Most-watched Turkish TV series worldwide

In 2024, Türkiye became the third-largest TV series exporter globally, with Turkish TV series gaining massive popularity from the Middle East to Europe and Latin America.

According to Parrot Analytics, global demand for Turkish TV series surged by 184% between 2020 and 2023, far surpassing the 73% growth seen for Korean dramas.

Top Turkish TV series with global appeal

1. “Ezel” (IMDb 8.6)
   A gripping tale of betrayal and redemption, “Ezel” follows a man who reinvents himself to seek revenge on those who wronged him. With a suspenseful narrative and complex characters, the show delves into love, betrayal, and justice.
2. “Kurtlar Vadisi” (Valley of the Wolves) (IMDb 8.3)
   This action-packed series explores the world of Turkish organized crime, featuring intense storytelling and deep moral dilemmas.
3. “Sahsiyet” (Persona) (IMDb 9.1)
   Starring Haluk Bilginer, this psychological thriller tells the story of Agah, a retired judicial officer diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, who embarks on a quest for justice before his memory fades.
4. “Masum” (Innocent) (IMDb 8.5)
   Set in a small town, this mystery series unravels hidden secrets through the eyes of a retired police officer drawn back into investigative work after a shocking murder.
5. “Dirilis: Ertugrul” (Resurrection: Ertugrul) (IMDb 8.1)
   This historical drama chronicles the life of Ertugrul Bey, whose bravery and leadership laid the groundwork for the Ottoman Empire.
6. “Fatmagul’un Sucu Ne?” (What is Fatmagul’s Fault?) (IMDb 8.2)
   A powerful drama addressing societal issues, the series follows Fatmagül’s journey to healing and justice after a traumatic event.
7. “Muhtesem Yuzyil” (Magnificent Century) (IMDb 8.1)
   This lavish series explores the reign of Sultan Suleiman I (the Magnificent), blending history with palace intrigue and epic storytelling.
8. “Bir Zamanlar Cukurova” (Bitter Lands) (IMDb 5.3)
   Bitter Lands tells the story of a legendary love that begins in Istanbul during the 1970s and continues in the fertile lands of Cukurova in southern Türkiye. A young couple who dreams of marriage conceal their identity to escape from the darned. They will introduce themselves as sibling and work in the farm in Adana.

Spanish viewers’ love for Turkish TV series

In 2023, Turkish TV series topped the charts in Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In fact, the three most popular shows in Spain during the first half of 2023 were Turkish dramas, often dubbed in Spanish for Latin American audiences.

While most viewers in Latin America watch Turkish series with Spanish dubbing, audiences in regions like Poland and Greece often prefer subtitles, leading to an increasing interest in learning Turkish.

Turkish TV series have made a significant mark on the global entertainment landscape, achieving remarkable success in international markets. With Türkiye becoming the third-largest TV series exporter in the world, productions like “Ezel,” “Valley of the Wolves,” “Persona,” “Innocent,” “Resurrection: Ertugrul”, “What is Fatmagul’s Fault?,” and “Magnificent Century” have captivated audiences from Spain to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The sharp rise in global demand for Turkish dramas, with a 184% increase between 2020 and 2023, underscores their growing appeal, surpassing even the popularity growth of Korean series.