For our NEM Dubrovnik 2026 issue, Burcu Asena Şahin Gençoğlu examined the new Turkish summer series.
For the past few years, the globally recognized Turkish “summer series” experienced a noticeable slowdown. Escalating production costs and tightened budgets forced broadcasters to be highly conservative, often shifting away from the vibrant, fast-paced summer projects that international buyers have traditionally loved. However, the 2026 season marks a massive and highly anticipated comeback. Driven by relentless international demand and a recalibrated industry, production companies are returning to the field with elevated budgets, star-studded casts, and ambitious storylines.
This summer’s slate is particularly striking because it moves beyond lightweight tropes. The new narratives are increasingly weaving in compelling social dynamics, subtle class struggles, and strong perspectives on the evolving roles of women, elevating the traditional romantic comedy and youth drama formats into robust, premium content. For global distributors gathering at NEM Dubrovnik, this spectacular resurgence is poised to be the biggest headline of the season. Here are the most anticipated projects leading the charge:
Torn Apart
Produced by Yaşar and Efe İrvül (Pastel Film), this youth drama officially kicks off the summer season early, premiering on May 31. Directed by Emre Kabakuşak and written by Gökhan Korkusuz and Redife Zerener, the story centers on 17-year-old Aras (Çağan Efe Ak), who grows up in an orphanage and travels to Bodrum to find his sibling. The series boasts a massive cast including Nesrin Cavadzade, Çağdaş Onur Öztürk, and Dilara Aksüyek, promising a gritty yet visually stunning exploration of youth.
Altı Üstü İstanbul
Also from NTC Medya, this gritty drama for ATV focuses on the struggles of Emir (Rahimcan Kapkap) and his friends in the outskirts of Istanbul. Directed by Müge Uğurlar and written by Yekta Torun and Hilal Yıldız, the story explores themes of power, money, and betrayal. The high-profile cast includes Feyyaz Duman, Nehir Erdoğan, İlker Aksum, Rahimcan Kapkap, Elçin Zehra İrem, and Yüsra Geyik.
Doğanın Kanunu
Set to air on Star TV in June, this Ay Yapım romantic comedy brings a fresh workplace dynamic to the screen. Directed by Ali Bilgin and Beste Sultan Kasapoğlu, and filmed in the coastal town of Urla, the story follows a complex professional and romantic entanglement. Written by Barış Erdoğan and İlker Arslan, the plot kicks off when Yaman (Alperen Duymaz) is humiliated during a job interview alongside the boss’s daughter Doğa (Özge Yağız) and her right-hand woman Vera (Kübra Balcan). The characters cross paths again under entirely unexpected circumstances five years later.
Düğünümüz Var
Aiming to fill the high-quality comedy void on television, Poll Films and producer Polat Yağcı are assembling what is being described by industry insiders as a “Champions League” cast. Directed by Mustafa Kotan and written by Ece Yosmaoğlu and Aslı Zengin, the highly anticipated ensemble currently includes heavyweights like Binnur Kaya, Eda Ece, Şevval Sam, Yasemin Ergene, and Cengiz Bozkurt. This project is expected to be a massive draw for buyers looking for premium, character-driven family comedy.
Muhtemel Aşk
Originally developed under the working title Dün, Bugün, Aşk, this MF Yapım romantic comedy will broadcast on Show TV. Directed by Altan Dönmez, produced by Asena Bülbüloğlu, and written by Elif Gamze Arslan and Derya Kara, the series takes place within a high-stakes law firm. It will explore the professional and romantic trials of Defne (Ayça Ayşin Turan), who shares the leading spotlight with Ekin Koç and Feyyaz Şerifoğlu, offering a sleek, urban narrative.
Sevdamı Sakla Karadeniz
Produced by Mia Yapım and spearheaded by Banu Akdeniz, the mastermind behind international hits like Hercai, this new drama will air on NOW. Returning to her own roots, Akdeniz is setting this project in the lush, dramatic landscapes of Trabzon, Maçka. Penned by Deniz Dargı and Cem Görgeç, the series will bring the passionate love story of Kuzey and Zeyşan to the screen, marking a significant investment in authentic regional storytelling for the summer season.
