Turkish television has gained international acclaim for its exceptional storytelling, captivating characters, and top-notch production values. In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to the top 20 short Turkish series that have left a lasting impression on viewers around the globe. These series have managed to strike a perfect balance between a compelling narrative and a concise format, making them binge-worthy favorites.
1. The Teacher (Ogretmen) (9 episodes)
- Production Date: 2019
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 9
- Main Characters: Can Manay (played by İlker Kaleli), Seda (played by Ceren Moray)
- Director: Koray Kerimoğlu
Synopsis:
The Teacher follows the enigmatic psychologist Can Manay, whose life takes a dark turn as he becomes obsessed with a talented young singer, Seda. The gripping storyline delves into the complexities of human psychology, love, and obsession.
2. Crash (Carpisma) (24 episodes)
- Production Date:2018-2019
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Main Characters: Kadir Adalı (played by Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ), Zeynep (played by Elçin Sangu)
- Director: Uluç Bayraktar
**Synopsis:**
Crash revolves around Kadir, a heroic police officer, and Zeynep, a young woman who becomes a witness to a crime. Their lives intertwine as they face challenges, danger, and unexpected romance.
3. Life of Secrets (Hayat Sirlari) (11 episodes)
- Production Date: 2017-2018
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Main Characters: Ali (played by Burak Deniz), Selin (played by Hande Erçel)
- Director: Bora Onur
**Synopsis:**
Life of Secrets follows Ali and Selin, two young hearts scarred by their pasts. As they meet and fall in love, they must confront their secrets and learn to trust again in this emotionally charged series.
4. Love Storm (Zemheri) (10 episodes)
- Production Date: 2020
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Main Characters: Firuze (played by Ayça Ayşin Turan), Ayaz (played by Alperen Duymaz)
- Director: Hilal Saral
**Synopsis:**
Love Storm portrays the passionate love story between Firuze, an ambitious doctor, and Ayaz, a rebellious man with a painful past. Their love is tested by societal expectations and family secrets.
5. Twist of Fate (Baht Oyunu) (17 episodes)
- Production Date: 2021
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 17
- Main Characters: Filiz (played by Hande Erçel), Barış (played by İsmail Demirci)
- Director: Altan Dönmez
**Synopsis:**
Twist of Fate revolves around Filiz, a young woman responsible for her siblings, and Barış, a wealthy businessman. Fate brings them together, and they must navigate societal differences and unexpected challenges.
6. Matter of Respect (Seref Meselesi) (26 episodes)
- Production Date: 2014-2015
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Main Characters: Emir (played by Kerem Bursin), Kader (played by Yasemin Allen)
- Director: Altan Dönmez
**Synopsis:**
Matter of Respect follows Emir, a young man seeking revenge for his father's death, and Kader, a strong-willed woman trying to protect her family's honor. Their paths intertwine in a gripping tale of love and vengeance.
7. Until Death (Olene Kadar) (13 episodes)
- Production Date: 2017
- -Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Main Characters: Yasin (played by Engin Akyürek), Hazan (played by Fahriye Evcen)
- Director: Umur Turagay
**Synopsis:**
Until Death centers on Yasin, a former hitman seeking redemption, and Hazan, a woman with a painful past. Fate brings them together, and they must confront their demons while trying to escape a dangerous criminal organization.
8. Troublemaker (Bas Belasi) (13 episodes)
- Production Date: 2020
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Main Characters: Ferhat (played by Burak Deniz), Aslı (played by Dilan Çiçek Deniz)
- Director: Andac Haznedaroglu
**Synopsis:**
Troublemaker follows the rebellious Ferhat, who finds himself falling for Aslı, a kind-hearted veterinarian. Their love story is marked by challenges, loyalty, and self-discovery.
9. The Secret of Us (Ikimizin Sirri) (10 episodes)
-Production Date: 2017-2018
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Main Characters: Deniz (played by Burcu Biricik), Yigit (played by Birkan Sokullu)
- Director: Umur Turagay
**Synopsis:**
The Secret of Us portrays the life of Deniz, who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and torn between her career and love. Yigit, a successful businessman, enters her life, and they must navigate parenthood and love.
10. The Saint (Aziz) (28 episodes)
- Production Date: 2020-2021
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes:28
- Main Characters: Aziz (played by Bugra Gülsoy), Ferhat (played by Berk Cankat)
- Director: Metin Balekoğlu
**Synopsis:**
The Saint follows Aziz, a trained killer seeking vengeance for his family, and Ferhat, a young doctor determined to stop him. Their destinies collide in an action-packed tale of justice and sacrifice.
