A spoiler-free review of Our Story (Bizim Hikaye), the warm Turkish family drama adapted from Shameless.
Our Story (Bizim Hikaye) is the Turkish family drama people mention when they want a series that is funny, emotional and full of heart. It is a large-ensemble story about siblings raising themselves, adapted from a British series. This spoiler-free review explains what to expect and who will enjoy it most.
The basics
- Original title: Bizim Hikaye
- Channel: FOX (now NOW)
- Aired: 14 September 2017 to 23 May 2019
- Seasons and episodes: 2 seasons, 70 episodes (37 and 33)
- Episode length: About 120 minutes
- Genre: Family drama, comedy
- Leads: Hazal Kaya (Filiz), Burak Deniz (Barış), Reha Özcan (Fikri)
- Based on: The British series Shameless
- Series page: Our Story on DiziCentral
What is it about?
Filiz is the eldest of six siblings who has raised her brothers and sisters since their mother left, in a struggling household headed by an unreliable father, Fikri. She holds the family together while managing little money and a lot of chaos. A charming and mysterious man named Barış arrives and changes her view of what her life could be. The series follows the household's ups and downs, from financial trouble to romances and family crises.
What works
The ensemble
The family is a large cast, and each sibling has their own storyline. That keeps the long runtime lively, and many viewers mention the siblings as the reason they stay.
Humor and hardship together
The series is willing to be funny about difficult situations without ignoring the reality of poverty. This balance is typical of adaptations of Shameless, and it gives the series a warmer, scruffier tone than the glossy Istanbul dramas on our romantic list.
A romance inside a family story
The love story between Filiz and Barış is important, but it is not the only plot. If you like romance within a bigger story, it works well.
A happy ending
The finale closes on celebrations and a comic twist, which makes it a good choice if a happy ending matters to you. See our list of Turkish dramas with happy endings for more.
What may not work for everyone
- The length. 70 episodes of around two hours is roughly 140 hours.
- Hardship themes. The series deals with poverty, family problems and an unreliable parent, so it is heavier than a romantic comedy at times.
- Sprawling storylines. With so many characters, some subplots get less attention than others.
- If you know Shameless. This is a Turkish adaptation with its own cast and setting, so expect a retelling, not a copy of the British series.
Why the Shameless idea travels so well
The original British series is about a chaotic family that survives through loyalty and improvisation, and that idea translates easily to Turkey, where extended families and tight neighborhoods are central to daily life. Our Story keeps the core of a household held together by an older sibling, and sets it in a Turkish context. That is why the series feels both familiar and local, and why it is often recommended to viewers who like ensemble comedies. For another take on the same theme, see our guide to the best Turkish family dramas.
How to watch it comfortably
- Pace yourself. Two episodes a week takes about eight months, so decide how quickly you want to go.
- Give it a few episodes. The first episodes introduce a lot of characters. It settles once you know who is who.
- Check the age guidance. Themes vary, so check before watching with younger viewers.
Who should watch Our Story?
- Fans of family ensembles: yes.
- Viewers who want humor with heart: yes
- Viewers who want a short series: no. Try the short series list.
- Viewers who want a glossy romance: try Endless Love ; our Endless Love review covers it.
Our verdict
Our Story is a warm, funny and moving family series that works because of its ensemble and its tone. It asks for a large time commitment but gives you a satisfying ending in return. For more like it, browse our best Turkish family dramas , or try For My Daughters if you want something shorter. If you are new to the genre, read best Turkish dramas for beginners first.
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes does Our Story have?
70 episodes across two seasons.
Is Our Story based on another series?
Yes. It is adapted from the British series Shameless.
Does Our Story have a happy ending?
Yes. It ends on celebrations and a comic note.
Who stars in Our Story?
Hazal Kaya and Burak Deniz lead the cast, with Reha Özcan as Fikri.
Is Our Story a comedy or a drama?
Both. It is a family drama with a lot of humor.
