Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Midnight at the Pera Palace, which transports viewers through time with a compelling blend of historical drama, political conspiracy, and supernatural elements set in Istanbul’s most legendary hotel.
Released on March 3, 2022, Midnight at the Pera Palace (originally titled “Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı” in Turkish) premiered on Netflix with its first season of 8 episodes. The series was renewed for a second season that aired on September 12, 2024, continuing the time-traveling adventures. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, creating an immersive historical experience. Directed by Emre Şahin and produced by Karga Seven Pictures, the series stars Hazal Kaya, Tansu Biçer, Selahattin Paşalı, and James Chalmers.
Midnight at the Pera Palace masterfully combines time travel science fiction, historical drama, political thriller, and mystery elements to create a unique viewing experience. The series is inspired by Charles King’s non-fiction book “Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul,” bringing real historical events to life through supernatural storytelling. The show explores themes of destiny, historical consequences, political intrigue, and the delicate balance between past and present.
A Journalist’s Unexpected Journey Through Time
The story centers around Esra, a young journalist researching an article about the historic Pera Palace Hotel when she accidentally stumbles into the year 1919. Midnight at the Pera Palace transforms what begins as a simple assignment into an extraordinary adventure as Esra finds herself trapped in a pivotal moment of Turkish history during the aftermath of World War I.
Upon arriving in 1919, Esra discovers she bears a striking resemblance to Peride, a mysterious woman connected to significant political events of the era. As Midnight at the Pera Palace unfolds, Esra realizes she must navigate dangerous political waters while trying to find a way back to her own time, all while uncovering a plot that could alter the course of modern Turkey’s history.
Esra: Modern Woman in Historical Crisis
Hazal Kaya delivers a captivating performance as Esra, portraying her transformation from a contemporary journalist to someone forced to adapt to early 20th century Istanbul’s complex political landscape. Throughout Midnight at the Pera Palace, Esra struggles with the moral implications of potentially changing history while dealing with the immediate dangers of being caught in revolutionary times.
Her character journey explores how modern perspectives clash with historical realities, as Esra must use her contemporary knowledge while respecting the delicate nature of historical events. The series showcases her evolution from confused time traveler to someone who understands the weight of historical responsibility and the consequences of her actions on future generations.
Ahmet and the Revolutionary Circle
Tansu Biçer brings intensity to his role as Ahmet, a revolutionary figure who becomes Esra’s guide and eventual romantic interest in 1919 Istanbul. In Midnight at the Pera Palace, Ahmet represents the passionate idealism of Turkey’s independence movement, while also serving as Esra’s anchor in an unfamiliar time period.
The chemistry between Ahmet and Esra creates a romantic subplot that transcends time periods, as their relationship develops against the backdrop of political upheaval and national transformation. Their connection explores themes of love across time, shared purpose, and the personal sacrifices required during revolutionary periods.
The Race Against Time: Preventing Historical Catastrophe
The series reaches its most intense moments when Esra discovers a conspiracy that threatens to derail Turkey’s path to independence and modernization. Midnight at the Pera Palace builds suspense as she races against time to prevent a plot that could have devastating consequences for both the past and present, while grappling with the ethical implications of interfering with historical events.
These climactic sequences showcase the series’ ability to blend personal stakes with historical significance, creating tension that feels both intimate and epic. The revelation of how past events connect to present-day consequences adds layers of complexity that make every decision feel monumentally important.
Success on Netflix
Midnight at the Pera Palace has found international success by offering viewers a unique perspective on Turkish history through accessible time travel storytelling. The series has resonated with Netflix audiences by combining educational historical content with entertaining supernatural elements. With its beautiful period costumes, authentic historical settings, and compelling performances from Hazal Kaya and Tansu Biçer, Midnight at the Pera Palace has established itself as a standout entry in Netflix’s international drama catalog, earning renewal for a second season that continues exploring the consequences of time travel and historical intervention.
A Historical Adventure Worth Your Time
If you love time travel dramas with rich historical detail and political intrigue, Midnight at the Pera Palace is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
Why This Time-Bending Drama Captivates Viewers
Positive Points:
- Exceptional historical accuracy and attention to period detail that brings 1919 Istanbul to life authentically
- Compelling performance by Hazal Kaya as a modern woman navigating historical complexities
- Beautiful cinematography and costume design that create immersive historical atmosphere
- Intelligent blend of supernatural elements with real historical events and political movements
- Educational value that introduces international audiences to crucial periods in Turkish history
Negative Points:
- Time travel logic may be confusing for viewers seeking consistent scientific explanations
- Historical and political context might be overwhelming for audiences unfamiliar with Turkish history
- Some romantic subplot elements feel rushed compared to the political storylines
- Pacing occasionally slows down during exposition-heavy historical sequences
- Cultural references and political nuances may require additional context for international viewers
Midnight at the Pera Palace offers a fascinating journey through Turkish history wrapped in compelling time travel adventure, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in historical drama with supernatural twists.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: Season 1: 8 episodes, Season 2: 8 episodes
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Year: 2022-2024
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Genre: Historical Drama, Time Travel, Political Thriller, Mystery, Romance
- Production Type: Turkish Drama (Dizi)
- Status: Completed (2 seasons)
- Main Protagonists: Hazal Kaya (Esra), Tansu Biçer (Ahmet), Selahattin Paşalı (Halit Pasha)
- Antagonist: Historical conspirators and political forces threatening Turkey’s independence movement