Scripted

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Canale 5’s Turkish drama Endless Love (Kara Sevda) concluded its run with a ratings victory, drawing 2.7 million viewers and securing a 14.6% audience share. The Mediaset network’s hit series outperformed Rai 1’s mystery drama Blackout, which attracted 2.4 million viewers with a 14.1% share, reaffirming the strong appeal of Turkish productions in Italy’s prime-time lineup. In particular, the final episode of Endeless Love was the undisputed leader in the prime time slot, beating Rai 2 game show Stasera tutto è possibile (2.020/13%) and Italia 1 football match Coppa Italia Atalanta - Bologna (2.371/11.5%)

This latest ratings result further highlights the growing dominance of Turkish series in the Italian television landscape. Endless Love, produced by Ay Yapım and distributed internationally by Inter Medya, has been a global sensation since its original Turkish run from 2015 to 2017. The show, starring Burak Özçivit and Neslihan Atagül, tells the intense love story between Kemal, a humble but determined young man, and Nihan, a wealthy woman trapped in a toxic engagement. Their fateful romance is tested by class struggles, jealousy, and betrayal—elements that have contributed to its success in multiple territories, including Latin America, Spain, and the Middle East.

Mediaset’s strategy of programming Turkish dramas in key prime-time slots is proving effective, as audiences continue to be drawn to the high production values, compelling storytelling, and emotional depth of these series. In recent years, the Italian broadcaster has successfully aired several Inter Medya-distributed Turkish dramas, including Interrupted (Yarım Kalan Aşklar), Dreams and Realities (Hayaller ve Hayatlar) The Trusted (Maraşlı), Tradimento (Deception) and of course Terra Amara (Bitter Lands) that was a huge hit on Canale 5.

Inter Medya VP and Head of Sales and Acquisitions Beatriz Cea Okan said:‘We are pleased to continue expanding the success of Turkish content in Italy, where it enjoys strong and growing popularity. Most recently, we licensed another Turkish series, Valley of the Heart, to Mediaset Italy, and we are confident it will further contribute to the continued success of Turkish content in the country.’