Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Daydreamer (originally titled “Erkenci Kuş”), which became an international sensation and launched both Can Yaman and Demet Özdemir to global stardom with their incredible chemistry and comedic timing.
Daydreamer (Turkish: Erkenci Kuş) aired on Star TV from June 26, 2018 to August 6, 2019, spanning 51 episodes of pure romantic comedy bliss. Now available on various streaming platforms including Netflix, this series perfectly balances workplace comedy with heartfelt romance.
This charming love story is packed with drama, twists, escapades, and lots of laughter. What makes Daydreamer special is its ability to blend Turkish cultural elements with universal themes of following your dreams, finding love, and staying true to yourself. The series captures the essence of Istanbul’s vibrant advertising world while delivering genuine laughs and swoon-worthy romantic moments.
From Grocery Store to Ad Agency: Sanem’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Sanem is a young woman who aspires to be a writer and wants to live on the Galápagos Islands. Despite working at her father’s grocery store, she is forced by her parents to choose between an arranged marriage with her neighbor Muzaffer and finding a suitable job. This setup immediately establishes the stakes and gives viewers someone to root for.
Sanem is a natural, cheerful and lively young girl who opens her family’s grocery very early every morning, earning the series its Turkish title “Erkenci Kuş” (Early Bird). When she discovers a job opening at the advertising agency where her sister works, she takes a leap of faith that changes everything. The beauty of this plot lies in how it shows an ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary world of creativity and corporate intrigue.
Can Divit: The Photographer Who Captures Hearts
Famous photographer Can Divit returns to Istanbul to save his family’s advertising agency from ruin, bringing with him a mysterious past and an undeniable magnetism. Can Yaman’s portrayal of Can is layered and compelling, showing a man who appears confident and successful but carries deep emotional wounds.
Can’s character represents the modern Turkish man caught between traditional family expectations and personal freedom. His passion for photography and travel mirrors Sanem’s writing dreams, creating an instant connection that transcends their class differences. Yaman’s performance perfectly balances Can’s alpha male exterior with his vulnerable, romantic interior.
The Chemistry That Launched a Thousand Ships
The magic of Daydreamer lies entirely in the electric chemistry between Demet Özdemir and Can Yaman. She is not convinced in his honesty, but soon finds herself drawn to his complex personality. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic creates some of Turkish television’s most memorable romantic moments.
Özdemir brings incredible comedic timing to Sanem’s character, making her clumsy moments endearing rather than frustrating. Her evolution from insecure grocery store worker to confident creative professional feels organic and inspiring. The way she challenges Can while maintaining her authentic self makes their relationship feel genuine and aspirational.
Workplace Shenanigans and Corporate Intrigue
The advertising agency setting provides the perfect backdrop for both romantic tension and comedic gold. The boss of the magazine, Aziz has two sons; Can and Emre, setting up family dynamics that complicate the workplace romance. The series excels at balancing office politics with creative campaigns that mirror the characters’ emotional journeys.
Secondary characters add depth and humor to the workplace environment, from Sanem’s best friend Ayhan to the various agency employees who become invested in the central romance. The creative projects often serve as metaphors for the characters’ relationships, adding layers of meaning to seemingly simple advertising campaigns.
Global Success and Cultural Impact
The show has been broadcasted in Spain, Croatia, Albania, Israel, Lithuania, Iraq, Ukraine and Kosovo, proving its universal appeal transcends cultural boundaries. The series’ success on international platforms helped establish Turkish romantic comedies as a dominant force in global entertainment.
The chemistry between the lead actors became so famous that fans worldwide shipped them both on-screen and off-screen. The series’ format of feature-length episodes allows for detailed character development while maintaining the breezy pace that keeps viewers engaged throughout all 51 episodes.
If you love workplace romance, comedic chemistry, and dreamy Turkish leading men, Daydreamer is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. Get ready for a feel-good journey that will make you believe in the power of following your dreams and finding love in the most unexpected places.
Daydreamer delivers pure romantic comedy perfection, combining stellar performances with genuine laughs and swoon-worthy moments that explain why Turkish dramas have conquered the global market.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 51 episodes (1 season)
- Platform: Netflix, Prime Video, various streaming services
- Rating: 7.2/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
- Protagonists: Can Yaman (Can Divit), Demet Özdemir (Sanem Aydın)
- Antagonist: Aylin Yüksel (various workplace rivals and family obstacles)