If there's one type of production that has gained prominence on Brazilian screens in recent years, it's Turkish soap operas.
Productions work by mixing various genres
With storylines that blend drama, romance, and daring plot twists, these soap operas have been winning over those who love engaging stories—and breathtaking aesthetics.
If you're looking for this type of content, or are just starting out, you've come to the right place: here are the Turkish soap operas that have stood out the most 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 combination among successful Turkish productions. But there's more: family dramas, social conflicts, secrets from the past, and even a touch of action frequently appear.
The most popular soap operas generally invest in stories with strong moral dilemmas, family feuds, love triangles, and, of course, a good dose of emotion — all without resorting to exaggeration.
Furthermore, it is common to see a slower, yet intense narrative that focuses on the characters' feelings.
Another highlight is the visuals: whether in urban settings or historical landscapes of Turkey, the productions invest heavily in aesthetics — which greatly helps to captivate the audience.
Are Turkish soap operas very different from the most popular Brazilian soap operas?
Yes and no! Overall, the format is similar: serialized stories with episodes lasting about an hour, focusing on the emotional development of the characters and many conflicts throughout the plot. The main difference lies in the pacing.
Turkish soap operas are more introspective and prioritize emotional drama instead of quick cuts and fast-paced dialogue, as is often the case in Brazilian soap operas.
Another point is the setting: while Brazilian soap operas tend to explore social and political issues more frequently, Turkish ones focus more on family drama and impossible love.
Still, the two have something in common that never fails — they know how to engage the audience with intense characters and plots that leave no one indifferent.
✅ The 7 best Turkish soap operas and where to watch them
1. Fatmagül – The Power of Love (2010)
📺 Available on Globoplay
The story revolves around Fatmagül, a young woman from the countryside whose life is turned upside down after a brutal crime. The telenovela follows her search for justice, but also for herself, as she grapples with trauma and finds space for love. It is one of the most impactful Turkish telenovelas ever shown in Brazil.
2. Hercai – Love and Revenge (2019)
📺 Available on Globoplay
Miran, raised to avenge his parents' death, marries Reyyan, the granddaughter of a rival family. But the plan begins to unravel when he truly falls in love with her. With a plot that blends romance and revenge, this telenovela has become a sensation among fans of the genre.
3. Is This Love? (Sen Çal Kapımı) (2020)
📺 Available on HBO Max
Eda is a young landscape designer who loses her scholarship because of the arrogant businessman Serkan. They end up making a deal to pretend to be dating—and, of course, what was pretend begins to take on real contours. Light, fun, and with plenty of chemistry between the protagonists.
4. My Home, My Destiny (Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir) (2019)
📺 Available on HBO Max
Based on a true story, this novel follows Zeynep, a woman torn between two worlds: the poverty of her biological family and the wealth of her adoptive family. The conflict between roots and personal choices sets the tone for the drama.
5. The Famous Tailor (Terzi) (2023)
📺 Available on Netflix
Peyami is a renowned tailor who guards secrets from the past. When a bride enters his life to have her wedding dress made, everything changes. A novel filled with emotional tension, impeccable aesthetics, and a mystery that unfolds gradually.
6. Forbidden Love (Aşk-ı Memnu) (2008)
📺 Available on YouTube (dubbed)
An absolute classic. Bihter becomes involved with her husband's stepson, and the forbidden romance leads to tragic consequences. It's one of the biggest hits on Turkish TV and remains a benchmark of melodrama to this day.
7. Erkenci Kuş (Early Bird) (2018)
📺 Available on YouTube and some versions on HBO Max
Sanem is a dreamy young woman who starts working at an advertising agency, where she meets Can, the owner's son. The chemistry between the two drives the story, which is full of humor and passion.
These soap operas proved that Turkey knows—and very well—how to tell good stories. And the best part: several are available dubbed or subtitled in Portuguese, ready for you to binge-watch!! 😉