Netflix is starting 2026 with a compelling new Turkish drama that promises intense family drama and a forbidden romance. The series, titled To Love, To Lose, has been scheduled for release in January 2026. The show is part of Netflix’s ongoing project to bring more Turkish stories to a global audience. Viewers can expect a story about deep family loyalty, financial pressure, and a love that crosses difficult lines.
The Official Release Date and Global Streaming Time
To Love, To Lose will be available for streaming worldwide on Thursday, January 15, 2026. According to the Netflix schedule, new episodes are set to go live at 3:01 AM Eastern Time (ET). This means the release time will adjust for viewers in different time zones. For example, it will be available at 12:01 AM Pacific Time and 8:01 AM in the United Kingdom.
This Turkish drama is part of a packed January lineup for Netflix, which includes other major releases like Bridgerton Season 4 and the crime thriller The Rip starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The series will require an active Netflix subscription to watch.
The Story: A Romance Built on Conflict
The official description from Netflix sets the stage: “A star-crossed romance seals the fate of two families when a woman trying to save her family restaurant falls for the surly heir of a debt collector”. The plot centers on Afife, a screenwriter who gets a sudden shock. She discovers that her mother has taken a large loan to save their struggling family restaurant, a debt she knew nothing about.
The person who comes to collect this debt is Kemal, the determined heir to a loan shark family. Afife explains that her family simply does not have the money to repay what they owe. Despite the tense confrontation and clear conflict between them, there is an undeniable and complicated spark of attraction. The series explores whether a genuine relationship can possibly form under such strained and opposing circumstances.
Meet the Main Cast and Creative Team
The series brings together notable Turkish acting talent. Playing the lead role of Kemal, the debt collector, is İbrahim Çelikkol. His counterpart, the screenwriter Afife, is played by Emine Meryem. The supporting cast includes actors such as Yasemin Kay Allen, Deniz Türkali, Okan Çabalar, and Menderes Samancılar.
The series has a strong creative foundation. It was created by the respected writer and director Yavuz Turgul. The directing duties are shared by Selim Demirdelen and Kurtcebe Turgul, with writing by Nilgün Öneş and Kurtcebe Turgul. The production is handled by TMC Film, with Erol Avcı serving as the executive producer.
Netflix’s Investment in Turkish Storytelling
To Love, To Lose is not an isolated project. It is a key part of Netflix’s larger plan to invest in Turkish content. In late 2024, Netflix announced a slate of 12 new Turkish projects and two returning seasons during a “Next on Netflix” event in Istanbul. Other announced titles include Letters from the Past, The Town, and Graveyard Season 2.
Özge Bağdatlıoğlu, Director of Series for Netflix Türkiye, emphasized this commitment, stating the new shows celebrate local creativity and are meant to share Turkish culture with the world. This initiative reflects the growing international popularity of Turkish dramas, which are now reaching viewers across the globe through streaming platforms.
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What to Expect From the Series
While an official trailer has not been released yet, the established plot suggests a drama filled with emotional and ethical challenges. The central relationship between Afife and Kemal is built on a foundation of obligation and conflict, not choice. The struggle to save a family business adds a layer of real-world pressure, making their personal connection even more difficult.
The involvement of creator Yavuz Turgul suggests a series with depth and strong character development. As a prominent figure in Turkish cinema and television, his involvement is a mark of quality for the project. The show aims to blend personal romance with wider family and social dynamics, a formula that has made many Turkish dramas successful internationally.
