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In recent years, the global popularity of dramas and international content has surged, fueled by streaming platforms and increased globalization. Turkish television shows, in particular, have emerged as significant winners in this trend. While Turkey has produced notable films, the spotlight has shifted to television dramas, which have gained immense popularity across the Middle East, the Arab world, and among diaspora communities.
Despite Turkish not being widely taught outside the Turkic world, language and cultural barriers have proven easily surmountable. These shows, ranging from intense melodramas to epic historical sagas filled with action, have developed their own distinct tropes and gained recognition worldwide.
Previously, accessibility to these shows with English subtitles was limited, but due to their growing popularity, streaming platforms like Netflix have taken notice. As a result, there has been a gradual increase in the availability of Turkish television content on the platform, making it more accessible to a global audience. Whether you’re new to Turkish dramas or a seasoned viewer, there are several compelling shows on Netflix that are a must-watch.
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10 Must-Watch Turkish Shows Available on Netflix
As the Crow Flies (2022-Present)
In the 2022 release, “As the Crow Flies,” the narrative unfolds as the consequences of an intense obsession come to light. The central character, an ardent admirer of a newsroom anchor, takes her fixation to extreme lengths. Successfully infiltrating his professional sphere, she soon discovers the adverse effects of her actions. While the plot may be somewhat conventional and foreseeable, the standout element lies in the exceptional performances delivered by the cast. Despite the narrative’s limitations, the show impresses with its well-executed casting, demonstrating a surprising level of quality given the storyline challenges.
The Club (2021-203)
The second season of The Club debuted on Netflix in 2023, following its original release in 2021. Set in 1950s Istanbul, the protagonist Matilda, an ex-convict and Sephardic Jew planning to move to Israel, becomes entangled in a complex plot when she discovers her daughter is in trouble. Taking a job at a club, Matilda finds herself in conflict with powerful figures in the city.
What Sets It Apart The Club stands out as it portrays a main character from an ethnic and religious minority, providing much-needed representation. The series fearlessly tackles politically sensitive topics often avoided in other Turkish dramas, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. For those interested in this historical context, The Club is a compelling and essential watch.
Midnight at the Pera Palace (2022-Present)
The first season of 2022’s “Midnight at the Pera Palace” has already garnered acclaim, with its second season currently in the filming stage. The show revolves around an orphaned journalist exploring the history of the Pera Palace Hotel. Upon discovering a young woman’s heroic act in the 1910s, she learns that a hotel room serves as a portal to the past. Each night, she goes to bed only to wake up in Istanbul in 1919, experiencing a completely different world.
What makes the series exceptional is its portrayal of the time-traveling period piece. It stands out as one of the finest Turkish shows in capturing the essence of the depicted era. The storyline, though initially seeming a bit implausible, quickly hits its stride after the initial episodes. The Netflix series excels in both historical accuracy and a well-crafted narrative.
Who Were We Running From? (2023)
In the 2023 release “Who Were We Running From?”, the title is quite literal as it follows a mother-daughter duo constantly on the move, residing in various hotels. The daughter remains clueless about the reasons behind this nomadic lifestyle, and as the miniseries unfolds, the audience discovers the truth behind their situation.
The series stands out for its compelling mystery, keeping viewers intrigued throughout. Notably, it delves into thought-provoking discussions on Turkey’s patriarchal society, adding an extra layer of depth. While opinions on the overall story may vary, “Who Were We Running From?” is a Netflix show that warrants at least one viewing due to its unique elements.
Shahmaran (2023-Present)
The 2023 streaming series “Shahmaran” takes its name from the mythical creature and follows a young woman on a journey to confront her missing grandfather in Adana. Despite her disbelief in folklore, she encounters the Mar, who strongly believe in Shahmaran’s legends. The series brilliantly intertwines contemporary life with folklore, providing a captivating narrative that serves as an excellent introduction to the rich Turkish and Iranian cultural heritage.
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Another Self (2022-Present)
In “Another Self,” three friends embark on a journey to Ayvalik, a city on Turkey’s western coast facing Greece, with the intention of finding spiritual and medical healing for the various traumas they are grappling with. The characters, each dealing with their own forms of trauma, including generational impacts from the Greece-Turkey population exchange of the 1920s, make the narrative compelling and thought-provoking. The story’s exploration of sensitive topics not commonly addressed in mainstream discussions adds a refreshing and brilliant dimension. In a country undergoing significant changes and grappling with historical traumas, narratives like “Another Self” serve as essential contributions to the cultural conversation.
Fatma (2021-Present)
In the series “Fatma,” an ordinary cleaning lady becomes entangled in extraordinary circumstances following her husband’s disappearance. While attempting to uncover the truth and restore the life they once shared, she unintentionally commits a murder. Fearing the consequences that could shatter her life, Fatma resorts to further criminal actions to conceal her deeds. What sets “Fatma” apart is its distinctive plot within the Turkish genre, offering a well-crafted and executed narrative. This underrated Netflix show stands out and merits greater recognition on the international platform, challenging preconceptions about dramas, particularly those with romantic elements.
The Tailor (2023)
Over the course of three seasons, all of which premiered in 2023, The Tailor delivers a compelling mix of drama and scandal. Centered around a renowned Turkish tailor tasked with creating a wedding dress for his best friend’s bride-to-be, the narrative unfolds with numerous hidden secrets. The series delves into themes of mental health and familial and personal differences, providing a fresh take on traditional Turkish dramas.
What Sets It Apart The Tailor stands out for its unconventional approach, leaving audiences eager for more, evident in the continuous release of additional seasons. The show occasionally feels more like a cinematic experience than a typical television series, thanks to its outstanding cinematography, heightening the overall enjoyment for viewers.
The Gift (2019-2021)
Turkish actress Beren Saat takes the lead in Netflix’s “The Gift,” released in 2019, which has successfully run for three seasons, with the third season confirmed as the final installment. In her role as Atiye, a painter and teacher, Saat’s character unknowingly draws a symbol for fertility, a mystery that unfolds when an archaeologist discovers an artifact bearing the same symbol during one of Atiye’s art showings.
Despite a potential decline in momentum by the third season for some viewers, “The Gift” has garnered acclaim for seamlessly incorporating fantasy elements into its storyline. The series boasts a strong cast, with performances that captivate audiences from the very start, making it a show that viewers find themselves deeply invested in.
Ethos (2020)
“2020’s Ethos unfolds against the captivating backdrop of Istanbul, Turkey’s vibrant capital, with Meryem at its center. Despite her role as a cleaner and struggles with her health, marked by frequent fainting spells, she seeks guidance from a psychiatrist whose background starkly contrasts with her conservative upbringing and limited resources. This clash of perspectives becomes a lens through which the show delves into the intricacies of contemporary Turkish society.
What sets Ethos apart is its rich array of characters, offering a distinctive portrayal of present-day Turkey. From a Kurdish family to a young woman concealing her true sexual orientation, the series provides a platform for discussing diverse aspects of Turkish life. By exploring Meryem’s experiences, the show effectively captures the complexity and diversity within the country, making it a compelling and insightful watch.”
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