Turkish actress Burcu Özberk is officially returning to prime-time television, taking on the lead role in the new NOW series titled Anne Yarısı (Half Mother). Filming for this project is scheduled for the summer in Cappadocia.
According to Turkish entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş and other local media, Özberk will play Zeynep, a devoted teacher. This character's life changes drastically after a family tragedy forces her into an unexpected fight for her nephew's future.
The series is produced by NTC Medya, one of Turkey's leading production companies, and directed by Semih Bağcı. The script was written by Melis Çivelek, Zeynep Gür, and Merve Göntem, bringing together a creative team known for their emotional family dramas.
The title Anne Yarısı, which literally translates to 'Half Mother,' reflects the Turkish saying that 'an aunt is half a mother,' and this theme forms the emotional core of the narrative. At the center of the plot is the strong and compassionate teacher Zeynep, whose sister Zeren suddenly dies in Germany. After this tragedy, Zeynep travels to Cappadocia to protect and care for her nephew Ege, left orphaned by his mother's death.
However, her arrival draws her into a fierce family conflict that goes far beyond a simple custody dispute. Turkish media characterizes this story as an emotional drama exploring family loyalty, sacrifice, grief, justice, and the limits a woman is willing to go to protect a loved child.
Opposite Burcu Özberk will be Cihanğir Ceyhan, who has been cast as Ali Altaş, one of the key male characters. Although producers have not yet revealed the full details of Ali's role, it is expected that this pair will become the central screen couple of the series. This casting marks the first television collaboration between Özberk and Ceyhan, creating one of the most anticipated new pairings for the upcoming Turkish television season.
Preparations for production are already in full swing. Table reads are set to begin in the last week of July, with principal photography scheduled for August 1st. Production will take place in Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most visually distinctive regions. Known for its chimneys, valleys, cave houses, and historic villages, Cappadocia is becoming an increasingly popular filming location for Turkish dramas due to its unique natural beauty. Producers are expected to use the region not only as a backdrop but also as an important part of the story's atmosphere.
For Burcu Özberk, the series Anne Yarısı represents another significant milestone in a career that has made her one of Turkey's most recognizable television stars. She first gained widespread attention through the series Güneşin Kızları, and later starred in popular projects including Afili Aşk, Aşk Mantık İntikam, Ruhun Duymaz, and Kraliçe. Known for her ability to portray determined and emotionally complex characters, she is now taking on another challenging role focused on family, resilience, and responsibility.
Meanwhile, Cihanğir Ceyhan continues to build on the success of productions such as Sıfır Bir, Alev Alev, Camdaki Kız, and Yalı Çapkını, establishing himself as one of Turkey's leading dramatic actors. With an experienced creative team, a powerful family storyline, and the participation of two of Turkey's most popular TV stars, Anne Yarısı is already attracting significant attention ahead of its premiere. As filming prepares to commence in Cappadocia, the drama is expected to be one of NOW's flagship projects in the upcoming television season.
The series NOW Yeraltı is preparing for its second season, which promises significant changes in both production and cast. Among the potential major participants is one of Turkey's most respected actors, İsmail Hacıoğlu.
According to reports from Turkish entertainment publications, Hacıoğlu is negotiating to join the project by Medyapım. The series is overseen by director Murat Öztürk and producer Fatih Aksoy. Preparation for the new season began after the first season concluded on May 20th.
Initial reports indicated that Hacıoğlu was being considered for the lead role, which could significantly change the direction of the plot. Latest information suggests that discussions between the actor and the team are ongoing, and he might join the cast once the details of his character are finalized.
According to Turkish press, Hacıoğlu is expected to play a powerful new character who will be an adversary to Bozkurt Hanoğlu, better known as Bozo, played by Uraz Kaygılaroğlu. Although the identity and full background of Hacıoğlu's potential character have not been officially revealed, the possibility of the experienced actor clashing with Bozo has already generated great interest among fans of the series.
This addition will create a new dramatic conflict at the core of the second season. Bozo is one of the central figures of Yeraltı, whose power and influence are closely tied to the criminal underworld. The appearance of a new, strong rival may force him into a confrontation unlike anything he experienced in the first season.
Yeraltı has become one of NOW's most discussed dramatic projects in the 2025–26 season. The series stars Deniz Can Aktaş as Haydar Ali Aslan, Devrim Özkan as Halide Ceylan, and Uraz Kaygılaroğlu as Bozkurt Hanoğlu. The story tells of Haydar Ali, who goes to prison after seeking revenge for the murder of his family, and then becomes involved with one of Turkey's most dangerous underground networks. His release confronts him with old love, loyalty, betrayal, and influential figures controlling the criminal world.
The second season is also expected to introduce several new characters. Turkish media reported that Bozo's former lover will appear in the story, and she will have a young daughter played by child actress Azra Aksu. These new elements should expand the personal and dramatic conflicts surrounding the main characters.
The possible involvement of İsmail Hacıoğlu in Yeraltı would mark a significant return for him to a major television project. Previously, the actor starred in the series Cennetin Çocukları on TRT 1 but left it earlier this year following an investigation. Turkish media reported that he was removed from the cast after the investigation, although previously filmed episodes were still planned for broadcast.
Hacıoğlu has established himself as one of Turkey's strongest dramatic performers, known for taking on emotionally intense and complex roles. Therefore, his potential appearance in Yeraltı has attracted special attention from viewers eagerly awaiting how his acting style will fit into the dark world of crime, power, revenge, and betrayal in the series.
Although the actor's participation has not yet been officially confirmed by Medyapım or NOW, the ongoing negotiations have made İsmail Hacıoğlu one of the most closely watched names in the preparation for the second season. If an agreement is reached, the conflict between his character and Bozo could become one of the central storylines of the new season, adding another major force to the series, which ended its first season with an open future.
