If you have a type of production that has gained space in Brazil's screens in recent years, they are the Turkish soap operas.
Productions work by mixing various genres
Productions work by mixing various genresWith scripts that mix drama, romance and daring twists, these soap operas have been winning those who love surrounding stories - and with a breathtaking aesthetics.
If you are keeping an eye on this type of content, or still starting, it has come in the right place: Here are the Turkish soap operas that stood out in this century and where you can watch them.
What are the genres of the most successful Turkish soap operas?
Romance with hints of drama is by far the most popular combo among successful Turkish productions. But there is more: family plots, social conflicts, past secrets and even a touch of action appear frequently.
The most pumped soap operas usually invest in stories with strong moral dilemmas, disputes between families, loving triangles and of course a good deal of emotion - all without appealing to exaggeration.
Moreover, it is common to see a slower but intense narrative that focuses on the feelings of the characters.
Another high point is the visuals: whether in urban scenarios or historical landscapes of Türkiye, the productions invest heavily in aesthetics - which helps (and a lot) to arrest the public.
Are Turkish soap operas very different from the most consecrated Brazilian soap operas?
Yes and no! Overall, the format is similar: serial stories about an hour per episode, a focus on the emotional development of the characters and many conflicts throughout the plot. The main difference is in the pace.
Turkish soap operas are more introspective and prioritize emotional drama instead of fast cuts and accelerated dialogues, as usually happens in Brazilian soap operas.
Another point is the setting: while Brazilian soap operas often explore social and political issues more often, Turkish bet more on family drama and impossible love.
Still, the two have something in common that does not fail - they know how to involve the audience with intense characters and plots that leave no one indifferent.
✅ The 7 best Turkish soap operas and where to watch
1. Fatmagül - The Force of Love (2010)
📺 Available at Globoplay
The story revolves around Fatmagül, a young woman from the interior who has her life turned upside down after a brutal crime. The soap opera follows its search for justice, but also in itself, while dealing with trauma and finds space for love. It is one of the most impactful Turkish soap operas ever displayed in Brazil.
2. Hercai - Love and Revenge (2019)
📺 Available at Globoplay
Miran, raised to avenge his parents' death, marries Reyyan, granddaughter of the rival family. But the plan begins to crumble when he really falls in love with her. With a plot that mixes romance and revenge, this soap opera became a sensation among fans of the genre.
3. Is that love? (Sen çal kapim) (2020)
📺 Available at HBO Max
Eda is a young landscaper who loses a scholarship because of the arrogant businessman Serkan. They end up making a deal to pretend a relationship - and of course what was a lie begins to gain real contours. Light, fun and with plenty of chemistry among the protagonists.
4. My home, my fate (Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir) (2019)
📺 Available at HBO Max
Based on a royal story, this soap opera follows Zeynep, a woman divided between two worlds: the poverty of the biological family and the wealth of the adopted family. The conflict between roots and personal choices sets the tone of the drama.
5. The famous tailor (terzi) (2023)
📺 Available on Netflix
Peyami is a renowned tailor that keeps secrets of the past. When a bride enters her life to make the wedding dress, everything changes. A soap opera with emotional tension, impeccable aesthetics and a mystery that is gradually revealed.
6. Forbidden Love (Aşk-I Memnu) (2008)
📺 Available on YouTube (dubbed)
An absolute classic. Bihter gets involved with her husband's stepson, and the forbidden romance leads to tragic consequences. It is one of the biggest hits of Turkish TV and a reference in Melodrama to this day.
7. Erkenci Kuş (Night Bird) (2018)
📺 Available on YouTube and some versions on HBO Max
Sanem is a dreamer young man who starts working at an advertising agency where he meets Can, the owner's son. The chemistry between the two moves the story, full of humor and passion.
These soap operas proved that Turkey knows - and very well - how to tell good stories. And the best: several are available with voice acting or subtitles in Portuguese, ready for you marathon !! 😉
