Téléfrançais

When I first started learning French, our teacher would often reward our progress by letting us watch a video on Fridays. As expected with this being school, the video was often of an educational nature. However, I soon discovered that French instructional programming, or at least the sort selected by my teachers, was scarcely devoid of entertainment.

One program in particular quickly gained a special place in my heart. It was so popular among my classmates that it was frequently discussed and requested to be played well throughout upper level French classes in high school.

Téléfrançais is a gem straight out of the Ministry of Education in Canada. Originally designed to teach French to Anglo-Ontarians, this TVOntario program from the '80s has gained a somewhat cult following. It stars Jacques, Sophie, and their friend Ananas (a talking pineapple. yes, really!) who engage in unlikely adventures and hilarity ensues.

If you are unfamiliar with the French student essential, I'm sure you'll soon be hooked. Here is the link to the first episode and you can find more on YouTube. Amusez-vous!