Netflix drama The Club has found an audience, with viewers loving the story, the cast, and the 1950s Istanbul location. The drama follows Matilda, who was recently released from prison and finding a home in her new position at The Club. When she encounters her daughter, whom she was forced to give up after her incarceration, she tries to reconnect with her, but her road to redemption is a difficult one
The Turkish show has become a hit for the streaming platform, and one of the most notable aspects is the cinematography and art direction. With that in mind, we thought we would have a quick look and see if there were any other shows set in Istanbul that you might enjoy.
10 Best TV Shows Set in Istanbul
Sahsiyet (2018)
Superlative performances and a twisted plot put this on our list. A retired man with Alzheimer’s decides to take the law into his own hands, becoming a vigilante and attracting the attention of local law enforcement, leading to a game of cat and mouse.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020)
Sprawling and epic in its scope, this series would tackle the rise of the Ottoman Empire, starting in its first season with the siege of Constantinople in 1453 and continuing into the second run, which would continue the story of Sultan Mehmed II and his friendship and eventual war with the ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Dracula.
Hatirla Sevgili (Remember My Love) (2006)
Set in a similar time period to The Club, this is essentially a love story that follows a familiar premise. A young couple from two very different families fall in love, but the odds are stacked against them, and their love is forbidden.
Set amidst the undercurrent of the political unrest at that time in Istanbul, this is a must-watch, especially if you love The Club.
Gumus (Silver) (2005)
Leaning into soap opera and melodrama, this series followed the story of Mehmet Sadoglu, mourning the recent death of his girlfriend, who had apparently died in a car accident. However, his parents are now urging him to marry Gümüs, a simple girl, but Mehmet may not be as keen.
The Magnificent Century (2011)
This almost legendary Turkish TV series is often cited as being the beginning of a new legacy of Turkish television. The show is a historical drama complete with whispered liaisons, political intrigue, and secret schemes.
The long-running narrative had plenty of twists and turns and became an international hit, leading to further series and spin-offs.
Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne? (What Is Fatmagül’s Fault?) (2010)
This is a dark and sordid tale that follows a terrible premise. Fatmagul is a girl from a small town who is acted and assaulted by four men. One of the gang, Kerim, was not involved with the attack but did nothing to stop it and agrees to marry her after her fiancée finishes the relationship,
This is a complex and complicated story that became another international hit, especially in Puerto Rico.
Payitaht Abdulhamid (The Last Emperor) (2017)
Another striking historical drama that features startling sets and costumes and follows the story of Abdulhamid II and his attempts to keep The Ottoman Empire and Caliphate alive. With its narrative based on real events and an intriguing premise, this divisive show had to be on our list.
Kara Sevda (Endless Love)
Another tale of forbidden and tragic love makes up the bulk of this show. Mining engineer Kemal and a girl named Nihan meet and fall in love, but their relationship is forbidden. Everyone loves a tragic love story, and this Istanbul-based series was a smash hit in Spain and Latin America.
Sen Çal Kapimi (2020)
An odd couple that finds themselves in a bizarre situation makes up the premise for this comedy drama. Eda and Serkin have to pretend they are engaged but over the course of their imaginary relationship. real romance seems to grow.
Who Were We Running From? (2023)
A twisted and ambiguous thriller, this story follows Bambi and her mother on the run and hiding in hotels, trying to stay one step ahead of an unknown threat and leaving a trail of bodies behind them
The Netflix series was a sleeper hit that was elevated by its location work.
Do you have any other recommendations for the best TV shows in Istanbul? Let us know in the comments.
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