20 Best Portuguese TV Shows

Are you a Portuguese learner looking for your next show to binge on?

If you answered “yes,” then this post is perfect for you!

In this post, you’ll get 20 amazing Portuguese TV shows that will give you hours upon hours of viewing time that will help you learn Portuguese in an easy, natural, immersive way.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

1. “3%”

Genre: Science fiction thriller

Imagine you only have a 3% chance of making it to the better side of a dystopian world where devastation and progress clash together to make your life almost impossible.

Actually, you do not have to imagine it anymore, because Netflix allows you to witness it firsthand thanks to this Brazilian production that expertly mixes sci-fi, thriller and drama.

There are already three seasons of the show available, and I must confess I cannot wait for the fourth and final one.

This web series may not be the best to start with if your level of Portuguese is A1, but if you love dramas and are ready to watch 45-minute episodes filled with Brazilian Portuguese slang and expressions, do not hesitate to watch this amazing series.

Do you think you would have what it takes to make it to the other side?

2. “Os Nossos Dias” (Our Days)

Genre: Dramedy

RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal — Radio and Television of Portugal), the national public Portuguese broadcaster, allows you to watch all 310 episodes of “Os Nossos Dias” on its webpage for free!

If you like soap operas or are a fan of telenovelas (soap opera), you will definitely enjoy this show. It portrays the lives of many different characters who face everyday problems, share laughs, make love, go on holidays… A perfect tele-series if you want to improve your vocabulary on day-to-day topics and learn conversational Portuguese.

Besides, the show deals with many topics and situations that reflect Portugal’s society and its social/political/economic issues, so you will feel like you are actually living in the country and getting immersed at the same time.

3. “Literatura Agora” (Literature Now)

Genre: Educational

Also produced by RTP, “Literatura Agora” is exactly what its name implies: a literature show.

I know it may seem a little bit niche, but each of us has different tastes and I personally love a good literary program.

“Literatura Agora” is an ode to the literary work. Each week, the presenter and his guests analyze masterpieces both in prose and in verse and they try to bring literature in general closer to the public.

Get ready to learn about literature in movies, in music and in our lives. It is a different approach to Portuguese for those who love reading and have a decent knowledge of the language.

4. “Canal Parlamento” (Parliament Channel)

Genre: Government service

I hear having a TV channel devoted exclusively to the live transmission of the plenary sessions of the parliament is weird for our American readers but in Europe, every country has its own version of it.

If you are into politics and like to see how Portuguese politicians discuss foreign and national affairs, make decisions, vote, argue and debate, then this is a channel you should not miss.

Needless to say, politicians do not work 24/7, so the live feed is off several hours a day. Fortunately for you, there is an option where you can check when the feed will be up and watch past transmissions and programs that may interest you.

For more live streams and previous broadcasts, check out this list of websites where you can watch Portuguese TV online for free. 

5. “Samantha!”

Genre: Comedy

“Samantha!” is a Brazilian comedy series produced by Netflix that follows the life and adventures of Samantha, a former TV kid star who is trying to be famous once again in order to be able to afford a better life for her children.

If you are a fan of the easy laugh and do not mind spending half an hour of your time learning how hilarious Brazilian comedies can be, then this series should be at the top of your list.

However, bear in mind that there is cursing in the dialogue, smoking and drinking alcohol are present more often than not and the series deals with topics like divorce and infidelity—all in the middle of a sexual-innuendo environment that not everybody enjoys.

Still, if you are here for the language experience and want to learn some Brazilian Portuguese while having the time of your life, you should definitely give this series a go.

6.“Água de Mar” (Seawater)

Genre: Crime drama

“Água de Mar” is another RTP production with over 100 episodes that the RTP site describes as a telenovela.

It offers an urban point of view, following a group of people who have the Arts Academy as their link. The series plays with the dynamics of their lies, secrets, crimes and personal problems to show an everyday portrait of a society that could be any society if you overlook the fact that the main characters speak mainland Portuguese.

If you like tension and cliffhangers and want to have a peek into the lives of a series of strangers and their interactions with each other, do not miss this Portuguese production. Your Portuguese will definitely get better with the day-to-day topics it includes, while you will get addicted to a plot that seems to have been written to cause you a Portuguese heart attack.

Drama has been served!

7. “Na Cozinha com Henrique Sá Pessoa” (In the Kitchen with Henrique Sá Pessoa)

Genre: Cooking show

There is not much to say about this show apart from the fact that it is a cooking show that will allow you to learn those culinary terms you have always wanted to know in Portuguese.

Although it is a special five-episode-only program, this cute little show is enough to show how Portuguese people live and behave around food, what their eating habits are, how they choose their food and how they use their kitchen utensils.

Henrique also answers questions a lot of us have but have never dared to ask, making this program a perfect one if you want to not only learn culinary Portuguese but also get better as a chef yourself.

8. “O Mecanismo” (The Mechanism)

Genre: Crime drama

Netflix’s next superb Brazilian series is perfect for learners who love action, fast-paced episodes, criminal investigations, corruption and scandals.

