Kid's TV Isn't Just For Kids - Oddballs: Review

By Jessica Gregory

It was by pure coincidence that I came across Oddballs. If Netflix had recommended this show in English, I would have likely scrolled past and watched something far-more age-appropriate.

However, someone from within the depths of Netflix decided that because I've searched for German shows before, it was best to target me with Oddballs in another language.

A good idea, because it immediately had my attention.

I've watched Peppa Pig in German in the past (at various times during my GCSEs), and I decided I could understand the majority of what was being said. Considering this, I would've expected another children's TV show to be just as easy to understand.

However, it was a little surprising to find that there were times when I was struggling with large parts of conversation. At certain points, I only knew what was happening through the action.

Despite this, in hindsight, my German has improved whilst I've been watching this show. It's difficult to say whether this is solely down to immersing myself in the sounds of the language, or whether this is because I've been learning more vocab from my A Level course.

However, I think that allowing myself to be surrounded with the sounds of the language at random points in my day allowed me to revise without feeling the strain of working for hours into the night.

Besides the educational benefits that came with watching Oddballs, I have to admit it was an excellent show, with comedic values throughout. Even if not watching in another language, it's definitely one to save to your list.

Furthermore, each episode is only 15 minutes, creating perfect bite-sized learning experiences. You can download the episodes to watch on the bus, in your break at work, or with your breakfast.

With no doubt about it, I would recommend watching this if you're trying to learn another language - there are audio options in a variety of languages, so this certainly isn't limited to only those wanting to learn German.

Series 2 will also be available on Netflix from the 24th February, so there's no need to panic if you finish them too quickly.