15 Best Turkish Series on Netflix: Learn some Turkish and some Culture 2024
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So you want to find a list of Best Turkish series on Netflix? Let me share my favorites
Let’s be honest, not everyone has the same taste when it comes to film and TV.
One person will say that a film is the best one this year while another person thinks it was terrible.
We all have our own opinions. So I will be curious to hear what you think about these Netflix Turkish series as you watch them.
I have really enjoyed watching most of these and they have been helpful for learning the Turkish language and culture as I watched them over and over.
Learning a language is hard work but it is definitely made easier when it is enjoyable!
Whether you want to learn some Turkish before you come or you want to branch out into new international movies and Turkish shows on Netflix, this is the list for you.
Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites as well as some tips to help you learn Turkish as you watch them.
I hope these will help you on your language-learning journey just like they have helped me on mine!
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Best Turkish Series on Netflix
Turks truly love dramas more than any other genre, as far as I can see, save horror perhaps.
Turks want to watch movies and series that make them cry their eyes out. They often don’t have that redemptive element I have grown to expect.
They typically end with a not-so-happy ending.
I remember one movie I watched called “Paper Lives“. Seriously a brilliant movie. Until the end. The ending absolutely gutted me…in true Turkish drama form.
This is how many of them go. When you learn Turkish, they use the most gut-wrenching stories and leave them with terrible cliffhangers. It’s the Turkish way.
With the development of the film industry in Turkey, you can now more and more, find something you’ll enjoy.
There is a lot of great local stuff out there to watch, both tv shows and movies. This list of the best Turkish shows on Netflix will help you get started.
As you begin watching the best Turkish dramas on Netflix, I encourage you to take note, especially if you plan to visit or move here. You will be enlightened!
Pro Tip: Watch on Chrome with the Language Reactor plugin to 10x your learning capacity. You will be able to see Turkish and English at the same time and save phrases that you want to learn. Super helpful tool!
Pro Tip: If you are having a hard time finding any of the best shows try using a VPN. First, quit your browser, then turn on Surf Shark VPN by selecting a different country, and then log back into Netflix.
All of the shows are on the Netflix official site as of April 2024.
1. The Protector – “Hakan: Muhafiz” (2018-2020)
“The Protector” follows Hakan Demir, a modern-day Istanbul shopkeeper who discovers he’s the last in a line of ancient protectors. Armed with a mystical talisman and newfound powers, he must defend the city from supernatural threats while uncovering his family’s secrets.
Director: Umut Aral, Gönenç Uyanık, Can Evrenol, Burcu Alptekin
Cast: Çağatay Ulusoy (Hakan), Hazar Ergüçlü (Zeynep), Okan Yalabık (Faysal)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Number of seasons: 4
This Turkish TV series on Netflix was the first one I watched so it holds a special place in my heart.
It was perfect because it was mostly set in modern times. So the language in the show was what people are currently using.
It was also really enjoyable to watch. It has a great storyline and it remained good, in my opinion, past season 2 when many shows start to lose their luster.
There are moments of flashbacks to different eras like the Ottoman Empire, Constantinople, and even the beginning of time.
If you like magic and action with a hint of romance, this series will be perfect for you!
And an extra tidbit, it is actually based on a book by N. Ipek Gokdel: Karakalem ve Bir Delikanlinin Tuhaf Hikayesi (A Strange Story of Charcoal and a Young Man).
If you’re into action you will love watching Hakan fighting to save Istanbul from an immortal enemy, one that his family has been fighting for centuries.
2. The gift – “Atİye ” (2019-2021)
When an Istanbul-based artist, Atiye, discovers a mysterious symbol in her ancestral art, she embarks on a quest to unravel her family’s hidden past and the enigmatic connection she shares with an ancient archaeological site in this gripping supernatural drama.
Director: Ozan Açıktan, Gönenç Uyanık, Ali Taner, Burcu Alptekin
Cast: Beren Saat (Atiye), Mehmet Günsür (Erhan), Metin Akdülger (Ozan)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Number of seasons: 3
My mom came to stay with me for a month in 2022 and one of our favorite things to do is watch a show in the evening together. This was the show of the trip.
We picked this one because it was based in Turkey, both in Gobeklitepe and Istanbul. It let me listen in Turkish and she read subtitles.
What was even more fun was how excited my mom got when she realized she had been somewhere in the show.
