How Netflix learned to release successful teen series, what societal issues they raise, and why the Turkish “Love 101” deserves attention.

“Love 101” is a Turkish teen drama on Netflix that will usher in an era of Turkish series on the streaming service. The reason is that the series entered the top 10 in several countries worldwide in less than a week. In the Russian-speaking space, it was called a follower of “Elite,” but don’t believe that comparison. It’s a completely different genre. The series have nothing in common except that the plot centers on schoolchildren.

First Impressions Are Deceiving

When I started watching Love 101, I got the impression that it was just another light teen drama. The first episode didn’t intrigue me, but I continued watching. I hadn’t watched any Turkish series before, so it was hard to get used to the language and pronunciation. Only after the finale did I learn that the series features a popular actor who starred in the legendary Kara Sevda, or “Black Love.” Most of us have heard of it, but no one has seen it.

In the end, after the second episode, I got hooked because the show is well-thought-out, with everything — drama, fun, depth, and real teenage pain. The strongest part of the show is the characters. They realize the importance of being yourself, not following public opinion, and what it means to conform to the norms and expectations imposed by the world.

A Little About the Plot

A group of schoolchildren constantly harass teachers and, after a series of failed blunders, end up facing another expulsion. But their fate is saved by one vote that needs to be preserved until graduation. The principal hates them fiercely and tries everything to kick them out. The teacher who stood up for them is soon being transferred to another school, which means the kids are under threat. They unite and come up with a perfect plan to save themselves.

The beloved teacher must fall in love and marry the basketball coach to stay at the lyceum. But as it turns out, the schoolchildren know nothing about love or how to manage it.

The Strong Point — Characters

The characters learn to cope with pressure from peers, teachers, and parents. They learn to love and accept their feelings. Not all characters will be likable; some will be annoying. But that’s the advantage: here are real stories of real people with their own quirks.

They are hyper-emotional, but the most memorable is Sinan — the one who lives without parents. The child has a difficult childhood history, yet he is an intellectual and doesn’t like people much. He trusts no one and doesn’t believe in sincerity.

Osman — a smart future entrepreneur who gathered a team of nerds and sells homework answers to the whole school. He has a well-established business, and more than one. He comes from a good family but is used to solving problems without his parents’ help.

Kerem — where would a school be without an athlete who solves any problem with his fists. The guy comes from a wealthy family where his father despises him, so the child drowns his pain in fights.

Eda — a girl from a wealthy family with the imposed belief that she should be beautiful and find a rich husband. That is her purpose. But Eda draws beautifully, dreams of becoming a graphic designer, and lashes out at everyone around her because she doesn’t understand responsibility for her actions.

Işık — a girl who knows everything about love, lives in a sweet and conservative family, and quite by accident gets involved with a group of school bullies. She is the only character with a positive attitude and belief in the best.

Teacher Burcu — an incredibly beautiful girl who loves and protects her students. At the same time, she is unhappy in her family and marriage.

Basketball Coach Kemal — a former athlete, new to the school, seems like a jerk, but is actually a decent and kind character.

What Makes It Memorable

The show has an interesting musical selection. It features familiar old tracks from the 90s and 2000s, along with interesting Turkish songs.

I like that the idea is brought to the point that no one at school knows what happens outside of academics. That perhaps we should take a little interest in children’s lives. And no one has the right to decide your fate except yourself. It’s a story about taking responsibility for your actions, deeds, and the consequences that follow.

There is a line of adult characters who tell us that even at this time, we need to solve our own problems. The series raises questions about the role of a girl in society, the role of a wife, and standards of female beauty. And of course, about what love is.

The narrative style is intriguing because the story begins in our time, 20 years before the main events of the show. There is a main character who tells the story of friendship. And in the finale, we return to an already abandoned house and partially learn what happened to the schoolchildren.

Should You Watch “Love 101”

If you love a light atmosphere, the teen movie genre, good music, and want to see an incredibly beautiful and diverse Istanbul, then watch the series.