Best Turkish Shows on Netflix: A Guide for Global Viewers

Turkish dramas, thrillers, and historical series have steadily gained global acclaim, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers with their compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and breathtaking cinematography. For travelers planning a visit to Turkey—or anyone curious about its culture—watching Turkish shows on Netflix is an excellent way to get immersed in the atmosphere before your trip. These productions not only offer entertainment but also provide cultural context, insights into history, and glimpses of iconic locations that you can later visit in person. Below, we present a curated selection of the best Turkish shows on Netflix, complete with background details, travel connections, and reasons why they deserve a spot on your list.

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🎭 The Club (Kulüp)

Set in the vibrant 1950s nightlife of Istanbul, The Club tells the emotional story of Matilda, an ex-convict trying to rebuild her life while working at a famous nightclub. The drama centers around her struggle to reconnect with her estranged daughter, all while navigating the multicultural and often turbulent social fabric of the era. The show highlights Jewish, Greek, and Turkish communities, making it a cultural tapestry as well as a family saga.

Why Watch?
This series is perfect for travelers eager to understand Istanbul’s layered identity. Beyond entertainment, it offers a visual time capsule of the city’s golden era of music and nightlife. If you stroll through Istanbul’s historic Beyoğlu district today, you can still sense echoes of the world depicted in The Club.

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🔮 The Gift (Atiye)

Mysticism, archaeology, and destiny intertwine in The Gift, a drama that follows Atiye, a painter who discovers her life is deeply connected to Göbeklitepe—considered the world’s oldest known temple. As secrets unfold, the series combines family drama with elements of Turkish mythology and spirituality.

Why Watch?
For anyone intrigued by Turkey’s archaeological wonders, this show is a fascinating blend of fiction and history. Travelers inspired by Atiye’s journey can actually visit Göbeklitepe in southeastern Turkey and see the ancient ruins firsthand.

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🐍 Shahmaran

Drawing inspiration from Anatolian myths, Shahmaran explores the love story between a human and a legendary half-snake creature. Themes of fate, legacy, and cultural folklore are woven into a contemporary narrative, making it a rich fantasy drama with a modern edge.

Why Watch?
Fans of myth and fantasy will appreciate how this series revitalizes old Turkish legends. It’s also a chance to see Turkey’s diverse landscapes, where much of the story unfolds.

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💌 Love 101 (Aşk 101)

Set in the colorful 1990s, Love 101 follows a group of high school students who come together to ensure their beloved teacher doesn’t leave by helping her find love. The plot, while fun, evolves into a heartfelt exploration of teenage identity, belonging, and friendship.

Why Watch?
This nostalgic coming-of-age story resonates with anyone who remembers the ups and downs of youth. For tourists, it’s also a glimpse into Turkish urban culture during the ’90s, a decade that shaped the country’s modern identity.

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🕰 Midnight at the Pera Palace

A young journalist checks into Istanbul’s legendary Pera Palace Hotel only to discover a time portal to 1919. She finds herself caught in political intrigue during a turbulent period in Turkey’s history, just as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing.

Why Watch?
Not only is the storyline thrilling, but the Pera Palace Hotel is a real landmark you can visit. The actual hotel has hosted figures like Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie, making it a must-see for history and literature lovers.

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🔪 Fatma

Fatma offers a darker perspective: the story of a cleaning woman who becomes an unexpected serial killer while searching for her missing husband. It’s a suspenseful and emotionally charged portrayal of survival, desperation, and hidden strength.

Why Watch?
This series is highly recommended for those who enjoy crime dramas with strong female leads. Its gritty tone also offers a raw contrast to the more romanticized portrayals of Turkey in other shows.

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🌿 Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı)

Three women confront their past traumas while seeking new beginnings along the scenic Aegean coast. Another Self beautifully balances themes of friendship, emotional healing, and the search for inner peace.

Why Watch?
This is more than just a drama; it’s also a travel postcard. The series showcases Turkey’s breathtaking coastal villages, olive groves, and turquoise waters—locations that tourists can explore for themselves.

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📰 As the Crow Flies (Kuş Uçuşu)

This contemporary drama explores the clash of generations in a high-pressure newsroom. An ambitious intern challenges the authority of experienced journalists, leading to conflicts over ethics, ambition, and truth in media.

Why Watch?
It’s a sharp commentary on the evolving media landscape in Turkey. Visitors curious about modern Turkish society and its challenges will find this drama particularly insightful.

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🏃 Who Were We Running From? (Biz Kimden Kaçıyorduk Anne?)

This suspenseful thriller follows a mother and daughter living like fugitives, constantly on the move to escape dark secrets from the past. Their life in hiding adds a chilling tone, with each new location deepening the sense of mystery.

Why Watch?
Fans of psychological thrillers will appreciate its fast pace and haunting atmosphere. The settings, often luxurious hotels and secluded spots, highlight another side of Turkey’s landscape.

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🏰 Rise of Empires: Ottoman

Combining dramatized reenactments with expert commentary, this historical docudrama explores the rise of Mehmed II and his conquest of Constantinople. With impressive visuals and accurate details, it makes history accessible to modern audiences.

Why Watch?
For history lovers, this is essential viewing. Watching before visiting Istanbul helps bring monuments like Hagia Sophia, the old city walls, and Topkapi Palace to life.

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👏 A Round of Applause (Kuvvetli Bir Alkış)

Premiering in 2024, this psychological drama explores identity, relationships, and self-perception in modern Turkish society. It takes a more introspective approach, offering a break from the usual tropes of action and romance.

Why Watch?
This show is perfect for viewers seeking contemporary and thought-provoking storytelling. It represents the newer wave of Turkish productions focusing on inner life and modern struggles.

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Final Thoughts

Turkish shows on Netflix are more than just entertainment—they are cultural windows. Each title reflects different facets of Turkey’s history, society, and landscapes. From Istanbul’s bustling streets and historic landmarks to the tranquil Aegean villages and mysterious archaeological sites, these series allow viewers to explore the country from their living rooms. For tourists, they also serve as an engaging introduction before setting foot in Turkey. Whether you’re drawn to gripping thrillers, touching dramas, or sweeping historical sagas, there’s a Turkish show on Netflix ready to spark your curiosity and enrich your travel experience.