Reasons why "The Distant City" topped the list of most-watched series

After a long wait by Turkish and Arab audiences, the series Uzak Şehir - The Distant City has returned to complete its exciting events, starting with episode 29. The series, which enjoyed great success from its release in November 2024 until June 2025, now continues its success story amid widespread interaction and unprecedented viewership figures. Get the latest celebrity ads directly on the Special app, where we show you everything new from international stars.

Record numbers for the first episode of the new season

The first episode of the second season was shown on Kanal D, in addition to Shahid and MBC4, and quickly became a trending topic.

Viewership in Türkiye reached 13.91%, with a market share of 44.07%, which is roughly half of the audience.

In the AB segment among the economic and educational elites, the series achieved a 10.45% share with a market share of 38.21%, making it a strong attraction for advertisers.

Reasons for the success of the series

Despite the age difference between them, the duo Ozan Akbaba (43 years old) and Sinem Unsal (32 years old) were able to steal the spotlight since the first season.

Their convincing performances and their clear chemistry have deeply connected Arab and Turkish audiences to the show, and photos and news of the duo continue to dominate social media and the media.

The series has been distinguished from its beginning by a series of dramatic surprises that increased the suspense of the events:

Uncover the secret of Gunga Gelasun's eldest son.

Cihan's (Ozan Akbaba) struggles with his past, and exciting details emerge, such as his ex-girlfriend's pregnancy with his child.

Emotional confessions turned the course of the story between the main characters.

Although inspired by the famous Arab work Al Hayba, "The Distant City" presented new dramatic lines and different conflicts. The Turkish series focused on human and social dimensions that were not present in the original version. This difference contributed to its success and made it a unique experience in Turkish drama. Enjoy interesting and useful content with an exclusive podcast that provides you with everything you need to know in just a few minutes via the Special app.

The story of the series "The Distant City" in brief

The story revolves around Alya (Sinem Ünsal), who returns from Canada to Mardin to carry out her late husband's will. There, she meets Cihan Albora (Ozan Akbaba), who runs his family's smuggling business. Alia is also forced to face the harsh reality and unexpected challenges that may change her life forever.