Turkey has emerged as a powerhouse in the world of television, producing some of the most gripping and well-crafted series. From heart-wrenching dramas to thrilling police procedurals, Turkish TV has captivated audiences worldwide. In this article, we will explore the best 13 Turkish TV series ever made, each with its unique story, talented cast, and renowned directors.
1. Leyla ile Mecnun:
- Production Date: 2011-2013
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 3 seasons, 104 episodes
- Heroes: Ali Atay, Onur Ünlü, Serkan Keskin
- Director: Onur Ünlü
Synopsis: Leyla ile Mecnun is a surreal comedy that follows the love story of Leyla and Mecnun, two childhood friends destined to be together. Blending absurd humor and clever storytelling, the series takes viewers on a whimsical journey through their unconventional relationship.
2. Behzat Ç.: Bir Ankara Polisiyesi:
- Production Date: 2010-2013
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 4 seasons, 96 episodes
- Heroes: Erdal Beşikçioğlu, İnanç Konukçu
- Director: Serdar Akar
Synopsis: Behzat Ç. is a gripping police procedural that revolves around the enigmatic detective Behzat Ç. and his team. Set in Ankara, the series delves into the dark underbelly of the city, tackling complex crimes and exploring the personal struggles of the characters.
3. Ezel:
- Production Date: 2009-2010
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 2 seasons, 71 episodes
- Heroes: Kenan İmirzalioğlu, Cansu Dere, Yiğit Özşener
- Director: Uluç Bayraktar
Synopsis: Ezel is a suspenseful revenge drama that follows Ömer, who transforms himself into Ezel to seek justice against his former friends who betrayed him. With intricate plotting, intense performances, and a riveting storyline, Ezel keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
4. Karanlıkta Koşanlar:
- Production Date: 2021
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 6 episodes
- Heroes: Burak Sevinç, Alp Navruz, Bige Önal
- Director: Umut Aral
Synopsis: Karanlıkta Koşanlar is a psychological thriller that centers around Ahmet, a talented young athlete who gets involved in a criminal organization to save his family. The series explores the moral dilemmas faced by Ahmet and the complex web of intrigue surrounding him.
5. Tatlı Hayat:
- Production Date: 2001-2002
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 2 seasons, 71 episodes
- Heroes: Kenan İmirzalioğlu, Sinem Kobal, Emre Altuğ
- Director: Nihat Durak
Synopsis: Tatlı Hayat is a romantic comedy that revolves around the lives of Sinan and Esra, two individuals from different backgrounds who find themselves falling in love against all odds. With its lighthearted humor and endearing characters, the series offers a delightful watch.
6. İkinci Bahar:
- Production Date: 1998-2001
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 4 seasons, 52 episodes
- Heroes: Şener Şen, Müjde Ar, Uğur Yücel
- Director: Orhan Oğuz
Synopsis: İkinci Bahar is a family drama that follows the lives of the Öztürk family as they navigate the challenges of life, love, and relationships. With its relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling, the series strikes a chord with viewers.
7. Süper Baba:
- Production Date: 1993-1995
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 3 seasons, 50 episodes
- Heroes: Şener Şen, Okan Bayülgen, Zeki Alasya
- Director: Tunca Yönder
Synopsis: Süper Baba is a classic comedy series that revolves around the humorous and sometimes chaotic adventures of Baba, a single father raising his three children. With its witty dialogue and comedic timing, the series has become a beloved staple of Turkish television.
8. İşler Güçler:
- Production Date: 2012-2014
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 2 seasons, 29 episodes
- Heroes: Ahmet Kural, Murat Cemcir
- Director: Selçuk Aydemir
Synopsis: İşler Güçler is a workplace comedy that follows the hilarious misadventures of two bumbling employees, İsmail and Tarık. Set in an advertising agency, the series offers a satirical take on corporate life and the challenges of the modern workplace.
9. Bizimkiler:
- Production Date: 1989-2002
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 13 seasons, 590 episodes
- Heroes: Halit Akçatepe, Aysel Gürel, Sümer Tilmaç
- Director: Tunç Başaran, Orhan Oğuz
Synopsis: Bizimkiler is a long-running drama series that portrays the lives of various families living in an Istanbul neighborhood. Spanning over a decade, the series captures the social and political changes in Turkey, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
10. Kaygısızlar:
- Production Date: 2021
- IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes
- Heroes: Barış Arduç, Burcu Biricik, Cengiz Bozkurt
- Director: Barış Bölükbaşı
Synopsis: Kaygısızlar is a dark comedy series that follows the lives of three friends who find themselves entangled in a murder investigation. With its clever writing and exceptional performances, the series seamlessly blends humor with suspense.
11. Kardeş Payı:
- Production Date: 2014-2015
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 2 seasons, 33 episodes
- Heroes: Ahmet Kural, Murat Cemcir
- Director: Selçuk Aydemir
Synopsis: Kardeş Payı is a sitcom that revolves around the lives of two brothers, Zeki and Metin, as they navigate the ups and downs of their eccentric family and personal relationships. With its quick-witted humor, the series offers a delightful comedic experience.
12. Bir Demet Tiyatro:
- Production Date: 1995-2002
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 7 seasons, 226 episodes
- Heroes: Şevket Altuğ, Rasim Öztekin, Ayşen Gruda
- Director: Ferdi Merter
Synopsis: Bir Demet Tiyatro is a sketch comedy series that
presents a collection of hilarious and satirical sketches, tackling various aspects of Turkish society. With its talented ensemble cast, the series has become an enduring classic.
13. Ben de Özledim:
- Production Date: 2021
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
- Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 6 episodes
- Heroes: Gökçe Bahadır, Fatih Artman
- Director: Oğuzhan Uğur
Synopsis: Ben de Özledim is a heartfelt drama that explores the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. The series follows Deniz, a woman who embarks on a journey to find her missing husband, uncovering a web of secrets along the way.
Conclusion:
These 13 Turkish TV series have left an indelible mark on the landscape of television with their compelling stories, talented casts, and skilled direction. From comedy to drama and everything in between, each series offers a unique and immersive viewing experience. Whether you're a fan of gripping thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or side-splitting comedies, these Turkish TV series are a must-watch for any television enthusiast.