Learning Czech doesn’t have to mean grinding through grammar books. The best way to pick up the language? Watch TV. Not just any TV, though - shows that are actually good, with natural dialogue, cultural context, and enough drama or humour to keep you hooked. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to the best Czech TV for learners.
1. Četnické humoresky (Police Humoresques)
This crime-comedy series set in the 1930s follows a small-town police force dealing with quirky cases. The dialogue is clear, the pacing is brisk, and the historical setting means you’ll pick up some old-fashioned Czech - useful if you ever time-travel.
Četník
[ˈt͡ʃɛtɲiːk]“Gendarme”
2. Hospoda (The Pub)
A sitcom about a dysfunctional pub in Prague, packed with slang, sarcasm, and everyday conversations. If you want to sound like a local - not a textbook - this is gold. Warning: you’ll also learn how Czechs swear.
- Every episode revolves around absurd misunderstandings, so context clues are everywhere.
- Features regional accents, useful if you’re planning to travel beyond Prague.
3. Most!
A gritty crime drama set in the industrial north. The dialogue is fast, the slang is thick, and the plotlines are dark. Not for beginners, but if you’re intermediate and want to challenge yourself, this’ll do it.
Fun fact: The title means “Bridge”, a metaphor for the show’s themes of connection and division.
4. Comeback
A mockumentary about a washed-up pop star trying to revive his career. The humour is sharp, the Czech is modern, and the celebrity cameos are a crash course in pop culture. Bonus: you’ll learn how to insult someone creatively.
Mazec
/ˈmazɛts/“A mess / something intense”
5. Ulice (The Street)
Czechia’s longest-running soap opera. Yes, it’s cheesy, but that’s the point - the dialogue is repetitive, the emotions are exaggerated, and the plotlines are simple. Perfect for passive listening while you cook dinner.
How to Learn Effectively
- Start with subtitles in your native language, then switch to Czech subtitles once you’re comfortable.
- Repeat phrases aloud. Sitcoms like Hospoda are full of reusable one-liners.
- Keep a notebook for slang. Czech TV loves idioms that won’t appear in textbooks.
For more on Czech’s quirks, check out our guide to the Czech alphabet and unique sounds.
