Popular Turkish TV Series: What to Watch
Living as an expat in Turkey promises adventure and growth, but it also presents unique challenges. Many expats search for meaningful ways to adapt, understand the culture, and bridge the gap between their old lives and their new Turkish home. Popular Turkish TV series can offer a window into local traditions, language, and social life, making them both educational and entertaining. Watching these shows supports language learning, expands cultural understanding, and provides topics for conversation with locals. Here are five top choices every modern expat in Turkey should consider.
Why Turkish TV Series Matter for Expats
Turkish television series — or diziler — have captured global audiences with their engaging stories and relatable characters. For expats, these shows provide more than just entertainment:
- Help with Turkish language familiarization
- Showcase different regions, accents, and social customs
- Offer insight into Turkish values and daily life
- Serve as conversation starters with locals
- Reduce feelings of isolation through story immersion
Investing time in Turkish TV can smooth your cultural transition, helping you navigate daily interactions with greater confidence.
Drama and Emotion: Diriliş: Ertuğrul
Diriliş: Ertuğrul (Resurrection: Ertugrul) became an international success for good reason. The series blends history, family loyalty, and timeless moral dilemmas, all set in the dramatic atmosphere of the 13th century. Watching this series provides:
- Exposure to Turkish historical legends
- Clear pronunciation, ideal for language learners
- Cultural references you will see in daily life
- Conversations with Turkish colleagues and neighbors
For example, you might notice locals referencing Ertuğrul’s courage or discussing episodes over tea, giving you a natural entry-point into friendships.
Modern Life and Relationships: Dekho Istanbul (Masumlar Apartmanı)
If you want to understand contemporary Turkish urban life and social issues, Masumlar Apartmanı (The Innocents) delivers. This compelling drama covers themes like mental health, family responsibility, and love, all set within a modern Istanbul apartment block. Watching offers:
- Authentic Turkish dialogue reflecting everyday speech
- Depictions of real-life challenges facing urban Turks
- Insight into family hierarchy, respect, and boundaries
- References to Turkish food, traditions, and city life
Relate your own experiences as an expat by observing how Turkish families face change and support each other, making it easier to navigate your relationships in Turkey.
Comedy and Everyday Quirks: Leyla ile Mecnun
Adjusting to a new culture often means learning to find humor in the unfamiliar. Leyla ile Mecnun stands out as a delightful surrealist comedy with lovable characters, poking fun at modern Turkish life with wit. It provides:
- Accessible slang and idiomatic Turkish phrases
- Slices of everyday humor and irony
- References to Turkish pop culture and music
- Running jokes you’ll hear discussed by local friends
Picking up on the show’s jokes can help break the ice and show your fun side to new acquaintances.
For Families and Children: Kardeşlerim
For expat families with children, Kardeşlerim (My Siblings) combines drama and family dynamics, offering everyone in your household a shared viewing experience. It provides:
- Simple, clear conversations for easier language practice
- Themes relatable to both adults and children
- Understanding of Turkish sibling and family bonds
- Opportunities to discuss Turkish values at home
Watching together helps your family engage with Turkish culture, making the adjustment period less overwhelming for children and parents alike.
Romance and Melodrama: Kara Sevda
No guide to Turkish TV series is complete without Kara Sevda (Endless Love), a global hit that won international awards. This romantic drama offers:
- High-quality production and compelling storytelling
- Emotional vocabulary and expressive dialogue
- Iconic scenes filmed in recognizable Istanbul locations
- A cultural benchmark referenced by Turkish friends
Discover shared interests with local colleagues by mentioning plotlines, or compare notes about typical romantic customs depicted on the show.
Getting Started with Turkish Series as an Expat
Diving into Turkish TV series doesn’t require advanced language skills. Start with English subtitles, and then switch to Turkish subtitles as you grow comfortable. Most streaming platforms—like Netflix, BluTV, or Exxen—have several Turkish series in their catalog. Set aside time each week to watch an episode or two. Try to note slang and phrases, and don’t hesitate to discuss your favorite characters or scenes when meeting new people.
- Choose series relevant to your interests
- Watch with friends, roommates, or family members
- Practice new vocabulary during daily interactions
- Use Turkish subtitles to boost comprehension
- Join local fan groups or social media discussions
Embracing Turkish TV series supports your adaptation journey as an expat, giving you both language tools and cultural confidence. Enjoy the journey — and happy watching!
