Daydreamer (Erkenci Kuş, literally "early bird") is one of the best-known Turkish romantic comedies of the last decade, and often the first recommendation to someone new to the genre. It is also 51 episodes long. This review looks at what the series is, what it does well, where it can test your patience, and who it is for, without revealing any plot twists.
The basics
| Detail | Information |
| Original title | Erkenci Kuş |
| Network | Star TV |
| Aired | 26 June 2018 to 6 August 2019 |
| Episodes | 51, in one season |
| Genre | Romantic comedy, drama |
| Leads | Demet Özdemir (Sanem), Can Yaman (Can Divit) |
| Writers | Aslı Zengin, Banu Zengin Tak, Ayşe Kutlu |
| Director | Çağrı Bayrak |
| Production | Gold Film |
| Series page | Daydreamer on DiziCentral |
What is Daydreamer about?
Sanem is an imaginative young woman who wants to be a writer and dreams of traveling to the Galápagos Islands. In the meantime she works in her father's grocery store, while her family pushes her either to find a proper job or to accept an arranged match with a neighbor. She becomes an intern at an advertising agency, Fikri Harika, run by the Divit family, where her sister already works. Can, the owner's son, a photographer who has spent years traveling, is reluctantly made temporary manager, and a mix-up at a party sets off a romance. His brother Emre, who wants the top job, family conflicts and business problems all stand in the way.
The series blends romantic comedy with family drama, so you get the playful bickering of a workplace romance and the heavier subplots of the Turkish family saga.
What works
The lead pairing
Much of the series depends on the chemistry between Sanem and Can, and the leads have a lively, comedic rapport. Demet Özdemir plays Sanem with physical comedy and warmth, and Can Yaman's role helped make him one of Turkey's best-known international stars.
A bright, optimistic tone
Its premise of a dreamy heroine and a traveling photographer sets a playful, optimistic tone. It is a good choice if you want a feel-good watch rather than a gritty one.
A strong supporting cast
Sanem's family, including Özlem Tokaslan as her mother, Mevkibe, and the suitor, Muzaffer, played by Cihan Ercan, give the series a lot of its humor. The supporting characters often get their own storylines, which keeps the long runtime lively.
It is self-contained
At 51 episodes in a single season, it tells one complete story with no break for a second season, which is easier to commit to than a series with 70 or more episodes.
What may test your patience
- The length. At around two hours per broadcast episode, the full series is roughly 100 hours.
- Misunderstandings. Like many romantic comedies, it uses repeated miscommunication to keep the couple apart, and some viewers find the pattern repetitive.
- The sibling rivalry plot. The corporate subplots between Can and his brother can feel secondary if you came for the romance.
- Pacing. Like most broadcast series, it was written to fill a weekly slot, so some stretches move more slowly than others.
Is it spoiler-safe for families?
The tone is lighter than most Turkish dramas, but it still has romance and family conflict. Check the age guidance for your region before you watch with younger viewers.
Who should watch Daydreamer?
- New to Turkish series: yes. It is one of the most accessible starting points.
- Fans of romantic comedies: yes, especially if you like workplace settings.
- Viewers who want a dark or gritty story: probably not. Try the best Turkish crime and mafia series instead.
- Viewers short on time: consider a short series first.
How to watch it comfortably
- Pace yourself. Aim for two or three episodes a week and the series becomes a four-to-six-month companion rather than a chore.
- Give it five episodes. The cast is large and the first episodes establish the family, the agency and the arranged-match storyline. The tone settles once the leads are working together.
- Do not expect a sequel. It is one self-contained season, so there is no second season to wait for.
- Use subtitles over dubbing if you can. The comedy depends on delivery, which is easier to appreciate in the original Turkish.
How it compares with similar series
Daydreamer sits at the lighter end of Turkish romances. Love for Rent is similar in tone but longer, with 69 episodes. Love Is in the Air starts as a comedy and turns more dramatic, as our Love Is in the Air review explains. If you want something with more emotional weight, Endless Love is the opposite end of the scale.
Our verdict
Daydreamer is a warm, colorful romantic comedy whose biggest strengths are its leads and its tone. If you can accept the length and a few repeated plot devices, it is a rewarding series that has earned its place on lists of recommended first dizi. If you like it, try Love for Rent or Love Is in the Air next, and see our best Turkish romantic dramas list and the best Turkish dramas for beginners guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes does Daydreamer have?
51 episodes in a single season, aired on Star TV between June 2018 and August 2019.
Is Daydreamer a romantic comedy?
Yes. It is described as a mix of romantic comedy and drama.
Who stars in Daydreamer?
Demet Özdemir plays Sanem and Can Yaman plays Can Divit.
Is Daydreamer a good first Turkish series?
Yes. Its light tone and clear premise make it one of the most common starting recommendations.
Does Daydreamer have a second season?
No. It was a single season of 51 episodes.
