7.8 / 10 (based on 2929 reviews)
Looking like a young, handsome and charismatic businessman from the outside, Han is filled with his family’s painful memories and tragedy inside. After returning from the U.S., he devotes his life to his sisters and his dad. His sisters suffer from physiological problems, as a tragic consequence of their childhood traumas and family history. Safiye, as the main victim of the family’s traumatic past, suffers from extreme OCD, forcing her to clean everything at least four times with soap, including her own body, causing bruises on her body. Gulben, who still wets her bed even as a young woman, is dependent on Safiye, trying to help her all the time and ease her pain. The youngest, Neriman, suffers from asthma and self-harm, scratching her skin until making it bleed severely. Han isolates himself from any social activity or any kind of joy until the day, he sees Inci and immediately falls in love with her. For the first time in his life, Han will seek out his happiness.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Birkan Sokullu, Merve Dizdar, Ezgi Mola, Atilla Sendil
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 50 episodes
Shows Most Like Masumlar Apartmani (2020)
Kirmizi Oda (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 2089 reviews)
The Red Room is set in a therapist office in Istanbul, where we see vulnerable women and men who pass through to get treatment and handle their traumas and problems.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Binnur Kaya, Gulcin Kultur Sahin, Sezin Bozaci, Baran Can Eraslan
Creators: Gülseren Budayicioglu
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 58 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Sadakatsiz (2020)
6.4 / 10 (based on 2051 reviews)
Asya is a successful doctor and she has a perfect life with her husband and her son. But after finding a blonde hair on her husband’s scarf, everything changes and she discovers her husband’s extramarital affair.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Cansu Dere, Caner Cindoruk, Melis Sezen, Özge Özder
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 46 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Camdaki Kiz (2021)
5.4 / 10 (based on 1229 reviews)
Nalan is a beautiful young woman who earns everyone’s love at first sight with her warmth. As the only child of the family enlarged hand baby, baby roses, lived in the existence of life and Nalan graduated with honors the best schools, Turkey finds’s largest hotel chain, which Koroglu company as an architect at running than himself Sedat Koroglu’ with marriage Eve. Although Nalan and Sedat began to walk hand in hand in this tale with hope, thinking that they are moving away from the dark secrets they have kept in their past; Soon their lives will sink into real darkness.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Burcu Biricik, Selma Ergeç, Feyyaz Serifoglu, Nur Sürer
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 26 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Menajerimi Ara (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1903 reviews)
At a talent agency in Istanbul, agents scramble to keep their star clients happy and their business afloat. The agents will juggle one situation to another in circumstances that blend their personal and professional lives.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Baris Falay, Fatih Artman, Ahsen Eroglu, Deniz Can Aktas
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 45 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Alev Alev (2020)
6.9 / 10 (based on 1239 reviews)
The flames that changed all the lives they touch, the flowers sprouting from the ashes of a fire. The story of finding yourself, continuing on the road, seeking justice and true love
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Demet Evgar, Hazar Ergüçlü, Dilan Çiçek Deniz, Cihangir Ceyhan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 28 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Gönül Dagi (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 958 reviews)
Battling with limited resources, a wonderful invention made by Taner, who dreams of one day reuniting with his childhood love Dilek, and his two cousins pave the way for an unforgettable turn of events.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Berk Atan, Gulsim Ali, Ecem Özkaya, Ferdi Sancar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 42 episodes
Ufak Tefek Cinayetler (2017)
7.3 / 10 (based on 2949 reviews)
Three girls in high school made a prank on the fourth girl and caused her to be expelled from the high school with her teacher. After 20 years they got together in a high society environment.
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Gökçe Bahadir, Aslihan Gürbüz, Mert Firat, Yildiray Sahinler
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 45 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Marasli (2021)
7.7 / 10 (based on 3175 reviews)
Marasli (BurakDeniz) is a retired soldier turned bookstore owner. For Marasli, life changed drastically after his daughter is shot. One day, the beautiful Mahur (AlinaBoz) enters Marasli’s bookstore and on that same day, she involuntarily gets involved in an incident. Marasli saves Mahur’s life and from that day onwards, their fates will be linked.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Burak Deniz, Alina Boz, Serhat Mustafa Kiliç, Saygin Soysal
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Son Yaz (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 3026 reviews)
Idealist Public Prosecutor Selim receives an offer he cannot refuse from organized crime leader Selcuk Taskin, whom he sent to prison. Selcuk will testify in the prosecutor’s case, but in return, he asks the prosecutor to protect his son.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Alperen Duymaz, Ali Atay, Hafsanur Sancaktutan, Arif Piskin
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 26 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Yasak Elma (2018)
5.7 / 10 (based on 2318 reviews)
Three things in life can not be hidden “love, smoke and lack of money”. The social society and the events behind the business world are told.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Sevval Sam, Eda Ece, Cemal Günbas, Baris Aytac
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 126 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Bir Baskadir (2020)
8.5 / 10 (based on 27994 reviews)
A group of unique characters from dramatically different socio-cultural backgrounds meeting in startling circumstances in the vibrant and colorful city of Istanbul, – some by chance and some by force of will.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Öykü Karayel, Fatih Artman, Funda Eryigit, Defne Kayalar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 49.0-minute runtime
Ankara (2021)
6.7 / 10 (based on 1967 reviews)
National Intelligence Organization members are always ready to serve to destroy the enemies of Turkey.