In this Turkish drama, you will look back into historical sites as well as learn a bit about culture as you watch the interpersonal exchanges between the characters.
You can also see what life in Istanbul is like as they get around the city and avoid car accidents in all the traffic on Istanbul’s streets.
You will get a peek into modern Turkish families and go on an adventure of fantastical proportions.
This series is also based on a book called Dünyanın Uyanışı (The World’s Awakening) by Şengül Boybaş.
3. Kübra (2024-)
When a man living a quiet suburban life starts receiving mysterious messages that appear to predict the future, he finds himself gaining a devoted following. However, as his influence grows, so do the threats from powerful enemies who seek to unravel the mysteries surrounding him.
Director: Yağmur Taylan, Durul Taylan
Cast: Çağatay Ulusoy (Gökhan), Aslıhan Malbora (Merve), Ahsen Eroğlu (Gülcan)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Number of seasons: 1
This was quite an interesting show. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I started it and I won’t ruin it for you.
But let me say, there is a twist coming that you’re not expecting. haha #everyturkishshowever
In this new Turkish series, I enjoyed watching the role of a working man, Gökhan, and his everyday life. It was such a look behind the curtain of what Turkish life is like here.
They really do walk home on streets like that and they really do know all their neighbors and they really do engage with their families like that.
Can’t wait to see what they do in the next season.
4. Innocent – “Masum” (2017)
“Masum” (Innocent) is a suspenseful and emotionally charged Turkish drama on Netflix that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This series revolves around Cevdet. As Cevdet strives to clear his name and rebuild his life, he becomes entangled in a web of betrayal, revenge, and long-buried family mysteries
Director: Seren Yüce
Cast: Haluk Bilginer (Cevdet), Nur Sürer (Nermin), Ali Atay (Yusuf)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Number of seasons: 1
This is the only other one on this list that I haven’t yet watched. I have read many great things about it though and look forward to watching it!
This miniseries is actually an adaptation of a theatrical play by Berkun Oya.
You will definitely be able to see the elements of the honor/shame culture as well as the ties families have in Turkey.
This story will tug on all the emotions and stir up feelings you maybe forgot were even there.
A retired Superintendent Cevdet resides with his wife Nermin and son Tarık in a calm coastal town.
But when tragedy strikes the family, Tarık’s wife, Emel, and brother, Taner, meet with a fatal accident.
The tranquil life of the town is disrupted when Yusuf, a former student of Cevdet and now a Commissioner, is dispatched by Chief Inspector Selahattin to investigate the enigmatic demise of his dear friend, Taner.
As the investigation unfolds, the hidden secrets that Cevdet and Nermin have guarded for so long are on the brink of being exposed, setting the stage for a compelling story.
5. Ethos – “Bir Başkadır” (2020)
“Bir Baskadir” delves into the complex tapestry of Turkish society through the eyes of a psychologist named Peri, who encounters a diverse range of patients. This thought-provoking series explores societal norms, identities, and the human condition.
Director: Berkun Oya
Cast: Öykü Karayel (Meryem), Fatih Artman (Yasin), Defne Kayalar (Peri)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Number of seasons: 1
This is one of those dramas where different people’s stories are intertwined and you understand in the end what is happening.
This show would be for a more advanced learner.
I say this because Meryem, the main character, truly has an accent and if you don’t know the language well, it will be hard to understand her.
There is also some cultural context as she lives with her brother and his family.
Tensions rise as “dirty laundry” is aired and issues are addressed in therapy.
I really enjoyed this one. So much so that I have watched it through twice. Hopefully next time I can do just Turkish sound and subtitles.
6. Fatma (2021)
“Fatma” follows the story of a cleaning lady who turns to crime after her husband goes missing. Her journey into the criminal underworld leads to unexpected consequences as she searches for answers and justice.
Director: Özer Feyzioğlu, Özgür Önürme
Cast: Burcu Biricik (Fatma), Uğur Yücel (Yazar), Mehmet Yılmaz Ak (Bayram)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Number of seasons: 1
In this TV series, the gritty and unconventional protagonist, a cleaning lady turned vigilante, adds a unique twist to the crime drama genre.
Fatma goes looking for her husband after he is released from prison and along the way finds herself committing murder.
When her husband’s shady associates find out about it they take advantage of it, forcing her to keep killing in order to survive this new world she has found herself in.
This was another one I watched a few episodes of but never finished. It just wasn’t my kind of show.
That being said, not every show everyone will like. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, just move on.
