and Hong Kong pathologists. The plot also revolves around the development of the relationships of the different characters while they work on the cases together. The show does not only encourage you to piece the clues together with them but also provides different educational fun facts. Although most of the cases are about murder crimes, there are no scenes that are too graphic. However, if you are triggered by blood or death scenes, then maybe move onto the next few recommendations. It really isn’t that bad at all, I swear!

Source to watch: Youtube

公主嫁到 粵語 (Can’t Buy Me Love)

This is a historical comedy depicting the lives of princesses and their husbands during the Tang Dynasty. The spoiled princesses are known for their nasty tempers and dramatic tantrums. To be married to a princess was equated to a miserable life under these circumstances. Out of the five princesses, the third princess is known as the emperor’s favorite. She is also the most horrendous for her status. This continues until a chance meeting with the second son of the Jin family when the princess sneaks out of the palace (Forbidden City) to attend the Qixi Festival (You can read all about this festival in one of our previous blogs to get some context). It is anything but a happy romantic first meet. Under certain circumstances (in which I will not spoil), the third princess needs to marry the second son. Go watch and see how this marriage will go for the supposed enemies. It is a historical drama filled with laughter, life lessons, and cute rhymes. It is the perfect pastime for a relaxing evening.

Source to watch: Youtube

十二傳說 粵語 （Our Unwinding Ethos)

This is another interesting mystery, but with a twist. Unlike the regular mystery solving dramas, this one adds in the mix of Hong Kong folklore and urban legends. All the cases involve one of the twelve well known folktales of Hong Kong. Our protagonist, an ethnology professor, aims to finish a research paper started by her previous professor who went missing. Along with two student research assistants and the missing professor’s son, an enthusiastic journalist, she runs into different murder mysteries as she researches each folktale. It is a mix of creepy, exciting, and suspenseful scenes. It is certainly a refreshing concept to check out. Maybe see if you can solve the mysteries before the characters do! I sure tried and got maybe more than a third of them right.

Source to watch: Youtube 

巾幗梟雄 (Rosy Business) 

This drama takes place during the Qing Dynasty. It starts off with the execution of a city mayor’s entire family because he distributed military food supplies to the people after a natural disaster struck. The only survivor of the incident was his daughter, Hong Po-yin, who fled within the palace walls and disguised herself as a cook. Years later, on a trip with the prince, Po-yin reunites with her previous fiance, Chiang Kiu. Po-yin eventually married Chiang Kiu, as his fourth wife, and impressed him with her intelligence. Chiang Kiu decided to hand over his rice merchant business to her as his health was deteriorating. However, this decision would not go through easily as his first wife and son are doing everything they could to ensure that the business would be theirs to own when Kiu passed. As Po-yin (also known as Po-kei) faced the challenges and opposition that were thrown her way by the other wives and family members, she met one of her employees, Chai Kau. He was unpredictable and she found that his appearance had increased the twists and turns she had to take. This story is one of friendship, trust, and courage. This one is indeed a MUST WATCH. I would even go as far to say that this should be the first one you should watch because it is that good. 

Source to watch: https://tvbanywherena.com/english/category/USA_allshows 

談情說案 (The Mysteries of Love)

As one of the TVB Dramas I have rewatched for too many times to be counted, this is indeed one of the best romance and mystery/crime themed dramas out there. Similar to Forensic Heroes, this drama also progresses with many different crime cases. Our two protagonists, a young accomplished physicist and a dedicated female police, met through these cases and developed an unexpected romance. However, they are faced with the opposition of their families due to the difference of social status. This drama can make you laugh and cry, while learning everyday Cantonese phrases you can use with friends and family. The cases are very interesting to see as they paint the harsh reality of society on different people. Looking for a crime drama mixed in with family fun and romance, The Mysteries of Love is definitely one to check out.

Source to watch: https://tvbanywherena.com/english/category/USA_allshows 

一屋老友記 (House of Spirits)

I can’t help but add this one in as well. It is a total comedy with a familial love theme. Po-Foon, the eldest son of the Po Family, was given a task by his deceased father through a dream to reunite his siblings under one roof and live with them for nine months. The purpose was for them to reconnect the siblings after their fallout years ago when Po-Foon walked out on his siblings to chase his dream career. When they moved in, Po-Foon met a mysterious elderly couple, the Baks, who claimed to be their next door neighbor. This drama has a mix of comedy, paranormal aspects, and heartwarming scenes that will definitely provide great comfort if you are having a bad day. The characters are hilarious and the actors/actresses were perfect in delivering the scenes. You can trust this drama to put a smile on your face at the end of the day.

Source to watch: Youtube or https://tvbanywherena.com/english/category/USA_allshows

Of course, watching these dramas without learning the basics of the language will not benefit you on your language learning journey (except giving you the benefit/excuse of watching exciting dramas). Don’t worry though because we have everything prepared for you. From podcasts to books to YouTube videos, Inspirlang has many different types of content you can utilize to make your language learning journey as efficient and as fun as possible. Check out our links below!