11. Waiting for You (Seni Cok Bekledim) (13 episodes)
- Production Date: 2022
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes:13
- Main Characters: Can (played by Serkan Çayoğlu), Defne (played by Melisa Aslı Pamuk)
- Director: Sadullah Celen
**Synopsis:**
Waiting for You tells the story of Can and Defne, whose paths cross after a life-altering event. As they navigate their way through healing and hope, they discover the power of love and forgiveness.
12. Accidental Love (Kazara Ask) (13 episodes)
- Production Date: 2015-2016
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Main Characters: Omer (played by Berk Cankat), Aysem (played by Özge Gürel)
- Director Osman Sinav
**Synopsis:**
Accidental Love follows the story of Omer and Aysem, two individuals with opposite personalities who find themselves in a whirlwind romance. Their journey explores the magic of unexpected connections.
13. Stay In My Heart (13 episodes)
- -Production Date: 2019
- - Number of Seasons: 1
- - Number of Episodes: 13
- - Main Characters: Ada (played by Yasemin Allen), Demir (played by Tolga Mendi)
- - Director: Nisan Akman
**Synopsis:**
Stay In My Heart depicts the life of Ada, a talented dancer, and Demir, a successful businessman. Their paths cross, and they discover the importance of chasing dreams and following their hearts.
14. Black Pearl (Siyah Inci) (20 episodes)
- - Production Date: 2017-2018
- - Number of Seasons: 1
- - Number of Episodes: 20
- - Main Characters: Hazal (played by Hande Erçel), Kenan (played by Tolgahan Sayışman)
- - Director: Cem Karci
**Synopsis:**
Black Pearl revolves around Hazal, a young woman seeking justice for her family, and Kenan, a lawyer who becomes entangled in her fight for truth. Together, they uncover dark secrets and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
15. Love That Makes You Cry (Ask Aglatir) (16 episodes)
- Production Date: 2019-2020
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Main Characters: Ferman (played by Kadir Doğulu), Inci (played by Elif Sönmez)
- Director: Serkan Birinci
**Synopsis:**
Love That Makes You Cry follows the life of Ferman, a skilled doctor who forms an unlikely bond with Inci, a young woman with a tragic past. Their story highlights the healing power of love and friendship.
16. Night Queen (Gecenin Kraliçesi) (15 episodes)
- - Production Date 2016
- - Number of Seasons: 1
- - Number of Episodes: 15
- - Main Characters: Mert (played by Gürkan Uygun), Ebru (played by Leyla Lydia Tugutlu)
- - Director: Yagmur Taylan, Durul Taylan
**Synopsis:**
Night Queen revolves around Mert, a retired gangster, and Ebru, a strong-willed woman on a quest for justice. Their paths intertwine as they confront their pasts and seek redemption.
17. Don't Cry Mom (Ağlama Anne) (13 episodes)
- Production Date: 2018
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Main Characters: Zeliha (played by Cansu Dere), Yılmaz (played by Vahide Perçin)
- Director: Cevdet Mercan
**Synopsis:**
Don't Cry Mom tells the emotional story of Zeliha, a mother who sacrifices everything for her family, and Yılmaz, a man with a dark secret. Their journey explores the depths of maternal love and resilience.
18. The Innocence (Masumiyet) (13 episodes)
- Production Date: 2021
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Main Characters: Can (played by Haluk Bilginer), Cevriye (played by Müjde Uzman)
- Director: Serkan Birinci
**Synopsis:**
The Innocence revolves around Can, a respected judge with a hidden past, and Cevriye, a courageous woman fighting for justice. Their paths intersect, unveiling the truth behind long-buried secrets.
19. Mr. Wrong (Bay Yanlis) (14 episodes)
- - Production Date: 2020
- - Number of Seasons: 1
- - Number of Episodes: 14
- - Main Characters: Ezgi (played by Özge Gürel), Ozgur (played by Can Yaman)
- - Director: Deniz Yorulmazer
**Synopsis:**
Mr. Wrong follows the life of Ezgi, a young woman seeking love and stability, and Ozgur, a carefree restaurateur. Their love story is filled with humor, heartache, and the unpredictability of life.
Conclusion
Turkish series have carved their way into the hearts of global audiences, offering a diverse range of captivating stories and unforgettable characters. In this guide to the top 19 short Turkish series, we have explored the production dates, number of seasons and episodes, main characters, directors, and intriguing storylines that make these shows stand out.
Whether you're a seasoned Turkish drama enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Turkish television, these series promise to take you on an emotional and thrilling journey that will leave a lasting impression.
As you dive into these remarkable series, get ready to laugh, cry, and be immersed in the magic of Turkish storytelling at its finest. Happy watching!