The series shows an operation to uncover a massive corruption scheme involving the Brazilian government and a few high-end oil companies. It shows the infrastructure secret operations have behind and how criminal investigations can take a toll on the police task force involved.

Loosely based on a true story, “The Mechanism” will certainly be a delight for learners of Brazilian Portuguese who love a CSI flavor mixed with some intellectual drama and a lot of top secrets.

9. “Salvador Martinha: Na Ponta da Língua” (Salvador Martinha: Tip of the Tongue)

Genre: Comedy

This show is perfect if you like stand-up comedy and dark humor.

Salvador tackles current topics such as relationships, technology, trends and sex in order to depict the society he lives in through humor while making an excellent critique of the same along the way.

This program can be a little bit difficult to understand if you are just a beginner learner of Portuguese, but it is definitely one of those shows you will want to bookmark and go back to once you have reached a solid B1 level.

If you are an intermediate learner already, do not miss the hilarious monologues of this master of comedy. I am sure you will want to find all of his shows after watching this one.

10. “Bem-vindos a Beirais” (Welcome to Beirais)

Genre: Dramedy

Yet another huge RTP production with four seasons and over 260 episodes.

“Bem-vindos a Beirais” tells the story of Diogo, an overworked IT guy who suffers a heart attack and decides to leave his life of stress and anxiety behind. He moves to a little village called Beirais, where he tries to start a completely new life as an agriculturist.

You can follow his ups and downs while learning more about the small-village culture Europeans are so used to. More advanced learners will also be able to appreciate the different flavors rural Portuguese people add to their conversations and way of expressing themselves.

This is another great option for the soap opera lovers who, like me, have a little gossip girl inside themselves.

11.“O Escolhido” (The Chosen One)

Genre: Thriller

Netflix does it again with this amazing Brazilian thriller I personally cannot get enough of.

Imagine a place where the Zika virus has taken control and gone wild. Three doctors travel to the place in order to supply the inhabitants with vaccines so that they can control the virus mutation. What they find there, however, is not what they were expecting…

Dark secrets, supernatural healing, isolation and secrets are all wrapped together in an amazing web series that will have you biting your nails every single time you watch an episode.

Apart from the occasional medical term, the language in the show is friendly enough for learners with a level of Portuguese of B1 or above.

Watch at your own risk!

12. “Alice”

Genre: Drama

Created for the Brazilian branch of HBO Latin America, “Alice” tells the story of a woman who moves to São Paulo after the death of her father in order to get her inheritance.

Coming from a small town, Alice discovers a whole new world in the big city. She gets to know people, make new friends and experience many things for the very first time while she enjoys her new life in São Paulo and starts to know and understand herself.

Alice’s inner journey of discovery and the great depiction of the city make this series a great one for learners who want to know more about personal relationships and day-to-day vocabulary and dream of moving to Brazil someday.

13. “Aqui Tão Longe” (Here So Far)

Genre: Drama

“Aqui Tão Longe” is another RTP show consisting of 32 episodes that deals with crime, terrorism and the huge economic crisis that took place in Portugal in recent years.

The story starts with an accident. All signs point to it being a terrorist attack, which transforms Portugal’s status quo overnight.

A rather hard-to-understand level of vocabulary in the dialogues may make this show inaccessible to beginners, but if you are an intermediate or advanced learner into drama, crime, chasing cars and blood (lots of it), you are going to enjoy this one.

14. “Mandrake”

Genre: Crime drama

Mandrake is a criminal attorney based in Rio de Janeiro who specializes in extortion and blackmail.

Another great HBO production, the show tells the story of Mandrake, a lawyer who helps his wealthy clients keep their secret lives secret while they are being extorted and blackmailed by con artists and corrupt individuals.

The show portrays the double face that people and cities can hide, wealth and glamour on the one hand and corruption and hypocrisy on the other. If you enjoy this kind of dichotomy and like series filled with politically and socially corrupt characters, you will certainly enjoy watching “Mandrake.”

15. “Avenida Brasil” (Brazil Avenue)

Genre: Drama

This is another Brazilian telenovela that was the most-watched TV program in Brazil of 2012, with over 50 million people glued to their chairs during the last episode!

The very telenovela-ish story shows the life of a woman (Rita) who is trying to recover her life, a life that was destroyed by her oh-so-surprising evil stepmother when she was a child.

Rita is thirsty for vengeance so she adopts a new personality, infiltrates the family that hurt her so much in the past and… you had better watch the series to learn more!

Money, vengeance, family secrets, plot twists, accidents that are not accidental… You will have it all in Avenida Brazil!

16. “O Sábio” (The Wise Man)

Genre: Drama

“O Sábio,” a 364-episode RTP production that unveils a story that happened in the past in an old town, a story that is too big and too full of secrets to keep quiet forever.

See the mystery unfold and the secrets get revealed while you learn about the lives of the characters and get to know about secrets that would have been better off staying dormant forever.

