Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the Turkish romantic drama series Sol Yanim (My Left Side), which aired on Star TV and tells a compelling story about love transcending social boundaries while dark family secrets threaten to tear everything apart.
Originally premiering on November 26, 2020, on Star TV, this captivating series ran for 12 episodes before concluding on February 17, 2021. Directed by Serdar Gözelekli and written by Melis Civelek, the series was produced by Necati Akpınar under BKM Film. Starring Özge Yağız as Serra and İlhan Şen as Selim, alongside Tolga Mendi and Cemre Baysel in supporting roles, the show explores themes of social class, family honor, and the power of true love.
Set in contemporary Turkey, Sol Yanim masterfully weaves together romance and family drama, creating a narrative that examines how love can flourish even when circumstances seem impossible. The series balances intimate character moments with broader themes about wealth, power, and the secrets that powerful families will do anything to protect.
From Riches to Reality: Serra’s Journey of Survival
The central story follows Serra (Özge Yağız), a young woman who once lived a privileged life but now faces the harsh reality of rebuilding from nothing after her family falls from grace. Forced to adapt to life in an ordinary neighborhood, Serra must learn to stand on her own two feet while protecting her mother from the shame of their downfall. Her character represents resilience and determination, showing how adversity can reveal inner strength.
Özge Yağız delivers a powerful performance, capturing Serra’s vulnerability while showcasing her fierce independence. Throughout the series, we watch Serra navigate between her past privileged identity and her present reality, creating a character arc that resonates with anyone who has faced unexpected life changes. Her journey from sheltered rich girl to self-reliant young woman forms the emotional backbone of the series.
Selim Kutlusoy: The Heir Who Chooses Love Over Legacy
İlhan Şen brings depth and complexity to Selim, the heir to the wealthy and powerful Kutlusoy family empire. When he encounters Serra, sparks fly immediately, but their different social standings create seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Selim’s character explores the burden of family expectations and the courage required to choose personal happiness over dynastic obligations.
The chemistry between Yağız and Şen feels natural and electric, making their romance believable despite the dramatic circumstances surrounding them. Selim’s evolution from privileged heir to a man willing to fight for love creates compelling character development that drives the series forward.
The Kutlusoy Family Secrets: Power, Corruption, and Hidden Truths
The series gradually reveals that the Kutlusoy family, despite their appearance as symbols of success and happiness, harbor dark secrets that threaten not only their empire but also Selim and Serra’s relationship. These family mysteries add layers of suspense and drama to the romantic storyline, creating stakes that extend far beyond just whether the couple will end up together.
The supporting cast, including Tolga Mendi and Cemre Baysel, brings authenticity to the various family dynamics and social circles that surround the main characters. Their performances help create a believable world where love must compete with loyalty, ambition, and the weight of family honor.
Love vs. Legacy: The Ultimate Choice
The climactic episodes force both Serra and Selim to make impossible choices between love and family loyalty. As the Kutlusoy family secrets come to light, the series explores whether their relationship can survive the revelation of truths that change everything they thought they knew about each other’s worlds. The tension builds to moments where personal desires clash with family obligations in ways that feel both dramatic and emotionally authentic.
The series handles these conflicts with the emotional intensity that Turkish drama audiences expect while maintaining the romantic elements that make viewers invested in the couple’s journey. The resolution addresses both the romantic storyline and the broader themes about family, class, and the price of keeping secrets.
Success on Star TV
During its run from November 26, 2020, to February 17, 2021, Sol Yanim captured audiences with its blend of romance and family drama on Star TV. The series’ 12-episode format allowed for intimate character development while building suspense around the Kutlusoy family secrets. Produced by BKM Film and directed by Serdar Gözelekli, the show was praised for Özge Yağız and İlhan Şen’s compelling performances and the authentic portrayal of class differences in modern Turkey. The series sparked conversations about social mobility, family loyalty, and the sacrifices people make for love, establishing itself as a standout romantic drama of the 2020-2021 television season.
If you love romantic dramas that explore class differences, family secrets, and the power of true love to overcome obstacles, Sol Yanim is the perfect series to binge on Turkish streaming platforms.
A beautifully crafted romantic drama that proves love can transcend social boundaries, even when powerful families and dark secrets threaten to tear everything apart.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Platform: Star TV (Original), Available on various Turkish streaming platforms
- Rating (IMDb): 6.7/10
- Genre: Romance, Drama, Family
- Protagonists: Özge Yağız (Serra), İlhan Şen (Selim)
- Antagonist: Social class barriers and family secrets