Kanal D, Star TV, ATV, Show TV, NOW and TRT 1 explained, with the famous series each one aired.
Every Turkish series page lists a channel, and for newcomers the names can blur together: Kanal D, Star TV, ATV, Show TV, NOW, TRT 1. The channel matters more than it looks. It tells you when and how a series first aired, who owned the rights, and sometimes the kind of story to expect. This guide explains the main channels that broadcast Turkish dramas, with examples from series we have covered on DiziCentral.
Ownership and branding change over time, so we stick to facts that are well documented and note where a channel has changed names. Viewing-share figures below are for 2024 as reported on Wikipedia, citing TİAK, and are shown to give a sense of scale, not to rank quality.
At a glance
TRT 1 — TRT, the state broadcaster | 5.49% | Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Hold My Hand
- Star TV — Doğuş Media Group | 5.15% | Endless Love, Daydreamer
- Kanal D — Demirören Group | 6.28% | Price of Passion, Poyraz Karayel
- ATV — Turkuvaz Media Group | 9.49% (first in 2024) | Karadayı, Grand Family
- Show TV — Ciner Media Group | 7.34% | Çukur, Suskunlar
- NOW — Listed as Disney-owned | 6.71% | Gülcemal
The channels, one by one
TRT 1
TRT 1 is Turkey's first national channel, which began broadcasting in 1968 and is run by the state broadcaster, TRT. It has a long tradition of historical series, and it aired Diriliş: Ertuğrul from 2014 to 2019, as well as the family drama Hold My Hand. If you enjoy epics, see our list of the best Turkish period dramas
Star TV
Turkey's first private channel, Star 1, was set up on 3 August 1989, and Star TV is now owned by the Doğuş Media Group. It aired a large share of the romances international fans know best, including Endless Love, Daydreamer, Brave and Beautiful and Bitter Sweet. For romance, browse our best Turkish romantic dramas.
Kanal D
Kanal D is owned by the Demirören Group, and its dramas have been sold abroad, including to South Africa's e.tv in 2017. Its list includes Forbidden Love, Price of Passion, Poyraz Karayel and For My Daughters, which shows a mix of romance, crime and family drama. It also aired Wounded Love.
ATV
ATV, owned by the Turkuvaz Media Group, ranked first in 2024 with a 9.49% viewing share. Its drama history includes Sıla, Karadayı and Grand Family. It also sold the series Hercai to many international markets, including Telemundo in the United States. Many of its stories are crime and family sagas, as in our crime and mafia list.
Show TV
Show TV is owned by the Ciner Media Group and aired Çukur from 2017 to 2021 and Suskunlar in 2012. Series sometimes move between channels, and this is a good example: Magnificent Century began on Show TV and later moved to Star TV, and Ezel.
FOX and NOW
You will see both names on DiziCentral, because the channel formerly known as FOX is now branded NOW. Love Is in the Air, Our Story and Yasak Elma aired under the FOX name, while Gülcemal aired as NOW in 2023. Wikipedia lists NOW as owned by Disney.
Beyond the big six
- Netflix and other platforms. Series made for streaming, such as Midnight at the Pera Palace, have no broadcast channel, and they follow a shorter format. See our list of the best Turkish dramas on Netflix.
- Digital platforms from broadcasters. Some recent series, such as Winter of Mercy, appear on a platform called tabii, according to DiziCentral.
Why the channel matters to you
- It explains the dates. The channel and year tell you whether a series aired as a long weekly broadcast or as a short streaming season. Read how many seasons Turkish series have for how that shapes length.
- It helps with legal viewing. The major channels run official YouTube channels, as we explain in our guide to where to watch Turkish series legally.
- It affects cancellations. A series is judged on its channel's ratings, which is covered in how Turkish drama ratings work.
- It sets the schedule. Each channel schedules its dramas in set weekly slots, which is part of why episodes are so long.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest Turkish TV channel?
By 2024 viewing share, ATV ranked first with 9.49%, followed by Show TV at 7.34%, according to figures reported on Wikipedia.
Is FOX the same as NOW?
Yes. The channel known as FOX in Turkey is now branded NOW, so you will see both names depending on when a series aired.
Can a series change channels?
Yes. Magnificent Century moved from Show TV to Star TV, and Ezel moved from Show TV to ATV.
Which channel aired Endless Love?
Star TV, from October 2015 to June 2017.
Which channel is state-owned?
TRT 1, which is run by the state broadcaster TRT.
