Conditions and consequences of Türkiye’s transnational TV production: A study of American women audiences

In today’s globally connected landscape, transnational media establish pathways for cultural interchange, transforming how worldwide audiences interact with varied stories. Turkish TV dramas (dizi), which have gained widespread popularity in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East markets, exemplify this global shift and offer American viewers the opportunity to encounter Turkish culture. The research examines how Turkish TV series shape the cultural perceptions and intercultural interaction practices of American viewers. Although these series present idealized or commercialized versions of Turkish society, they function as important first points of contact that stimulate viewers’ interest in authentic Turkish culture, history, and social practices. Through audience ethnography and in-depth interviews, it shows that Turkish dramas improve appreciation of Turkish culture, challenge stereotypes, and enhance comprehension of global intercultural relationships. It also emphasizes transnational media’s role in encouraging intercultural dialogue, while noting the constraints imposed by profit-driven media partnerships. While dizi Turkish TV dramas--promote intercultural dialogue and support a more inclusive global media environment, the potential for cultural exchange is shaped by the commercial purposes underlying transnational media collaborations and joint ventures.