Hello everyone! How are you all doing? Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Daydreamer (originally named “Erkenci Kuş”), which became a worldwide phenomenon and catapulted both Can Yaman and Demet Özdemir to global fame with their remarkable chemistry and comedic flair.
Daydreamer (Turkish: Erkenci Kuş) aired on Star TV from June 26, 2018, to August 6, 2019, offering 51 episodes of pure romantic comedy delight. Now accessible on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, this series expertly combines workplace humor with touching romance.
This delightful love story is filled with drama, surprises, adventures, and a lot of laughter. What makes Daydreamer unique is its ability to merge Turkish cultural elements with universal themes of pursuing dreams, discovering love, and staying authentic. The series captures the essence of Istanbul’s lively advertising industry while delivering genuine humor and heart-fluttering romantic scenes.
From Grocery Store to Ad Agency: Sanem’s Path to Self-Discovery
Sanem is a young woman with aspirations of becoming a writer and dreams of living on the Galápagos Islands. Although she works at her father’s grocery store, her parents push her to choose between a planned marriage with her neighbor Muzaffer or finding a decent job. This scenario immediately sets the stakes and gives viewers a character to cheer for.
Sanem is naturally cheerful and vibrant, opening her family’s grocery store very early each morning, which gives the series its Turkish title “Erkenci Kuş” (Early Bird). When she finds a job opening at the ad agency where her sister is employed, she takes a bold step that changes everything. The beauty of this plot lies in how it showcases an ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary world of creativity and corporate intrigue.
Can Divit: The Photographer Who Steals Hearts
Renowned photographer Can Divit returns to Istanbul to rescue his family’s advertising firm from disaster, carrying with him a mysterious past and undeniable charm. Can Yaman’s portrayal of Can is both nuanced and compelling, depicting a man who appears confident and successful yet harbors deep emotional scars.
Can’s character embodies the modern Turkish man caught between traditional familial expectations and personal freedom. His passion for photography and travel reflects Sanem’s writing dreams, forming an instant connection that bridges their class differences. Yaman’s performance skillfully balances Can’s strong exterior with his tender, romantic interior.
The Chemistry That Captivated a Global Audience
The enchantment of Daydreamer rests entirely on the electrifying chemistry between Demet Özdemir and Can Yaman. Though skeptical of his sincerity, she soon finds herself drawn to his multifaceted personality. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic creates some of Turkish television’s most unforgettable romantic moments.
Özdemir brings outstanding comedic timing to Sanem’s role, making her awkward moments charming rather than irritating. Her transformation from an insecure grocery store employee to a confident creative professional feels natural and inspiring. The way she challenges Can while staying true to herself makes their relationship feel authentic and aspirational.
Office Antics and Corporate Drama
The advertising agency setting offers the perfect backdrop for both romantic tension and comedic brilliance. The head of the agency, Aziz, has two sons: Can and Emre, creating family dynamics that complicate the workplace romance. The series excels at balancing office politics with creative projects that mirror the characters’ emotional journeys.
Secondary characters add depth and humor to the workplace environment, from Sanem’s best friend Ayhan to the various agency employees who become invested in the central romance. The creative projects often serve as metaphors for the characters’ relationships, adding layers of meaning to seemingly straightforward advertising campaigns.
Worldwide Success and Cultural Influence
The show has been aired in Spain, Croatia, Albania, Israel, Lithuania, Iraq, Ukraine, and Kosovo, proving its universal appeal crosses cultural boundaries. The series’ success on international platforms helped establish Turkish romantic comedies as a formidable force in global entertainment.
The chemistry between the lead actors became so renowned that fans worldwide shipped them both on-screen and off-screen. The series’ format of feature-length episodes allows for detailed character development while maintaining the brisk pace that keeps viewers engaged throughout all 51 episodes.
If you enjoy workplace romance, comedic chemistry, and charming Turkish lead actors, Daydreamer is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. Prepare for a feel-good journey that will make you believe in the power of chasing your dreams and discovering love in the most unexpected places.
Daydreamer delivers pure romantic comedy excellence, combining exceptional performances with genuine humor and swoon-worthy moments that explain why Turkish dramas have conquered the global market.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 51 episodes (1 season)
- Platform: Netflix, Prime Video, various streaming services
- Rating: 7.2/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
- Protagonists: Can Yaman (Can Divit), Demet Özdemir (Sanem Aydın)
- Antagonist: Aylin Yüksel (various workplace rivals and family obstacles)