Exploring local, experimenting with transnational: Producing Turkish television series

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing the rising global appeal of Turkish TV series, focusing on the production process and economic dynamics with the global and local media distribution of these dramas. It assesses how market-driven media production conditions and creative professionals’ roles influence the creation of Turkish series by interviewing nine industry insiders. The study found that market-oriented media practices and executives’ understanding of Turkish audience preferences significantly direct the creative output, which is predominantly aimed at local viewers.