Best French TV Shows to Watch in Australia to Learn French (Level A1)
If you're just starting out with French — true beginner, A1 level — TV can actually be one of your best tools. The trick is picking the right shows. At this stage, your goal isn't to understand every word; it's to train your ear to the sound and rhythm of French while enjoying yourself enough to keep coming back.
Here's what I recommend to my absolute-beginner students, and where you can actually watch it from Australia.
Why A1 learners should watch children's shows (seriously)
I know — it feels a bit silly putting on a cartoon meant for four-year-olds. But children's shows are gold for A1 learners: short episodes, slow and clear dialogue, simple vocabulary about everyday life, and enough visual context that you can follow along even when you miss a word or two. That combination is exactly what an A1 brain needs.
My picks for A1 learners
Bluey, en français Yes — our own Bluey has an official French dub. Short episodes, warm family vocabulary, and visual storytelling clear enough to follow even before your French catches up. It's a lovely one for Australian families in particular: kids already know the characters and the plots, so all their attention goes toward the language rather than the story.
T'choupi A classic French children's series with simple vocabulary built around familiar situations — going to school, eating dinner, playing with friends. You'll pick up basic French the same way French children do.
Sam le Pompier (Fireman Sam) en français Another gentle, dubbed children's show. Predictable storylines and simple language make it easy to follow without subtitles doing all the work.
Les Aventures de Tintin A step up in vocabulary but still very manageable — it was written for a young audience originally, so the French stays accessible while the adventure plot keeps it genuinely entertaining, not childish.
Where to actually watch these in Australia
This is the part most guides skip. Here's the honest rundown across the major platforms:
SBS On Demand — Free, and legally available within Australia without a VPN. SBS regularly carries French-language content, including films and series, making it one of the easiest legitimate ways to access French-language viewing locally.
ABC iview — Home of Bluey itself. The French audio track isn't available through iview, but it's worth keeping an eye on for other French-friendly kids' content and documentaries as ABC's library changes.
YouTube — T'choupi and Sam le Pompier both have official French-dubbed episodes available for free.
Netflix Australia — Worth checking the language/audio settings on shows you already know; many children's and family titles include a French audio track even when it isn't advertised as "French content."
Binge, Apple TV, and Prime Video — French-language selection here leans more toward films and adult series than A1-friendly children's shows, so these are better options once you've moved past absolute-beginner level. Always check the audio/subtitle settings on individual titles, as availability shifts often.
A quick general tip: audio and subtitle language options change frequently and vary by title, so it's always worth checking a specific show's settings rather than assuming a platform will or won't have French available.
How to watch for real progress, not just background noise
Turn on French subtitles, not English, as soon as you're ready to add reading into the mix.
Watch the same episode twice. The first time for general vibes, the second time to catch words and phrases you missed.
Don't chase every word. At A1, understanding the gist and picking up a handful of new words per episode is a genuine win.
Say things out loud. Characters in children's shows repeat simple phrases constantly — repeat them back. This is how real pronunciation habits form.
Want a French program built around what you actually enjoy? I'm Mathilde, a native French tutor based in Sydney, teaching students of all ages online and face-to-face. If you'd like help turning your favourite shows into real progress — not just entertainment — book a free 30-minute trial lesson and let's build a learning plan around what works for you.
