If you are looking for a quick, tense drama on Netflix, The Town might be on your list. This new Turkish thriller series began streaming globally on December 11, 2025 . The story asks a simple but dangerous question: what would you do if you found a fortune that was not yours? For a group of cash-strapped friends, the answer pulls them into a world of risk, betrayal, and deadly consequences .
The eight-episode limited series is a self-contained story, with most episodes running between 30 to 40 minutes . It is important to note this show is completely separate from the 2010 Ben Affleck movie of the same name. This Town is a Turkish production, originally titled Kasaba, which translates to “Small Town” .
What Is The Story of The Town?
The plot centers on two brothers, Efe and Selim, who reunite in their hometown after the death of their mother . Their lives are strained by money troubles and a shared history of past family tragedy. Along with Efe’s old friend Ahmet, they are people stuck in a rut, looking for any way out .
Their chance comes in the most dangerous way possible. While driving one night, they discover a car that has crashed off the road. Inside are two dead men and, more importantly, bags filled with U.S. cashโroughly $12 million in total . This money is clearly connected to a crime, but for the brothers and Ahmet, it looks like a miracle solution to all their problems.
The series gives us a dose of moral ambiguity and tests loyalty like no other, as it tests the survival instincts of every character .
They decide to take the money, a choice made against the better judgment of Selim’s wife, Begรผm . Almost immediately, their problems multiply. A relentless and dangerous man named Yฤฑldฤฑrฤฑm, who was involved with the cash, is now hunting for it . The friends find themselves trapped in a dangerous game, trying to hide their sudden wealth while a professional killer closes in.
Who Are the Main Cast and Characters?
The story is driven by its central group of friends and family, whose bonds are stretched to the breaking point.
- Okan Yalabฤฑk as Efe: The older brother who stayed in their hometown. He carries the weight of past guilt and present failure. Reviews note Yalabฤฑk delivers a moving performance, balancing restraint with emotional intensity as Efe wrestles with his conscience .
- รzgรผrcan รevik as Ahmet: Efe’s impulsive and volatile childhood friend. Ahmet is quick to see the stolen money as a ticket to a better life and is reckless in spending it, which quickly draws unwanted attention .
- Ozan Dolunay as Selim: The younger brother who left for Istanbul. He is more cautious and rational but is pulled into the scheme by family loyalty and his own financial pressures .
- Bรผลra Develi as Begรผm: Selim’s wife. She initially objects to keeping the money but soon proves to be more calculating and devious than she first appears, becoming a key strategist for the group .
- Kerem Can as Yฤฑldฤฑrฤฑm: The contract killer tasked with retrieving the stolen fortune. His cold, determined pursuit of the money provides the main external threat that drives the suspense .
What Are the Strengths of the Show?
For viewers who decide to watch, The Town offers several engaging elements. The series moves at a fast pace, with constant twists and tensions that keep the plot moving . The moral dilemma at its heartโchoosing between desperate need and obvious dangerโcreates a solid foundation for the drama.
The show’s setting and runtime are also advantages. The small-town atmosphere adds to the feeling of being trapped, both by circumstance and by the close-knit community where secrets are hard to keep . As a limited series with shorter episodes, it’s a relatively quick commitment without filler seasons or cliffhangers meant to extend the story .
What Are the Criticisms of the Show?
However, the series has faced criticism, primarily about the decisions of its main characters. Some reviewers find the central plot hard to believe because it depends on the main group making choices that seem dangerously foolish .
The core criticism is that the characters’ decision to keep all the money, knowing violent people are looking for it, feels less like a relatable moral gray area and more like a blatantly bad idea that only serves to create the plot. One review explicitly called this out:
“The central plot of The Town is too dependent on the show’s characters being either stupid, ignorant or both to make the show enjoyable to watch.”
This can make it difficult for some viewers to root for the group’s success. Instead of feeling sympathy for their desperate situation, you may find yourself frustrated by their lack of caution as they attract more and more trouble .
Additionally, while Efe’s character gets significant backstory, some of the other characters are seen as less developed, functioning more to move the plot forward than as fully realized people .
How Does It Compare to Other Shows?
If you enjoy certain genres or themes, The Town might appeal to you. The series has drawn comparisons to shows like Ozark and Breaking Bad for its premise of ordinary people getting in over their heads with criminal money . The focus on tight-knit relationships breaking down under pressure is also a key element.
It is part of Netflix’s growing catalog of Turkish thriller content. If you have seen and liked other Turkish series on the platform, such as Fatma or Hot Skull, this show operates in a similar space of crime and personal drama .
Final Verdict: Stream It or Skip It?
Whether The Town is worth your time depends on what you want from a thriller.
Consider streaming it if you: enjoy fast-paced, bingeable thrillers; don’t mind stories where characters make questionable decisions to drive the plot; are interested in international shows and Turkish dramas; or want a self-contained story that you can finish quickly.
Consider skipping it if you: need logical, smart characters you can root for; get frustrated when plot progression relies on obvious mistakes; or prefer thrillers with more action and less focus on interpersonal drama and moral wrestling.
The series is available worldwide on Netflix. All eight episodes are ready to stream, with audio and subtitle options in multiple languages.
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