7. Midnight at the Pera Palace – “Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı” (2022-)
A historical drama set in the iconic Pera Palace Hotel during the early 20th century, this series weaves a captivating narrative around the hotel’s guests, including famous figures like Agatha Christie and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, against the backdrop of a changing world.
Director: Emre Şahin, Nisa Dağ
Cast: Hazal Kaya (Esra), Tansu Biçer (Ahmet), Selahattin Pasali (Halit)
Genre: Drama, History, Mystery
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Number of seasons: 1
This was a really fun show. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns.
It is actually based on a novel by Charles King but I didn’t know what when I watched the series.
The main character, Esra, is a journalist who goes to the Pera Palace in search of her next big story.
She is completely shocked and confused when she finds herself back in 1919. She is further shocked when she learns what she does in 1919 affects her current time.
She meets many famous people when she steps back in time. People like Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Agatha Christie, and more.
It was a nice break from some of the heavy drama of many typical local shows. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
8. Another Self – “Zeytİn ağacı” (2022)
This show follows Ada, Sevgi and Leyla’s adventure, which start with raki and fish in Ayvalık. They make a pact to stop holding back and to start doing the things that make them come alive. It allows them to make new decisions for their own lives while reconciling them with their past.
Director: Burcu Alptekin
Cast: Tuba Büyükütün (Ada), Seda Bakan (Leyla), Boncuk Yılmaz (Sevgi)
Genre: Drama, Romance
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Number of seasons: 1
Oh, man. I LOVED this series. It is probably my favorite Turkish Netflix series and am stoked for the next season. I devoured this and it quickly became one of my favorite Netflix shows.
When I lived in America I started learning about the ties our emotions have to things in the physical.
I had many experiences where forgiveness or realizing I believed something terrible about myself and “cleaning” it up led to some big shifts health-wise.
This show follows three friends, one of whom has cancer.
They end up going to a spiritual healer and have some crazy encounters that lead to all three of them facing the demons from their past and moving forward.
Honestly, not all Turkish shows go so well and have this redemptive ending like they do in America. I have found that hard to watch sometimes.
I haven’t finished this series yet but I can already see the light and the redemption in the story and I am all in.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I have so far!
9. Yakamoz S-245 (2022)
A gripping submarine thriller, “Yakamoz S-245” delves into the lives of the submarine crew members as they navigate the challenges of the deep sea, international tensions, and personal conflicts.
Director: Tolga Karaçelik, Umut Aral
Cast: Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ (Arman), Özge Özpirinçci (Defne), Ertan Saban (Umut)
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Number of seasons: 1
I really enjoyed this series as well. I am a huge action movie/show fan and this didn’t disappoint. It was so good that I was sad there was only one season for it.
Hopefully more will come.
Arman, a free-spirited dive instructor and marine biologist, is recruited to join a research mission aboard a submarine.
After they leave, chaos erupts when a deadly solar phenomenon threatens all life on the surface.
When the team is forced to seek refuge on a military submarine, Arman and his scientific team face a dual challenge: figuring out what is going on above and discerning the true intentions of their newfound naval companions.
Tensions run high, particularly between Arman and the stern second-in-command, Umut.
In the midst of it all, Arman not only battles for survival but also rekindles a lost love.
Through this harrowing journey, he will discover that he is in fact a hero, a leader, and a legend.
10. 50M2 (2021)
This action-packed series follows a hitman named Golge, who goes into hiding and assumes a new identity when he unexpectedly inherits a small tailor shop. His quest for redemption and a fresh start leads to unexpected alliances and revelations.
Director: Selçuk Aydemir
Cast: Engin Öztürk (Gölge), Kürşat Alnıaçık (Servet), Cengiz Bozkurt (Muhtar)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Number of seasons: 1
50M2 was a show that I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Golge, who was a hitman in his former life, was betrayed by his boss and when he finds a vacant tailor shop, he decides to hide.
The problem is he is quickly mistaken for the former owner’s son.
When he decides to adopt this persona it impacts not only his life but the lives of others as well.
Again, this one was also a nice break from the drama and I really enjoyed the action of the show. It drew me in and I couldn’t stop watching.
11. The Club – “Kulüp” (2021-)
“The Club” portrays the inner workings of an exclusive Istanbul nightclub, exploring the lives, ambitions, and complex relationships of its employees and patrons in a world of glamour and intrigue.
