Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ’s Dönence: A Guide to the Series, Its Directorial Shift, and Key Trends in the Turkish Drama Industry

In the Turkish television industry, any project led by a major star immediately attracts attention. Dönence, starring Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, has become one of the most talked-about productions in recent months, particularly following a notable change in its directorial team. This guide offers a broader look at the series, its creative talent, and the wider industry context shaping its development. Framed through the dynamics of Türkiye’s creative market, it provides a clearer understanding of the project’s background, team structure, and commercial potential.

Overview of Dönence

Dönence is a drama series developed for Kanal D for the 2023–2024 season. The project was initially expected to premiere on July 4, 2023, although production updates and team changes have affected its rollout. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ leads the cast, joined by prominent names including Serenay Sarıkaya, Nur Sürer, Nejat İşler, and Canan Ergüder. The series is produced by 962 D Productions.

Originally set to be directed by Şenol Sönmez, the project is now moving forward under the direction of Can Evrenol. This transition has drawn particular attention, as Evrenol’s cinematic background suggests a more stylized and potentially more internationally resonant visual language.

Broadcast and Production Details

Channel: Kanal D
Schedule: Wednesdays, with scheduling subject to production-related revisions
Ratings Outlook: The series is positioned as a high-profile seasonal drama, with expectations of competitive ratings in the 0.98–1.14 range

Core Production Team:
Producer: Ali Cengiz Deveci
Script Team: S.A Writing Team
Cinematographer: Serdar Gözelekli
Composer: Emir İlbuğa (JingleTV)
Editors: Evren Çan, Abdurrahman Ünal

The project also appears to draw elements from a work titled Exceptional and adds further narrative depth through references such as Sultan Ertuğrul.

A Closer Look at the Key Names Behind the Project

Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ

Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ remains one of the most bankable figures in Turkish television and cinema. Over the years, he has built a reputation through major productions such as Aşk-ı Memnu, Kuzey Güney, and Çarpışma, all of which helped cement his status as a leading actor. More recently, he attracted renewed attention with Uysallar. In Dönence, he takes on the central role, bringing both star power and dramatic depth to the production.

Şenol Sönmez

As the project’s original director, Şenol Sönmez brought with him significant experience in mainstream Turkish television. He is known for directing successful long-running series such as Kardeşlerim and for his collaborations with major production companies including Medyapım and Ay Yapım.

Can Evrenol

Now attached as the new director, Can Evrenol is best known for his work in genre cinema, particularly the horror film Baskın, which received international attention and festival recognition. His move into television through Dönence raises expectations for a more distinctive and visually ambitious storytelling approach.

Supporting Cast and Industry Connections

The supporting ensemble also reflects the project’s high-profile ambitions:

Serenay Sarıkaya is widely recognized for performances in Fi and Şahmaran, as well as her visibility in high-end Turkish drama production.
Nur Sürer is known for her commanding screen presence and recent work in productions such as Kızıl Goncalar.
Nejat İşler has long occupied a respected place in both mainstream television and independent cinema.
Canan Ergüder brings further prestige to the cast through her diverse work across major Turkish production houses.

962 D Productions

The series is produced by 962 D Productions, a newer-generation company led by Ali Cengiz Deveci. The company has developed a reputation for delivering visually polished projects on relatively controlled budgets. Its growing presence in the market reflects a broader industry movement toward leaner yet more quality-focused production models.

The Broader Turkish Creative Market

Türkiye continues to rank among the world’s leading exporters of television drama. During the 2023–2024 season, the sector remained highly active, with hundreds of productions competing across broadcast and digital platforms. Industry giants such as Ay Yapım, Tims&B, and Medyapım continue to shape the market, while directors like Ali Bilgin and Çağrı Bayrak and composers such as Toygar Işıklı and Can Atilla contribute to the industry’s increasingly international production standards.

Major broadcasters including Kanal D, ATV, and Star TV remain central players in this ecosystem, while Turkish dramas continue to generate substantial export revenue across global markets. In this context, a project like Dönence reflects the industry’s growing interest in hybrid storytelling models, blending drama with darker, more atmospheric genre elements that may appeal strongly to audiences in Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond.

Conclusion

Dönence stands out not only because of its cast, but also because of the creative shifts surrounding its development. The change in director has added a new layer of curiosity to the project, while its production background places it within the broader transformation of the Turkish drama industry. For viewers, critics, and industry observers alike, Dönence is shaping up to be more than just another star-led series. It is also a case study in how Turkish television continues to evolve in both style and ambition.

Stay tuned to industry updates to follow the ongoing evolution of Dönence.