Turkish drama series have undeniably taken the global entertainment stage by storm, captivating audiences with their riveting narratives, stellar performances, and rich cultural tapestries. From heartwarming romances to gripping thrillers, the world of Turkish television offers a treasure trove of compelling stories that transcend geographical boundaries. In this article, we will explore the best 9 Turkish drama series that have left an indelible mark on viewers' hearts.
1. Gulcemal
- Production Date: Gulcemal was released in 2004.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series consists of 2 seasons and a total of 60 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Starring Berrak Tuzunatac and Tardu Flordun in lead roles, Gulcemal was directed by Faruk Teber.
- IMDb Rating: Gulcemal holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.4/10.
Serie Story:
Gulcemal revolves around a captivating love story set in the beautiful Turkish countryside. The plot follows the lives of two young individuals, Asli and Ilyas, who come from different backgrounds but are destined to be together against all odds.
Asli is an innocent village girl with dreams of a better life, and Ilyas is a wealthy and ambitious businessman. Their paths cross when Ilyas visits the village for a business deal, and a forbidden romance begins to blossom. The series delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations as the couple faces numerous challenges to be together.
2. A Hundred Years of Miracle
- Production Date: A Hundred Years of Miracle was first aired in 2014.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series comprises 3 seasons with a total of 78 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Cansel Elcin and Kenan Imirzalioglu play the lead roles in this drama, which was directed by Cemal San.
- IMDb Rating:A Hundred Years of Miracle holds a solid IMDb rating of 8.2/10.
**Serie Story:**
This intriguing series revolves around the life of a successful businessman named Omer, who returns to his hometown after 20 years for his father's funeral. Upon his return, he discovers a family secret that leads him to reevaluate his life and decisions.
The story is a perfect blend of drama, mystery, and family dynamics as Omer delves into the past to uncover the truth and find redemption. With exceptional storytelling and powerful performances, A Hundred Years of Miracle captivates viewers from start to finish.
3. EGO – No Trust in the Man
- Production Date: EGO – No Trust in the Man first aired in 2015.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes This gripping series comprises 2 seasons and 58 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Engin Altan Duzyatan and Serkan Altunorak shine in the leading roles, while Emre Kabakusak directed the series.
- IMDb Rating: EGO – No Trust in the Man holds an IMDb rating of 8.1/10.
**Serie Story:**
EGO – No Trust in the Man is a thrilling drama that revolves around the life of a successful businessman named Serhat. His world turns upside down when he becomes the victim of an elaborate conspiracy orchestrated by his closest friend, Deniz. Betrayed and framed for a crime he didn't commit, Serhat's journey for justice and revenge sets the stage for intense and suspenseful storytelling. As the series unfolds, secrets are revealed, and characters face moral dilemmas, making it a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
4. The Family
- Production Date: The Family was released in 2018.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series consists of 3 seasons and 70 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Engin Akyurek and Berrak Tuzunatac take on the lead roles in this drama, directed by Bahadir Ince.
- IMDb Rating: The Family has an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5/10.
Serie Story:
This gripping series revolves around the Yorukhan family, who live in a small Turkish town. Their lives are turned upside down when their son, Mehmet, returns home after many years in prison. As secrets from the past resurface and new challenges arise, the family struggles to keep their unity intact. The Family delves deep into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of familial bonds, creating an emotionally charged and captivating narrative.
5. Cranberry Sorbet
- Production Date: Cranberry Sorbet first aired in 2019.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series consists of 1 season with 12 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Alperen Duymaz and Leyla Tanlar are the lead actors, and the series was directed by Gökhan Tiryaki.
- IMDb Rating: Cranberry Sorbet has an IMDb rating of 8.3/10.
**Serie Story:**
Cranberry Sorbet is a romantic drama that follows the story of Nisan, a young and talented chef who returns to Turkey after living abroad. She opens a restaurant called "Cranberry Sorbet" and aims to introduce innovative dishes to the local culinary scene. As her restaurant gains popularity, Nisan also finds herself entangled in a complicated love triangle with two charismatic men, Ali and Efe. The series beautifully combines elements of food, love, and self-discovery, offering a delightful and heartwarming watch.
6. Deception
- Production Date: Deception was released in 2020.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series comprises 2 seasons with a total of 48 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: İsmail Ege Şaşmaz and Aslıhan Güner play the lead roles, while Serdar Gözelekli directed the series.
- IMDb Rating: Deception holds an IMDb rating of 8.2/10.
**Serie Story:**
Deception is an action-packed drama that centers around the life of Hanci, a highly skilled martial artist and former soldier who now works as a bodyguard. Hanci finds himself caught in a web of political conspiracies and dangerous secrets as he protects the daughter of a prominent businessman. The series showcases breathtaking fight sequences, intense suspense, and complex character dynamics that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
7. Poison Ivy
- Production Date: Poison Ivy first aired in 2016.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series consists of 2 seasons with a total of 50 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Hazal Kaya and Erkan Petekkaya are the lead actors in this drama, directed by Merve Girgin.
- IMDb Rating: Poison Ivy has an IMDb rating of 8.0/10.
**Serie Story:**
Poison Ivy is a compelling drama that follows the life of Omer, a successful businessman who seeks revenge against the people who wronged him in the past. His plans take an unexpected turn when he falls in love with his enemy's daughter, Ruzgar. As Omer faces a moral dilemma, the series explores themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. With strong performances and a gripping storyline, Poison Ivy keeps viewers hooked until the last episode.
8. As the Crow Flies
- Production Date: As the Crow Flies was released in 2018.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series comprises 3 seasons with 64 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Ahmet Kural and Murat Cemcir take on the lead roles, and the series was directed by Ibrahim Büyükak.
- IMDb Rating: As the Crow Flies has an IMDb rating of 8.3/10.
**Serie Story:**
As the Crow Flies is a comedy-drama series that revolves around the lives of two brothers, Demir and Selim, who live in a small Turkish village. They inherit a substantial debt from their father's failed business, forcing them to come up with creative ways to repay it. The series showcases the brothers' humorous and often absurd attempts at solving their financial woes, providing plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments along the way.
9. Golden Boy
- Production Date: Golden Boy was first aired in 2015.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series consists of 1 season with 10 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Kivanç Tatlitug stars as the lead, and the series was directed by Murat Onbul.
- IMDb Rating: Golden Boy holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.7/10.
**Serie Story:**
Golden Boy is a gripping thriller that follows the life of a young man named Kuzey, who is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Upon his release, he is determined to seek justice and clear his name while also facing the challenges of rebuilding his life and relationships. The series offers a compelling narrative, powerful performances, and a rollercoaster of emotions as Kuzey navigates through the twists and turns of his journey.
In conclusion, Turkish drama series have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with their compelling stories, talented actors, and high production values. From romantic sagas to thrilling mysteries, these nine series showcase the diversity and excellence of Turkish television.
Whether you are a fan of romance, action, or comedy, these dramas are sure to provide hours of captivating entertainment. With their strong IMDb ratings, they have left a lasting impression on audiences and solidified their place as some of the best Turkish drama series to date.