Director: Seren Yüce, Zeynep Günay Tan
Cast: Gökçe Bahadır (Matilda), Barış Arduç (İsmet), Salih Bademci (Selim)
Genre: Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Number of seasons: 2
I really enjoyed it and look forward to watching it again!
This is another historical fiction set circa the 1950s. One of the main characters is Matilda, who happens to be an ex-convict and is working hard to be reconciled with her daughter Rasel.
Because of this woman, the environment that many found to be oppressive and hard becomes like a home for the employees.
But there are things from her past that threaten this new life she is making for herself.
There is definitely more cultural context in this series and it showed how this club pushed the boundaries of its time. I recommend giving it a try for sure.
12. Wolf – “Börü” (2018)
“Wolf” follows the journey of a young man named Ali, who joins a secret government organization tasked with eliminating a terrorist group. This espionage thriller explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the thin line between good and evil.
Director: Alper Çağlar
Cast: Ahu Türkpençe (Asena), Serkan Çayoğlu (Kaya), Murat Arkın (Kemal)
Genre: Action, Drama, War
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Number of seasons: 1
This is about a special operations police team that takes on a sensitive assignment.
As they work to rid the country of a terrorist group they end up having to deal with intense situations both on and off the job.
The tensions in their personal lives could greatly affect their jobs and end up costing them much more.
The miniseries continues on with Börü 2039.
This is one on my list to watch and one of the very few on this list that I haven’t had a chance to watch but since it is rated as one of the top Turkish series on Netflix, it seems like a must.
13. Love 101 – “Aşk 101” (2021)
Set in the ’90s, “Love 101” tells the story of a group of misfit high school students who hatch a plan to unite their favorite teacher with the school’s basketball coach. Their adventure turns into a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and friendship.
Director: Ahmet Katıksız, Deniz Yorulmazer, Gönenç Uyanık, Umut Aral
Cast: Pınar Deniz (Burcu), Kubilay Aka (Kerem), Mert Yazıcıoğlu (Sinan)
Genre: Drama, Romance
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Number of seasons: 2
If you love drama and feel reminiscent of being in the “cool” club in high school or perhaps always getting in trouble, you’ll love this show.
This coming-of-age series will keep you on your toes and perhaps rolling your eyes.
Love 101 is about 5 teenagers who often get into trouble at school and come up with a plan to save themselves.
While most teachers don’t want to put up with their shenanigans, there is one who tries to protect and help them, Burcu. But then they find out that she is leaving.
In their desperation to stop this from happening, they decide to help her fall in love with the sports coach so she can choose where she teaches.
After watching multiple episodes I couldn’t really get into this one. Turkish drama is not my cup of tea…drama is not my cup of tea if I am honest.
My language teacher did highly recommended it for learning Turkish and Turkish culture, however, so I am passing it on to you!
14. The Tailor – “Terzİ” (2023-2024)
“The Tailor” follows the life of Peyami, a renowned tailor who recently achieved success with a runway show, overshadowed by his eccentric best friend Dimitri. However, their jubilation is disrupted by Peyami’s grandfather’s passing, threatening to expose a dark secret he’s been avoiding.
Director: Cem Karcı
Cast: Çağatay Ulusoy (Peyami), Salih Bademci (Dimitri), Şifanur Gül (Esvet)
Genre: Drama, Romance
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Number of seasons: 3
I had a hard time watching this one. Dimitri’s character was a bit much for me.
When I first saw the trailer, I thought it was going to go differently than it did. Upon the urging of my language teacher, I gave it a try.
I ended up liking the first season a lot.
There is great character development in this series and the more you understand each of the characters you understand why they are the way they are.
In the second season, I skipped a lot especially in the first couple of episodes because it was just too many sex scenes but I was dying to know the real story.
There were so many lies and secrets that kept being discovered. I was on my toes the whole time.
By the end of the second season, again I saw some redemptive elements that I am shocked to see in a Turkish drama.
This show definitely won’t be for everyone but it is definitely one to learn culture from as well as some commonly used phrases.
15. Shamaran (2023-)
In “Shamaran” Şahsu travels to Adana with the intention of confronting her long-lost grandfather, who abandoned her mother years ago. During her journey, she becomes entangled in the enigmatic and unusual community of Mar, who are descendants of Shahmaran, leading to unexpected and mysterious encounters.
