21.05.2026 01:00
"Back Streets," the longest-running crime series in Turkish television history, which set a difficult-to-break record by surpassing 700 episodes over 20 seasons, is ending its screen journey with a surprise decision. While preparations for the 21st season, planned for the upcoming broadcast period, have been completely canceled, it has been learned that the final decision has been officially communicated to the cast.
The end of the road has come for "Arka Sokaklar," the longest-running, most-watched, and generation-raising phenomenon crime series in Turkish television history. A final decision has been made for this record-breaking production, which started on Kanal D screens in 2006 and has been the indispensable Friday night staple for 20 seasons.
NEW SEASON PLANS CANCELLED
According to journalist Birsen Altuntaş's exclusive report, Kanal D management made another major move after its abrupt decision to end "Eşref Rüya." It was decided to completely conclude "Arka Sokaklar," produced by D Media. This shocking decision was officially communicated to the cast and technical crew on set. Thus, the preparations and plans for the 21st season, which were being considered for the upcoming broadcast period, have been entirely cancelled.
A HISTORY OF 20 SEASONS AND OVER 700 EPISODES
"Arka Sokaklar," which first appeared before audiences in 2006 with its debut episode, inscribed its name in golden letters in Turkish television history. The series, which follows an iconic police team working at the Istanbul Police Department Public Order Branch in their fight against crime, holds hard-to-reach records with its statistics.
Holding the title of Turkey's longest-running weekly prime-time series, the production surpassed the 700-episode milestone among weekly series, achieving an unbeatable consistency. The fact that children born when the series first aired are now of university age is shown as the clearest evidence of how the project defied time.
IT WAS ALSO A STAPLE OF INTERNET CULTURE
"Arka Sokaklar" not only broke rating records on television screens but also became the greatest source of material for the digital world and internet culture with its distinctive characters. "Rıza Baba's" long-unfulfilled retirement jokes, "Hüsnü Çoban's" never-ending household support and debt troubles, "Commissioner Mesut's" repeated escapes from death only to reunite with the team, and the unforgettable character "Suat's" farewell remained trending topics on social media for years.
AN ERA HAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED
After the surprising final decision leaked to the press, thousands of social media users shared their shock and sadness. Under the news, which quickly rose to the top of Turkey's agenda, viewers stating that their childhood and youth ended with this series commented that an era has officially closed. The most veteran team on screens is expected to bid a final farewell to its audience with a grand final episode scheduled to air in June 2026.