Turkish series have definitely made a comeback for the younger generation, but let’s be honest, Gen Z still doesn’t want to sit in front of the TV on a Saturday evening. (Okay, I’m joking, it’s not all of Gen Z.) However, one thing is clear: YouTube views have become crucial for Turkish series, sometimes even making or breaking a show’s success.
So, which shows are racking up the most views on YouTube? The classics! Viewers continue to binge-watch Magnificent Century, Ezel, the beloved sitcom Avrupa Yakası, Fatmagül, The Girl Named Feriha, and Medcezir, all of which have become comfort shows for many.
But what about new series? One of the biggest hits on YouTube right now is One Love. Now in its third season, it has built itself a very dedicated, loyal fanbase. Episodes are uploaded to YouTube right after the TV broadcast and often reach over 6 million views in just three days. Another standout is The Shadow Team, which can pull around 2.5 million views just in a day. Other series drawing millions of views include The Ottoman, Far Away, The Nightfall, Valley of Hearts, as well as Red Roses and An Anatolian Tale.
With digital and “new” media on the rise, we were told that streaming platforms would completely take over traditional Turkish TV. But it did not go that way. Turkish series have always had a solid audience, and as I mentioned earlier, even Gen Z has started watching them again. And now, digital platforms are streaming them?
It all started with one of last season’s biggest hits, Blooming Lady. A Turkish remake of the Korean drama Dr. Cha, the series was a huge success, consistently topping the ratings. Prime Video acquired next-day streaming rights, meaning that it would air on Prime Video after its TV broadcast. This trend continued as NOW TV’s series, like Red Roses, Leyla, and Portrait of a Scandalous Family, were added on Disney+.
We Know Have to Subscribe to Everything
Netflix also jumped on the trend, securing the next-day streaming rights for OGM’s The Fall of the King before its premiere. Starring one of Türkiye’s most prominent actors, Halit Ergenç (Magnificent Century), alongside Cannes Best Actress winner Merve Dizdar, the show was highly anticipated. It debuted with strong TV ratings and quickly made its way into Netflix Türkiye’s Top 10.
The subscription model could also have an interesting side effect, could it encourage audiences to watch Turkish series live on TV to avoid paying for multiple streaming services? If so, this might, in turn, boost ratings and engagement. I guess we’ll see.
For years, people have debated Turkish series and their place in the digital era, often arguing whether traditional long-format series or digital mini-series are better. But I think neither is better than the other. If a series is good, people will watch it, whether it’s long, short, or requires a subscription.
So, what’s next for Turkish series? We’ll have to wait and see.
This article was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIP LONDON 2025 issue.
