Is the Turkish Crime Drama Underground Worth Watching?

On October 9, the crime series Underground was absent from the Disney+ Turkey top-ten list. Just twenty-four hours later, it claimed the number-one spot. This followed the October 7 broadcast of its second-season premiere on the network NOW, which garnered a 6.98 rating to become the second most-watched drama of the evening.

New viewers considering the series should be aware that the first season spans sixteen episodes, with most running well over two hours. This article evaluates whether the show's pacing and narrative payoff justify the significant time investment required to catch up.

Key findings in this review:

The total runtime for the sixteen-episode first season is calculated.
Critics remain divided on the lead performances.
IMDb user ratings show a polarized reception, with many perfect scores tempered by lower marks as the season progresses.
A recommendation is provided on how many episodes are necessary to determine if the show is worth continuing.

What is the premise of Underground?

Underground (international title, 2026) follows Haydar Ali, a man traumatized by the murder of his family during childhood. Years later, he tracks down the killer and exacts revenge, an act that entangles his lover, Ceylan, in the violence. While incarcerated, Haydar Ali encounters Bozkurt "Bozo" Hanoğlu, a feared mafia boss who is also the nephew of the man Haydar Ali killed. Despite their history, a complex bond of mutual respect forms, with Bozo becoming his protector. Upon his eventual release, Haydar Ali discovers that Ceylan has married Bozo. His situation grows more precarious when an intelligence officer, Yılmaz, recruits him to infiltrate Bozo’s organization.

A scene from Underground: Haydar Ali and Ceylan sitting opposite each other in a crowded restaurant — Haydar Ali (Deniz Can Aktaş) and Ceylan (Devrim Özkan) share a scene in a restaurant.

How do international audiences and critics perceive the series?

As of October 10, 2026, Underground holds a 7.1 rating on IMDb based on approximately 1,800 votes. User sentiment is notably bifurcated; 45 percent of voters awarded the series a perfect score, while 12 percent gave it the lowest possible rating. The primary viewership is concentrated in Turkey, followed by the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

Professional criticism has centered on Uraz Kaygılaroğlu’s performance as Bozo. Burak Akan of Mood Magazin noted in March 2026 that the role represents a significant career milestone for Kaygılaroğlu. Conversely, reviewers are split on Deniz Can Aktaş’s portrayal of Haydar Ali. While some critics feel he remains trapped in the shadow of his previous television roles, others argue he successfully balances rage and affection in scenes with Ceylan. The production design, including the cinematography and score, has received praise, though reviewers frequently point to sluggish pacing and excessive episode lengths as technical drawbacks.

The three leads of the show, Uraz Kaygılaroğlu, Devrim Özkan and Deniz Can Aktaş — The main cast: Uraz Kaygılaroğlu, Devrim Özkan, and Deniz Can Aktaş.

Is the series worth the time commitment?

Underground is at its strongest during the first few episodes, according to both viewer data and critical analysis. The first episode holds an 8.3 rating, but scores trend downward as the season progresses, bottoming out at 5.7 by the twelfth episode. For those curious about the series, a four-episode trial is generally sufficient to decide if the chemistry between Haydar Ali and Bozo carries enough narrative weight to justify the nearly 600-minute time investment. The show's tension is almost entirely derived from their volatile dynamic.

Potential viewers should be cautioned that Underground contains intense depictions of violence. The Turkish broadcasting authority, RTÜK, issued a fine to the network on April 30, 2026, citing the "aestheticization" of violence and its presentation as an effective tool for achieving results. Those seeking a concise, fast-paced police procedural may find the show’s length and focus on criminal power struggles polarizing.