Turkish TV series production falls as costs rise

Turkish television dramas — once a global growth story — are facing a sharp contraction as production costs soar and international demand cools. Industry figures show the number of series produced in Turkey has dropped markedly over the past three years, and producers now struggle to balance spiralling budgets with shrinking advertising revenue.

Costs, viewers and changing formats

Per-episode budgets have ballooned: a single episode can cost up to 25 million Turkish lira, creating heavy financial strain for production companies that must recoup those investments through domestic broadcasters and overseas sales. At the same time, television’s share of total advertising space has fallen to 18 percent, reducing a key revenue stream.

Viewing habits have also changed after the pandemic and the rise of digital platforms. Audiences are less tied to fixed broadcast schedules and increasingly expect on-demand control over their viewing. Exchange-rate swings have added another burden by inflating costs for imported equipment and services.

Producers report that projects can be halted mid-shoot when returns look unlikely, complicating both domestic recovery of costs and sales to foreign markets. "If a series does not meet expectations in the first few episodes, there is always a chance it will be cancelled," says television producer Ufuk Džebedži. "There is not much that can be done to recoup the costs, while demand for such content abroad is steadily falling."

Some companies are responding by experimenting with alternative formats aimed at mobile viewers: vertical short-form episodes lasting one to two minutes. According to Ufuk Džebedži’s estimates, producing these mobile-first series can cost between 20 and 25 percent of what traditional horizontal episodes require. Still, the format’s commercial viability is uncertain — "There is nothing magical about these short series," says television producer Džemil Javuz, noting that early entrants into the segment have already faced difficulties.

Independent researcher Burak Sakar quantifies the contraction: the number of series fell from 57 in the 2022/2023 season to 36 in 2025/2026, a drop of 37 percent. While Turkish dramas remain popular abroad, that popularity no longer guarantees returns. Producers, broadcasters and distributors now have to reassess which projects can realistically earn back investment and target markets where sales prospects are solid.

Photo: press material from the event