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There are so many streaming services now that it is hard to keep up to date with all the new releases.
We have got Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Hoopla, BBC, Prime video, and many more.
It’s also very easy to become addicted to all the wonderful TV series and films on offer.
In this lesson we will learn vocabulary and phrases to talk fluently on this topic.
Table of Contents
IELTS vocabulary: Television series
Streaming media = Video or audio accessed via the Internet. E.g Netflix / Youtube
Broadcast media = Traditionally this is radio and television
Video on Demand =Watching a video or series whenever you want e.g. A series on Netflix, A video course on Udemy
To subscribe (v.) = usually pay on a monthly basis to access a service
A subscription (n.)
Most online streaming services, such as Netflix, have a monthly subscription fee.
To binge on (v.)= to do ‘too much’ of an activity (especially eating, drinking, watching tv)
A binge (n.)
I like to relax and binge on Game of Thrones
I am going to binge watch a series tonight
His binge drinking is a problem (=alcohol)
- A Series
- A Season
- An Episode
Modern Family is a series on Netflix. It has 10 seasons, and each season has lots of interesting episodes.
To spoil = to ruin something
A spoiler = when you tell someone the end of a story / season / episode (but they don’t want to know)
A spoiler alert = give someone a warning that you will tell them the result (of a match, ending of a series or book…)
A cliff-hanger = an exciting end of an episode that keeps the viewer in suspense
All of the following are used to describe adverts that we can find on some streaming services.
- commercials
- advertisements
- adverts
- ads
Different kinds / types / genres of series:
Sitcom = situational comedy
Comedy = a funny programme
Soap Opera = a series about everyday life
Period Drama = a drama set in the past
Documentary = programme giving factual information
Factual = based on a real story
Sci fi = science fiction
Reality TV = usually follows unknown people in unscripted situations. E.g. Top Chef, Survivor, The Voice
Lifestyle = shows about lifestyle activities such as cooking, decorating a house…
Horror = a series with a frightening plot
The following are similar in that that they involve stories of action and excitement.
- Crime
- Thriller
- Action
- Drama
Adjectives to describe TV shows
You could use the following words to describe, these different genres:
Horror, Crime, Thriller, Action, Drama
- Gripping
- Thrilling
- Enthralling
- Captivating
- Entertaining
Scary, spooky = very frightening
Romantic / Romance
- Tragic – very sad,
- Moving
Comedy/ Sitcoms
- Hilarious (very funny)
- Humorous
- Hysterical
These are nice phrases to use as well;
It was _________
It was the most _________ I’ve ever seen
It was one of the ___________ I’ve ever seen
IELTS listening task
Read the following sentences and try to guess what the missing words are.
Them watch the video and try to fill in the gaps.
Answers at bottom of page
*****
Modern family is [1] _______________ one of the [2] ___________ shows I’ve ever seen.
I mean I am not one for comedies really, I am more into dramas and [3] ___________, but when I first saw this series it just had me in [4] ____________.
I love the diversity of the actors and the really over the top scenarios that they get into. I mean it is just so unbelievable that you can’t help laughing.
So, you’ve got three families who are all interconnected and slightly off-beat, you know, each with their own [5] _________________.
For example, there is a gay couple who are like chalk and [6] ________, they never agree, they usually argue and then in the end, they always make[7] ________.
I mean essentially each episode follows the same formula, which is why I guess it has been a success.
It starts with suspense and some [8] _____________ or misunderstanding, then this confusion spreads across the 3 families, so massive confusion, then there’s a crisis, and finally and happy resolution at the end. Classic Hollywood, to be honest.
Anyway, I would recommend it, if you’re in the mood for a [9] ____________, nothing too serious, and of course, just take the [10] ___________ with a pinch of salt.
IELTS listening task answer
Answers Click here to check the answers Modern family is [1] undoubtedly one of the [2] funniest shows I’ve ever seen. I mean I am not one for comedies really, I am more into dramas and [3] thrillers, but when I first saw this series it just had me in [4] stitches (= it made me laugh a lot) I love the diversity of the actors and the really over the top (=unrealistic, unbelievable) scenarios (=situation) that they get into. I mean it is just so unbelievable that you can’t help laughing. So, you’ve got three families who are all interconnected and slightly off-beat, (=unusual) you know, each with their own [5] idiosyncrasies (=unique behaviour or characteristic) For example, there is a gay couple who are like chalk and [6] cheese, they never agree, they usually argue and then in the end, they always make [7] up (=become friends) I mean essentially each episode follows the same formula, which is why I guess it has been a success. It starts with suspense and some [8] confusion or misunderstanding, then this confusion spreads across the 3 families, so massive confusion, then there’s a crisis, and finally and happy resolution at the end. Classic Hollywood, to be honest. Anyway, I would recommend it, if you’re in the mood for a [9] laugh, nothing too serious, and of course, just take the [10] plot (=story) with a pinch of salt. (=don’t take it too seriously)
IELTS idioms to talk about TV series
I was on the edge of my seat = I was in suspense
It kept me guessing right up to the end
It scared the hell out of me = it really scared me
It scared me to death
The following 4 all mean ‘it made me laugh’
- It had me rolling in the aisles
- It had me in stitches
- It cracked me up
- I split my sides (laughing)
I was welling up it was so sad = about to cry
I had to take it with a pinch of salt = don’t take it too seriously
It was so over the top = unrealistic / unbelievable / far-fetched
More Free IELTS Speaking Lessons
If you liked this lesson, leave a comment below!
There are more lessons you can follow in the links below too.
TRANSPORT in IELTS Speaking. Learn the essential vocabulary for this topic, especially public and private transport now and in the future.
COMEDY in IELTS Speaking. Learn different types of comedy and idiomatic expressions related to comedy and jokes.
FAMILY in IELTS Speaking. How to talk about your family, stages of life, as well as idioms about family.
