Will Turkish TV Series Skip the Traditional New Year Break in 2025?

For decades, Turkish television has followed a predictable rhythm: as the New Year arrives, prime-time dramas pause, sets go dark, and viewers temporarily turn to reruns or holiday specials. But 2025 may mark a turning point.

As someone who has covered the Turkish television industry for over a decade—tracking ratings, advertising cycles, and programming strategies—this season’s uncertainty is unusual. What we are witnessing is not merely a scheduling debate, but a strategic shift driven by advertising economics, rising competition, and changing viewer habits.

Why the New Year Break Exists in Turkish Television

Traditionally, TV networks pause original drama broadcasts for three core reasons:

Advertising Rate Resets – Brands renegotiate media budgets in January
Holiday Viewership Volatility – Audiences travel or consume less TV
Production Logistics – Cast and crew breaks after intense filming schedules

However, streaming platforms, changing audience loyalty, and intensifying channel rivalry are forcing networks to reconsider.

ATV’s Bold Move: “A.B.İ.” and Strategic Timing

Why “A.B.İ.” Matters

ATV’s upcoming drama “A.B.İ.” is not a standard launch. With Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, one of Turkey’s most bankable stars, paired with Afra Saraçoğlu, the series represents a high-stakes investment.

Turkish drama A.B.İ. cast and release date
Launching on January 1, traditionally a low-competition night, could allow ATV to:
Capture undivided audience attention
Lock in advertisers early
Redefine holiday broadcasting norms

Star TV’s Counter Strategy: “Sevdiğim Sensin”

Star TV’s “Sevdiğim Sensin” targets a younger, emotionally driven audience, anchored by rising stars Helin Kandemir and Aytaç Şaşmaz.

Why Thursday Nights Matter

Thursday has become one of the most competitive prime-time slots in Turkish television. A direct clash could:

Fragment ratings
Elevate social media engagement
Force rapid storyline adjustments

What Happens to Existing Series?

“Veliaht” & “Halef”

If new launches proceed without delay, these shows may:

Skip the New Year break entirely
Benefit from sustained audience momentum

“İnci Taneleri” Returns to Set

Yılmaz Erdoğan’s “İnci Taneleri” holds strong cultural credibility. Production resumes the week of January 5, signaling:

Confidence in post-holiday ratings
Long-term narrative planning

Advertising Economics: The Real Decision-Maker

From an industry perspective, this uncertainty is less about creativity and more about media economics.

Advertisers now:

Demand continuous exposure
Shift budgets to digital if TV pauses
Expect measurable ROI even during holidays

Skipping the break may be a defensive move to retain ad revenue.

Industry Insight: Is This the End of the New Year Break?

Based on current data trends:

Streaming platforms don’t pause
Younger viewers don’t wait
Channels can’t afford silence

Expert Opinion:
We are likely witnessing the gradual disappearance of the traditional New Year hiatus—starting with high-budget, star-driven productions.

Global Context: How Turkey Compares

International broadcasters (UK, Korea, Spain) already:

Launch premium content during holidays
Treat New Year as opportunity, not risk
Turkey appears ready to follow.

Source: Birsen Altunas, Turkey Broadcast official reporting