Turkish TV Series: Now on BBC and Other Mainstream Media
How Turkish TV Content is Captivating Audiences Worldwide. BBC acquires a Turkish crime drama and opens the path into traditionally resistant markets like the UK and the USA.
Turkish TV series have long been popular in various parts of the world, but they are now making significant inroads into traditionally resistant markets like the UK and the USA. This shift marks a turning point in the global entertainment landscape as Turkish dramas gain recognition and viewership on major platforms. This newsletter explores the factors driving this trend and its implications for the international TV industry.
The Rise of Turkish TV Content
Turkey is the third-largest TV series exporter in the world after the USA and the UK. Turkish dramas have captivated audiences globally, influencing various sectors such as tourism, food, and creative industries. With over 1 billion viewers worldwide, Turkish TV series have become cultural ambassadors, showcasing Turkish culture and lifestyle.
“Turkey is the third-largest TV series exporter in the world after the USA and the UK. This cultural expansion impacts several sectors such as tourism, food, creative industries, and heritage products.”
From Streaming Platforms to Mainstream TV
While Turkish series have been available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, their recent acquisition by mainstream networks marks a new phase of expansion. The BBC’s acquisition of "The Turkish Detective" for its iPlayer and TV channels is a significant milestone, indicating that Turkish content is now seen as valuable and marketable to a broader audience.
Example: The BBC has acquired "The Turkish Detective," an eight-part series set in modern-day Istanbul that blends mystery and family drama. This move is expected to introduce Turkish TV series to a larger British audience, paving the way for more Turkish content on mainstream platforms.
Factors Driving Global Popularity
Several factors contribute to the global popularity of Turkish TV series:
Shared Cultural Narratives: Turkish series often feature themes of family, relationships, and community, resonating with audiences across different cultures. This shared sense of values and traditions makes Turkish dramas relatable to a global audience.
Quote: “The Ottoman heritage significantly influenced a large geographic region, creating a shared sense of customs, traditions, behaviours, and relationships.”
High Production Values: Turkish TV series are known for their high production quality, compelling storytelling, and strong character development. These elements attract viewers looking for well-crafted entertainment.
Diverse Representation: Turkish dramas offer a fresh perspective on Middle Eastern culture, countering the often negative portrayals seen in Western media. This representation appeals to non-Western audiences who feel alienated by traditional Western content.
Quote: “Turkish TV content has become popular among people who feel uncomfortable watching 'the others' being alienated or excluded from TV content by the leading Western cultural producers.”
The Growing Demand for Cross-Cultural Content
Building on our recent exploration of cross-cultural TV's burgeoning influence, Deloitte's 2024 Digital Media Trends Report offers compelling insights that align with our observations on the demand for cross-cultural content in global audiences. This is reflected in the growing demand for diversity and inclusion in media and entertainment among US audiences.
“Over 75% of American viewers feel disconnected from current media representation. The report spotlights the unprecedented rise of Korean and Turkish TV shows as beacons of cultural diversity.” Quote from the report
This demand for inclusivity extends beyond the screen, with a notable shift towards online platforms that offer a richer tapestry of narratives—from live broadcasts to influencer content—that resonate more authentically with diverse audiences. This is particularly true among Gen Z viewers, who increasingly abandon traditional SVOD services in search of content that mirrors their multifaceted realities.
Expanding Influence Beyond Traditional Markets
Turkish TV series are popular in the Middle East and South America and are gaining traction in Western markets. The global success of shows like "Diriliş: Ertuğrul" and "Kara Para Aşk" highlights the increasing demand for Turkish content.
Example: "Dirilis: Ertugrul," a historical drama, was the fourth-most in-demand TV series globally in May 2020, according to Parrot Analytics. The show’s Urdu dubbing has amassed 153 million views on YouTube, illustrating its wide-reaching appeal.
The Impact on Cultural Diplomacy
The popularity of Turkish TV series also serves as a tool for cultural diplomacy. By portraying Turkish culture and values in a positive light, these shows enhance Turkey's soft power and influence on the global stage.
Example: The Turkish government’s new streaming platform, Tabii, under TRT, aims to leverage this growing demand to promote Turkey’s political and cultural agenda worldwide.
Conclusion
The growing demand for Turkish TV series signifies a broader trend in the global entertainment industry. As Turkish dramas captivate audiences, they pave the way for greater cultural exchange and understanding. The recent acquisition of Turkish content by major networks like the BBC highlights the potential for these series to become even more mainstream, reaching new heights of global influence.
How has your experience with Turkish TV series shaped your view on cross-cultural content? Please share your favourite shows and experiences with us, and let’s discuss how Turkish TV content is reshaping the global entertainment landscape.
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