About
Quick guide
Toistimen palvelin
Jakso
Kausi
Museum of Innocence
20268
Draama
Julkaistu
13.2.2026
Maa
Turkki
Tuotanto
Ay Yapım
In 1970s Istanbul, a man's forbidden love for a shop-girl evolves into a lifelong journey of obsession and longing.
About
Quick guide
Set in 1970s Istanbul, a man's forbidden love for a shop‑girl becomes a lifelong obsession.
Based on Orhan Pamuk’s acclaimed novel, the nine‑episode series follows Kemal, a wealthy Istanbul heir, as his illicit romance with Füsun, a modest shop‑girl, turns into a consuming obsession. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Istanbul, the show explores love, longing, and the fine line between devotion and fixation, offering a bittersweet, introspective look at how a man's desire reshapes his identity over decades.
What to know
- Nine‑episode series, each about 60 minutes.
- Set in 1970s Istanbul, reflecting the era’s social norms.
- Directed by Zeynep Günay, adapted from Orhan Pamuk’s novel.
- Focuses on complex romantic obsession, not action.
- Minimal violence, emphasis on emotional depth.
- Explores themes of love, longing, identity, and class divide.
- Released globally on Netflix, February 2026.
- Available in multiple languages with subtitles and dubbing.
Watch if
Watch if you appreciate thoughtful period dramas that explore the darker side of love, where obsession and longing drive the narrative, and you’re drawn to nuanced character studies set against rich historical context.
Skip if
Skip if you prefer high‑action thrillers, bright, upbeat romance, or stories that avoid deep emotional conflict and complex character arcs.
psychological elementsromance elementssad toneslow burnmature themesdark tonelanguage some
Premise Overview
Museum of Innocence follows Kemal, a young heir of a wealthy Istanbul family, who falls for Füsun, a modest shop‑girl. Their illicit romance sparks an obsessive quest to keep every reminder of her, turning into a lifelong fixation. The show examines how longing shapes identity over decades.
Setting: 1970s Istanbul
The series is set in 1970s Istanbul, a time of social change and political tension. It captures bustling bazaars, historic neighborhoods, and the contrast between wealthy families and modest workers. The visual aesthetic reflects the era’s fashion, architecture, and cultural atmosphere, grounding the story in a tangible historical context.
Key Characters: Kemal & Füsun
Kemal, portrayed by Selahattin Paşalı, is a privileged young man torn between duty and desire. Füsun, played by Eylül Lize Kandemir, is a resilient shop‑girl from a humble background. Their forbidden love fuels the plot, driving both characters toward obsession, sacrifice, and emotional turmoil.
Narrative Arc
Over nine episodes, the series traces Kemal’s evolution from a carefree aristocrat to a man consumed by longing. Each episode layers personal memories, societal pressures, and the accumulation of objects that symbolize Füsun’s presence. The climax resolves the tension between love and loss, offering a bittersweet reflection on memory and identity.
Central Themes
The show delves into obsession, longing, and the power of memory. It examines class divides, the conflict between duty and desire, and how personal history shapes identity. Themes of love’s fragility, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of small gestures are woven into the narrative, creating a contemplative tone.
Production & Cast
Directed by Zeynep Günay, the nine‑episode series adapts Orhan Pamuk’s novel. Screenwriter Ertan Kurtulan expands the narrative for television. The cast includes Selahattin Paşalı, Eylül Lize Kandemir, Oya Unustası, Tilbe Saran, Bülent Emin Yarar, and Gülçin Kültür Şahin. Production emphasizes period detail and character depth.
Where & How to Watch
The series premiered on Netflix in February 2026 and is available worldwide on the streaming platform. Episodes are available in multiple languages, with subtitles and dubbing options in Turkish, English, and other major languages. It can be streamed on desktop, mobile, or smart TV devices that support Netflix.
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FAQ
25 Q&A
What is the premise of Museum of Innocence?
It follows Kemal's obsessive love for Füsun, a shop‑girl, set in 1970s Istanbul, exploring how longing shapes life.
Who are the main characters?
Kemal, played by Selahattin Paşalı, and Füsun, played by Eylül Lize Kandemir.
Who directed the series?
Zeynep Günay directed the nine‑episode adaptation.
How many episodes are there?
The series consists of nine episodes.
How long is each episode?
Each episode runs roughly an hour, totaling around 9 to 10 hours.
Is it based on a book?
Yes, it adapts Orhan Pamuk’s novel of the same name.
Who wrote the original novel?
The novel was written by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk.
Where is the story set?
In Istanbul, primarily in the 1970s.
When does the story take place?
The narrative spans the 1970s to 1990s.
What themes does the series explore?
Obsession, longing, memory, class divide, identity, sacrifice.
Is the series available on Netflix?
Yes, it premiered on Netflix in February 2026 and is available worldwide.
Can I watch it in multiple languages?
Yes, it offers subtitles and dubbing in Turkish, English, and other languages.
Are there any age restrictions?
The series is rated for mature audiences due to complex themes.
Does the series contain violence?
Minimal violence; the focus is on emotional and psychological conflict.
Is there any sexual content?
Subtle romantic scenes; no explicit content.
What language is used in the series?
Primarily Turkish, with English subtitles available.
What is the ending like?
The finale resolves the tension between love and loss, leaving a bittersweet reflection on memory.
Why did the story focus on collecting objects?
The objects symbolize Füsun’s presence and illustrate how memory can sustain affection.
How does the series depict 1970s Istanbul?
Through authentic sets, music, fashion, and social scenes, showing the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Who are the supporting cast members?
Supporting roles include Oya Unustası, Tilbe Saran, Bülent Emin Yarar, and Gülçin Kültür Şahin.
What is the significance of the museum in the story?
The museum represents a curated memory of love, preserving Füsun’s fragments as a personal shrine.
What is Kemal's background?
He comes from a wealthy, influential family and faces expectations to marry within social class.
What is Füsun's background?
A shop‑girl from a modest background, she represents resilience and ordinary life.
What does the title mean?
It refers to the concept of innocence preserved in objects and memories, contrasting with the adult world.
Are there any spin‑offs or sequels planned?
No official announcements yet; the story is contained within the series.
