From Singing Battles to Culinary Showdowns: Turkey's Most Watched TV Competitions

09.06.2023 - 16:26

Television in Turkey offers a vibrant and diverse landscape of content, appealing to a wide range of audiences with differing tastes. However, a category that has consistently grabbed the nation's attention are competition shows. Not only do they provide a platform for undiscovered talent to showcase their skills and gain recognition, but they also offer nail-biting suspense, heartwarming stories, and an insight into the human spirit's competitive nature. From globally renowned franchises such as 'The Voice' and 'Survivor' to shows that bring out the knowledge-hungry participants in 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' and the aspiring chefs in 'MasterChef,' Turkish competition TV is a whirlwind of excitement and entertainment. Let's delve deeper into some of Turkey's most watched TV competitions and the elements that make them the audience's favorites.

Kim Milyoner Olmak İster? (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?)

: This classic game show format, which has been successful around the globe, is equally popular in Turkey. Contestants answer a series of multiple-choice questions to increase their prize money, with the ultimate goal of winning 1 million Turkish lira. The suspense built with each question, the use of lifelines, and the diverse range of general knowledge topics covered make this show a hit with viewers of all ages.

O Ses Türkiye (The Voice Turkey)

This adaptation of the popular global format 'The Voice' is one of the most watched TV competitions in Turkey. The format is simple yet engaging: a panel of four coaches, all noteworthy artists, judge the contestants not by their looks, but purely on their voice. What makes this show particularly engaging is the blind auditions stage where coaches have their backs turned to the singers and press a button to turn their chairs if they want the singer on their team. The drama, talent, and strategy involved in 'O Ses Türkiye' make it a crowd favourite.

Yetenek Sizsiniz Türkiye (Turkey's Got Talent)

Another successful franchise adapted for Turkish TV, 'Yetenek Sizsiniz Türkiye' showcases a wide range of talents from singing and dancing to magic acts, comedy, and even dangerous stunts. The diversity of talents and the anticipation of who will impress the judges next keeps viewers coming back every week.

Survivor Türkiye

This reality competition based on the international Survivor franchise features contestants living in isolated locations and competing in various challenges to win rewards and immunity from elimination. The physical and mental strength required, coupled with the strategic alliances and survival tactics, create a compelling narrative that keeps audiences hooked.

MasterChef Türkiye

Turkish cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavors, is the star of this cooking competition show. Amateur chefs from around the country compete in a series of culinary challenges, judged by professional chefs. The show not only fuels the audience's love for food but also adds a dash of drama, suspense, and emotion, keeping viewers glued to their screens.

Exatlon Türkiye

Based on the internationally successful Exathlon franchise, 'Exatlon Türkiye' is a sports-reality format where two teams of physically fit and sportive contestants, including Olympic athletes, soccer players, and/or celebrities with sportive skills, compete at specially built challenge locations. The sheer physical prowess and determination on display are a huge draw for audiences.

Kelime Oyunu (Word Game)

'Kelime Oyunu' is one of the most beloved game shows in Turkey. It was first broadcasted in 2009 and, since then, has enjoyed a consistently high viewership due to its engaging and brain-teasing format.

Fear Factor Türkiye

Fear Factor Turkiye is another popular reality show that has drawn large audiences in Turkey. Based on the American show 'Fear Factor,' the Turkish version follows a similar format where contestants are challenged to face their fears through a series of demanding physical and psychological stunts.

Var Mısın? Yok Musun? (Deal or No Deal)

'Var Mısın? Yok Musun?' is the Turkish version of the international game show franchise 'Deal or No Deal.' It first premiered in 2007 and has since become one of Turkey's most popular game shows.

In 'Var Mısın? Yok Musun?', a contestant chooses one briefcase from a selection of 26. Each briefcase contains a different cash amount. After the initial selection, the contestant proceeds to open the remaining briefcases one by one. After a certain number of briefcases are opened, the mysterious 'banker' offers the contestant a certain amount of money to stop playing, based on the amounts still left in play. The contestant then must answer the titular question: 'Deal or no deal?' which translates in Turkish to 'Var mısın? Yok musun?'

Çarkıfelek

'Çarkıfelek' is the Turkish version of the internationally popular game show 'Wheel of Fortune'. The show has been a favorite among Turkish audiences due to its engaging and entertaining format.

Just like its international counterparts, 'Çarkıfelek' involves players spinning a large wheel divided into sections representing different cash prizes or other outcomes such as penalties, bonuses, or game-changing elements. The contestants guess letters to solve word puzzles, similar to playing Hangman.

Yemekteyiz

'Yemekteyiz' is the Turkish version of the popular international cooking show format 'Come Dine With Me.' The show features a group of five individuals who take turns hosting a dinner party for the rest of the group at their home.

Each contestant prepares a three-course meal and the guests rate the event based on the quality of food, hospitality, cleanliness, and overall effort. The contestant with the highest score at the end of the week wins a cash prize.