Director: Umur Turagay
Cast: Serenay Sarıkaya (Sahsu), Burak Deniz (Maran), Mustafa Uğurlu (Davut)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
Number of seasons: 1
Last but not least, Shamaran. I have also not finished this one but I must say I am intrigued.
It is definitely a slower starting series than a typical Turkish drama. I am not complaining.
Sahsu ends up going to Adana to speak at a conference and decides to use the time to confront her grandfather.
She has so many questions and only the answers given to her as a child.
When she gets there, however, she discovers an interesting community that believes in the legend of Shahmaran.
This like Atiye has some mystical elements to it so I think I will like it in the end, I have only watched the first episode so far.
Other Netflix Shows
The list would be so long if I listed them all so I will add add a few others that are popular among Turks. I haven’t watched any of these yet.
- 46 Yok Olan – A sci-fi which is not a common genre in Turkish film
- As the Crow Flies – I have tried to get into this because there are 3 seasons so far and it is well-loved but it’s too much drama for me…maybe you’ll enjoy it.
- Rise of Empires: Ottoman – a historical fiction based on the life of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II who tried to take over Constantinople.
- The Life and Movies of Ersan Kuneri – Written, directed, and starred in by my favorite Turkish comedian, Cem Yılmaz. It is a bit raunchy for my taste but Cem Yılmaz is quite funny.
Turkish movies on Netflix
There are some great movies out there but I love a good Turkish romantic comedy movie. Since there aren’t any shows in that genre I’ll share a few of my favorite movies.
- In Good Hands – This isn’t a comedy but it is a really heart-warming film…except the ending isn’t a typical happy ending. WORTH WATCHING!
- Love Tactics – This is hysterical. Think “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. There is even a second one now.
- Make Me Believe – This is a Turkish version of a typical enemies turned lovers storyline I found it quite enjoyable.
- Kill Me if You Dare – a couple on the outs win the lottery and have to figure out how to split it. Oh, the drama in Turkish shows!
5 Tips for Watching Turkish Dramas on Netflix
There are a few things I would highly recommend so that you can get the most out of your learning journey.
- FOCUS – Don’t do anything else while you’re watching, except take note of words/phrases you don’t know or have wanted to know how to say.
- 3x your show – Watch the same movie or episode three times. The first time, watch it in Turkish with English subtitles.
The second time watch it in Turkish with Turkish subtitles. The third time watch it in Turkish with no subtitles. Each time, make sure you make notes as necessary and pause when needed. - Repetition is key – Use the words you wrote down in sentences. Practice using them so they will stick better.
You can memorize them but they stick so much better when you can use them in a sentence that makes sense because you have just given the word context.
- Local production – If you watch something other than the ones below I would encourage you to start with ones that are created locally. You’ll get so much more out of it!
If you don’t, oftentimes what is dubbed in English voice is different than what is in subtitles. This makes it much harder to line up the sounds and words you’re reading. - Pay attention – Watch the cultural implications of what is happening. Some of my favorite shows below are because I learned so much about the culture more than I paid attention to the language. Turkish shows are rich in help for language learners.
So now, let’s talk about my 5 favorite shows/movies that you can find on Netflix.
If you don’t see them on your particular Netflix, you can always use a VPN to see the Turkish ones. If you need one, this is my favorite!
Popular on Netflix: Final thoughts
There are soooooo many more that I could add to the list.
I encourage you to find some of your favorites and share them with me. I am always on the hunt for new shows on Netflix!
If you watch these and are still looking for some reasons to visit Turkey, check out this post on reasons to visit.
Read more:
- Want to take a sailing trip along the Mediterranean coast?
- Halloween in Turkey – Read more about if it is a thing
- Curious about the holidays that Turkey celebrates
- While visiting Turkey know where and how to get the medicine you need
Turkey vacation basics
When I plan a trip these are the websites I use. Hope they help you plan your next adventure as well!
FLIGHTS: I am a huge fan of Skyscanner and WayAway.
VISAS: You can use the free e-visa portal here but for a few extra dollars you can use iVisa and someone else will handle any issues that may come up.
E-SIM: When I traveled to SE Asia I discovered e-sims and I’m never going back. Airalo has been easy and cheap!
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I use TravelInsurance.com for my trips abroad.
CAR RENTAL: I have loved working with Discover Cars when I rent cars in country.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: I have used these transfers many times and they are always great. If you’d like more options, I also recommend GetTransfers.com as they allow you to compare companies.
ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: You can browse GetYourGuide’s website to find just the tour you’re looking for!
