The success of Turkish TV series abroad is actually older than you might think. For example, did you know that the first Turkish TV series was sold abroad in 1981? The TRT series Aşk-ı Memnu, shot in 1975, was sold to France in 1981 and became a first.
Since then, the world of Turkish TV series has come a long way. According to a report by Anadolu Agency, Deli Yurek, the first episode of which was broadcast in 1999, was sold to Kazakhstan, while the popularity of Turkish TV series in the Arab world increased greatly in 2008. The first episode of the Gümüş series, the first episode of which was broadcast in 2005 and the lead roles were shared by Songül Öden and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, reached 85 million viewers in the Arabic dubbed final episode, which was broadcast in 2008.
Starring Halit Ergenç and Meryem Uzerli, the Magnificent Century series, apart from its success in the Middle East, was screened in many countries, including Japan, and reached over 500 million viewers. Magnificent Century, which was sold to 70 countries and reached approximately 500 million viewers, has become the best-selling TV series abroad to date.
Turkish TV series still continue to occupy the world agenda. So what makes Turkish TV series so successful in the world today? Milliyet Newspaper television critic Sina Koloğlu brought the issue to his column.
Sina Koloğlu included an interview that Todonews had with Jose Anton, the content manager of Atresmedia, Spain’s largest media company.
Drawing attention to the high standards of Turkish TV series, Anton said in his interview, “Today Kadın and ‘Bir Zamanlar Çukurova’ have very advanced standards. Movie quality work. Outdoor shots and scenery… We chose the newest works for our main channel” he stated.
Pointing out that all Turkish TV series have a very good story and dramatic structure, Anton said, “Now I think the new explosion will come from the digital platform where there is much higher quality content.”