All in all, this is a very beautiful story where Pedro, the main character, goes back to his birthplace after 20 years in order to find himself and, possibly, something else.

17. “Morangos com Açúcar”  (Strawberries with Sugar)

Genre: Teen drama

Who doesn’t like a high school drama show? As the characters grapple with first loves, heartbreaks and the complexities of relationships, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about your own teenage years.

Through its relatable storytelling, the series not only entertains but also touches on issues that resonate with the audience. Whether it’s the quest for identity, the struggle to fit in or the pursuit of dreams, the characters’ experiences mirror the challenges we’ve all faced in our own adolescence.

As you follow their journeys, you’ll be reminded of the power of friendship and the impact of life’s trials on shaping who we become. Their laughter will warm your heart, their tears will tug at your emotions and their triumphs will leave you cheering.

“Morangos com Açúcar” is more than just a series; it’s a mirror reflecting the universal themes of youth—discovery, growth and resilience.

18. “Velho Chico” (Old Boy)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s7O2ql5nYw&list=PLW2po1HMkmQukvnrKVpPMzJwtFySTM7MC

Genre: Drama

This is a mesmerizing Brazilian telenovela that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque hinterlands of Northeastern Brazil. At the heart of this tale lies a long-standing feud between the noble families of de Sá Ribeiro and de Sá Galvão, spanning generations and mirroring the echoes of a bygone era.

As you immerse yourself in the lives of these captivating characters, you’ll discover that the mighty Sao Francisco River is more than just a geographical landmark—it becomes a living, breathing entity intertwined with their joys, sorrows, and cultural heritage. Its gentle currents carry the weight of their emotions and its waters mirror the turbulence of their family conflicts.

As you delve deeper into the lives of these two families, be prepared to be swept away by the tapestry of emotions that bind them together and bear witness to a saga that is as captivating as it is human. 

19. “Paixão” (Passion)

Genre: Drama

This captivating Portuguese telenovela embraces the raw essence of human emotions. It’s a tale that intricately weaves love, ambition and betrayal around the lives of four brothers, each with their unique dreams and desires, yet bound by the unbreakable ties of family.

As you follow the brothers on their journey through life’s tumultuous waters, you’ll witness a myriad of personal and professional challenges that test their resilience and unity. Amidst the backdrop of success and setbacks, the series unearths the intricacies of their romantic relationships, exploring the joys and heartaches that love can bring.

In the end, “Paixão” serves as a poignant reminder that family is both a source of strength and vulnerability, and the choices we make ripple through our lives and the lives of those we hold dear.

20. “Amor Amor“ (Love Love)

Genre: Drama

This captivating Portuguese telenovela will strike a chord deep within your heart. Set in the intrigue-filled Brazilian music industry, this is pure drama, passion and destiny in an easy-to-watch television series format.

At its heart, “Amor Amor” centers around two singers, João and Maria, whose voices blend harmoniously, creating magic that transcends boundaries. Their love for music blossoms into an irresistible romance, but the path to stardom is not without challenges.

As they chase their dreams in the glitzy and competitive realm of entertainment, they encounter hurdles that put their love and career to the test. Relentless rivals, industry pressures, and personal sacrifices weave a web of emotions, leaving you torn between hope and despair.

Why Learn Portuguese with TV Shows?

Learning with the help of shows and movies is an amazing way to put theoretical skills into actual practice. I could name dozens of reasons why this way of learning is the best for you at the moment, but there is no time or space for that.

What I can tell you, instead, are the top three reasons why learning Portuguese with the help of TV shows will send you to the next level:

• It’s entertaining: We all love watching TV, so using shows to learn will make your learning path enjoyable and entertaining. You will not feel that you are learning or studying while watching your next favorite series, but your brain will be absorbing information like crazy.

  Sooner or later, with the support of other language-learning methods, you will realize you can watch a show in Portuguese without even having to look at the subtitles.

• It’s efficient: When watching TV, you are engaging your eyes and your ears. You think you are just watching a show, but in actuality, you are practicing your listening and comprehension skills. If you read the subtitles, you are also practicing your reading skills, and if you take the time to pause from time to time and write down interesting words and sentences, you will be reinforcing everything you have been learning so far.

  Bear in mind that you will be listening to native Portuguese, so when your brain starts having a monologue in Portuguese, it will use the cadence and pronunciation it has grown used to—so your speaking skills will improve, as well.

• It’s cheap: If you have Netflix or an internet connection, you will not have to spend a single additional penny in order to get in contact with real Portuguese language and real-life situations from the comfort of your own couch.

  This will also allow you to get that immersion vibe that will make your learning process much more enjoyable and will let you witness cultural tidbits without having to spend thousands of dollars on plane tickets to Brazil or Portugal (or elsewhere in the world where they speak Portuguese).

 

Learning Portuguese with TV shows is a great way to stay excited about learning, review what you already know and also to assess where you are on the road to fluency.

So pop up some popcorn and enjoy the experience! I hope you find your next favorite show from this post.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)