With hundreds of Turkish series to choose from, picking a first one can feel like a gamble. A rom-com is a very different experience from a family epic, and a series with 70 episodes asks for far more time than one with 10. The right first pick is not necessarily the most famous. It is the one that matches your mood and the amount of time you are willing to give it.
We chose the eight series below for a mix of reasons: they have complete stories, they are easy to follow, and together they cover the main genres newcomers tend to enjoy. They are listed from the shortest commitment to the longest, and episode counts refer to the original Turkish broadcast, with each episode running around two hours.
At a glance
| Series | Genre | Episodes | Best for |
| Breathless | Drama, thriller | 10 | A short, high-stakes first try |
| Price of Passion | Romance, crime | 32 | Romance with tension |
| Daydreamer | Romantic comedy | 51 | Feel-good viewing |
| Love Is in the Air | Romantic comedy | ~52 | Fake-relationship fans |
| Love for Rent | Romantic comedy | 69 | Light, witty romance |
| Our Story | Family drama | 70 | Emotional family stories |
| Hold My Hand | Drama, romance | 2 seasons | Heartfelt, hopeful stories |
| Endless Love | Drama, romance | 74 | A sweeping classic |
1. Breathless (Nefes Nefese)
2018 · Star TV · 10 episodes · about 20 hours
If the idea of a Turkish drama with 70 episodes makes you nervous, start here. Breathless tells the story of Rüya, raised in Berlin by her father, who travels to the Syrian border region to find the mother she has never known. In Antakya she is forced into a fake marriage to cross the border and becomes entangled with a dangerous smuggling network, and a man named Yusuf, searching for his own missing father, changes the course of her journey.
Why it works for newcomers: it is a complete story in a single short season, so you can experience the full Turkish drama format in about 20 hours. It is also darker than a typical romance, so it suits viewers who prefer suspense. The leads are Şükrü Özyıldız and Melisa Şenolsun.
2. Price of Passion (Siyah Beyaz Aşk)
2017 to 2018 · Kanal D · 32 episodes · about 70 hours
A dedicated doctor, Aslı, crosses paths with Ferhat, a cold and guarded man tied to a criminal network. When she becomes an unwilling witness to a dangerous incident, he is made responsible for her safety, and a frightening arrangement slowly becomes something far more complicated.
Why it works for newcomers: it combines romance and suspense in a self-contained season of 32 episodes, which is a moderate commitment. The chemistry between İbrahim Çelikkol and Birce Akalay is a large part of its appeal.
3. Daydreamer (Erkenci Kuş)
2018 to 2019 · Star TV · 51 episodes · about 100 hours
Sanem is a cheerful, imaginative young woman who dreams of becoming a writer. She takes a job at an advertising agency, where she meets Can Divit, a photographer and world traveler who has returned to help run the family business. Misunderstandings, workplace rivalries and family expectations keep getting in the way of a growing connection.
Why it works for newcomers: it is warm, funny and easy to follow, and it is told in a single season. Demet Özdemir and Can Yaman made it one of the most popular Turkish romantic comedies of recent years.
4. Love Is in the Air (Sen Çal Kapımı)
2020 to 2021 · about 52 episodes over two seasons · about 105 hours
Eda is a florist who dreams of finishing university and moving to Italy, until the heir to a large company cancels her scholarship. When the two are mistaken for a couple, they agree to pretend to be engaged in exchange for her scholarship, which is harder to maintain than either expects.
Why it works for newcomers: the fake-engagement setup is easy to grasp, the tone is light, and it became one of the most talked-about Turkish dramas worldwide. It stars Hande Erçel and Kerem Bürsin.
5. Love for Rent (Kiralık Aşk)
2015 to 2017 · Star TV · 69 episodes over two seasons · about 140 hours
Defne is a hardworking young woman supporting her family. She becomes part of a plan devised by a wealthy woman who wants to influence the love life of her nephew Ömer, a successful fashion designer who avoids commitment. What begins as an arrangement becomes harder to manage as both discover the other is not who they expected.
Why it works for newcomers: it is one of the most popular Turkish romantic comedies, with funny supporting characters and a gentle pace. Elçin Sangu and Barış Arduç lead the cast.
6. Our Story (Bizim Hikaye)
2017 to 2019 · 70 episodes over two seasons · about 140 hours
Filiz, the eldest of six siblings, has raised her brothers and sisters since their mother left, in the face of a struggling household and an unreliable father. A charming and mysterious man named Barış arrives and changes her view of what her life could be.
Why it works for newcomers: it is a good example of the family-centered storytelling Turkish television does well, with a large and lovable ensemble. It is adapted from the British series Shameless and deals with hardship, so expect more emotional weight than in the romantic comedies. Hazal Kaya and Burak Deniz star.
7. Hold My Hand (Elimi Bırakma)
2018 to 2019 · TRT 1 · two seasons
Azra's comfortable life changes when her father dies and her stepmother sends her and her autistic brother away from home. As she struggles to protect him, her path crosses with Cenk, the careless heir to a wealthy family who is hiding guilt over his own father's death. Over time the two help each other toward healing.
Why it works for newcomers: it is emotional but ultimately hopeful, and it is an adaptation of the Korean drama Shining Inheritance, which makes it a nice bridge if you already follow K-dramas. Alina Boz and Alp Navruz lead the cast.
8. Endless Love (Kara Sevda)
2015 to 2017 · Star TV · 74 episodes over two seasons · about 150 hours
Kemal, a mining engineering student from a modest family, meets Nihan, who comes from a wealthy household. Their love overcomes their different backgrounds, but circumstances pull them apart, and years later events bring Kemal back to Istanbul to face everything he left behind.
Why it works for newcomers: it is a landmark of the genre, and it won an International Emmy Award for Best Telenovela in 2017. It is also the longest commitment on this list, so we recommend it once you know you enjoy the format. Burak Özçivit and Neslihan Atagül star.
How we chose these series
- Complete stories. Every series here has ended, so you will not be left waiting for new episodes.
- Accessible plots. Each premise can be explained in a sentence, which helps while you adjust to the format.
- A range of lengths. From 10 episodes to 74, so you can match a series to your time.
- A range of moods. Romantic comedy, thriller, family drama and classic romance are all represented.
What to try next
Once you finish your first series, explore our editors' Best Series Ever collection or browse the top rated shows. If you are not sure which of these eight to pick, our guide on how to choose a Turkish series to watch helps you narrow it down, and our guide to starting Turkish dramas covers the practical side, from names to subtitles. If the long runtimes worry you, read why Turkish drama episodes are so long.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Turkish drama to start with?
For the shortest commitment, start with Breathless. For something light and feel-good, Daydreamer or Love Is in the Air are popular first picks.
Which Turkish drama is best for people who like romantic comedies?
Daydreamer, Love for Rent and Love Is in the Air are all romantic comedies, each with a different setup and tone.
Are there short Turkish dramas for beginners?
Yes. Breathless has just 10 episodes, and Price of Passion has 32, which is short by Turkish standards.
Do I need to watch these in a particular order?
No. Each series is a standalone story, so you can start with any of them.
Which of these is best for family viewing?
Romantic comedies like Daydreamer and Love for Rent are generally the lightest choices, but always check the age guidance and themes before watching with children.
