Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Protector, which delivers an epic fantasy adventure that combines Turkish mythology with modern Istanbul, creating Netflix’s first Turkish original series that revolutionized the global streaming landscape for international content.
This Turkish fantasy drama series premiered exclusively on Netflix on December 14, 2018, consisting of 32 episodes across four seasons with approximately 45-minute runtime each. The Protector ran from 2018 to 2020 and is available globally on Netflix, making this groundbreaking supernatural thriller accessible to international audiences seeking action-packed content with cultural depth.
The series masterfully combines urban fantasy with Turkish mythology, creating a narrative that explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, ancient power versus modern corruption, and the weight of protecting an entire city. The show uses Istanbul’s rich historical backdrop to examine how ancient responsibilities clash with contemporary life while maintaining high production values that rival international fantasy productions.
From Shopkeeper to Supernatural Guardian
The Protector centers around Hakan Demir, a young antique shop owner living an ordinary life in modern Istanbul until he discovers his connection to an ancient order tasked with protecting the city from immortal threats. The story begins when a mysterious attack leads Hakan to uncover his destiny as the last Protector, inheriting supernatural powers through a mystical talisman that has been passed down through generations.
The central plot unfolds as Hakan learns that Istanbul faces threats from The Immortals, ancient beings who seek to reclaim the city and plunge it into darkness. Each season introduces new supernatural challenges while exploring how Hakan’s growing powers affect his relationships with family, friends, and the woman he loves, creating personal stakes that ground the fantastical elements in human emotion.
Hakan’s Evolution from Ordinary Man to Legendary Protector
Çağatay Ulusoy delivers a compelling performance as Hakan, showcasing his character’s transformation from reluctant hero to someone who embraces his supernatural destiny. Hakan’s journey demonstrates how ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges when faced with responsibilities that extend far beyond their personal desires and comfort zones.
Hakan’s character development focuses on his struggle to balance his normal life with his supernatural duties, showing how heroic destinies often require painful sacrifices of personal happiness. His evolution throughout the four seasons reveals how power and responsibility can either corrupt someone or inspire them to become the best version of themselves, depending on their fundamental character and motivations.
Zeynep and the Power of Love in Dark Times
Hazar Ergüçlü portrays Zeynep, Hakan’s love interest whose own connection to the mystical world complicates their relationship and adds emotional depth to the supernatural storyline. Her character represents the civilian world that Hakan must protect while also serving as his anchor to humanity amid increasingly cosmic threats.
Zeynep’s character development explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the challenge of loving someone whose destiny puts them in constant mortal danger. Her evolution throughout the series shows how ordinary people become extraordinary when they choose to stand beside heroes rather than seeking safety in ignorance or distance.
The Battle Between Ancient Powers: Epic Confrontations
The series reaches its most spectacular moments during supernatural battles between Hakan and The Immortals, utilizing Istanbul’s historic landmarks and modern cityscape to create visually stunning action sequences. These climactic confrontations test not only Hakan’s growing powers but also his ability to protect innocent civilians while fighting enemies with centuries of experience.
The resolution of each season’s major conflicts explores how victory against ancient evils often comes at great personal cost, showing that true heroism involves making choices that benefit others rather than oneself. The final season’s conclusion demonstrates how some battles extend beyond individual heroes to require collective action and sacrifice from entire communities.
Supporting Characters and Istanbul’s Mystical History
The ensemble cast includes members of the secret order, government agents, and various supernatural beings who help create a rich mythology that feels authentic to Turkish cultural traditions. Supporting characters like Kemal, Faysal, and other Loyal Ones provide different perspectives on the ancient conflict while representing various approaches to wielding supernatural power.
The series effectively uses Istanbul’s actual historical sites and cultural landmarks to ground its fantasy elements in recognizable reality, showing how ancient mysteries continue to influence modern life. The supporting characters help illustrate how supernatural conflicts affect ordinary citizens while providing exposition about Turkish mythology and folklore.
Success on Netflix and Global Impact
The Protector achieved significant international success as Netflix’s first Turkish original series, demonstrating the platform’s commitment to diverse global content that could compete with American and European productions. The series helped establish Turkey as a major player in the international streaming market while showcasing high production values and compelling storytelling.
The show’s global success paved the way for other Turkish Netflix originals and contributed to growing international interest in Turkish culture and mythology. Its availability in multiple languages helped introduce worldwide audiences to Turkish perspectives on heroism, destiny, and the relationship between ancient traditions and modern urban life.
Perfect Binge for Fantasy Adventure Enthusiasts
If you love supernatural thrillers with mythological elements, The Protector is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of Turkish mythology, urban fantasy action, and romantic drama creates a viewing experience that satisfies both fantasy genre fans and viewers interested in culturally rich international content.
Why This Mystical Guardian Tale Captivates Global Audiences
The Protector succeeds because it grounds its supernatural elements in genuine Turkish cultural traditions while creating a hero’s journey that resonates across different cultures and backgrounds. The series proves that the most compelling fantasy dramas emerge when creators combine authentic mythological foundations with universal themes about responsibility, sacrifice, and the power of love to overcome darkness.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 32 episodes across 4 seasons
Platform: Netflix
Release Years: 2018-2020
Current IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller, Action, Urban Fantasy
Production Type: Turkish Drama (Netflix Original)
Status: Completed series
Main Cast: Çağatay Ulusoy (Hakan), Hazar Ergüçlü (Zeynep), Ayça Ayşin Turan, Okan Yalabık, Burçin Terzioğlu
Primary Antagonist: The Immortals and various supernatural threats to Istanbul