Genre: Action, Drama
Main Cast: Caglar Ertugrul, Deniz Baysal, Mesut Akusta, Ezgi Eyüboglu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 29 episodes
Masumlar Apartmani, or Innocent Apartments when translated to English, is a Turkish television series that premiered on TRT 1 in September 2020. It’s not just another drama series; it’s a deep dive into the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and the shadows that past traumas can cast on the present and future. Based on a true story and inspired by the novel “Inside the Medallion” by Gülseren Budayıcıoğlu, the show offers a unique perspective on issues that are often swept under the rug.
The Premise
The series revolves around the lives of the Han family, who live in an apartment building that’s as full of secrets as it is residents. At the heart of the story is Han, a successful businessman with a dark past and an even more complicated present, thanks to his responsibilities towards his two sisters, Safiye and Gülben. Both sisters suffer from severe OCD and various phobias, a direct result of their traumatic childhood. The arrival of Inci, a young woman with her own set of issues, into their lives, sets off a chain of events that forces each character to confront their past, their fears, and their deepest secrets.
Characters That Feel Real
One of the show’s strongest points is its characters. They’re not just names on a script; they’re living, breathing entities with layers and depth. Let’s take a closer look:
- Han: The pillar of the family, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. His life is a balancing act, managing his business while trying to keep his family together.
- Safiye: Perhaps the most complex character, Safiye battles severe OCD and cleanliness phobias. Her rituals and routines are both a prison and a comfort zone.
- Gülben: Safiye’s younger sister, who also struggles with OCD, has an unhealthy attachment to her brother, viewing him as a protector and fearing his absence.
- Inci: The outsider who enters their world, Inci has her own baggage but becomes a catalyst for change within the family.
These characters are portrayed with such authenticity and depth that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a TV show. Their struggles, fears, and desires are relatable, making it impossible not to root for them.
Breaking The Mold
Masumlar Apartmani stands out for several reasons. Here are just a few:
Tackling Mental Health
The show doesn’t shy away from the complex world of mental health. It portrays OCD, trauma, and phobias with sensitivity and accuracy, showing the impact on the individual and their loved ones. It’s refreshing to see a series address these issues head-on, contributing to a greater understanding and destigmatization of mental health.
A Different Kind of Love Story
At its core, Masumlar Apartmani is a love story, but not in the traditional sense. It’s about the love between siblings, the love of a son for his family, and the slow-building love between Han and Inci. Their relationship is not about grand gestures but about understanding, acceptance, and the healing power of love.
The Power of Past Trauma
The series does an excellent job of showing how past trauma can shape our lives, behaviors, and relationships. Through flashbacks and current events, viewers see how the Han siblings’ childhood experiences have trapped them in a cycle of fear and avoidance. It’s a powerful reminder of the long-lasting effects of trauma.
Why Masumlar Apartmani Is A Must-Watch
Relatable Characters
The characters in Masumlar Apartmani are its beating heart. They’re flawed, vulnerable, and incredibly human. Watching them struggle, grow, and sometimes fail, is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
Important Themes
By focusing on mental health and trauma, the show tackles topics that are relevant and necessary. It opens up conversations and provides a platform for discussions that can lead to greater empathy and understanding.
Quality Production
From the acting to the cinematography, the production quality of Masumlar Apartmani is top-notch. The attention to detail, whether in the depiction of OCD rituals or the emotional depth of the characters, is commendable.
A Unique Story
At its core, the story of Masumlar Apartmani is unique. It’s not just about love or family; it’s about the journey of healing and the strength it takes to confront one’s past.
Personal Anecdotes
As someone who values straightforward storytelling, I was initially skeptical about how Masumlar Apartmani would handle its complex themes. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The series manages to be both informative and engaging, without resorting to cliches or sensationalism. The characters felt like people I could know, and their journeys resonated with me on a personal level.
Conclusion
Masumlar Apartmani is more than just a TV show; it’s a window into the human psyche, a discussion starter on important issues, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re interested in the psychology of trauma, the dynamics of family, or just looking for a story that feels real and raw, this series is worth your time. It’s a reminder that in the midst of our darkest times, there’s always a possibility for healing and hope.