The upcoming ATV drama Abi has ignited controversy before cameras have even started rolling, after the casting of Kenan İmirzalioğlu, 50, and Afra Saraçoğlu, 26, in leading roles revealed a 24-year age difference between the stars.
While Turkish television is no stranger to bold casting choices, the significant age gap has sparked a heated debate among fans and critics, with many questioning whether the pairing will be convincing on screen.
A story of family and disruption
In the series, İmirzalioğlu takes on the role of Cerrah Doğan Hancıoğlu, a man who distanced himself from his family years ago to build a new life elsewhere. The drama begins when he returns to Istanbul for his sister’s wedding, where a single night alters the course of his life.
At the heart of these events is Çağla, portrayed by Saraçoğlu, a young lawyer at the outset of her career. She applies for a position in the family company and quickly encounters Doğan, setting in motion a storyline that promises to intertwine their lives in unexpected ways.
Social media backlash
It is not the plot that has stirred early attention, but rather the disparity between the actors’ ages. On social media platforms, viewers have voiced discomfort, calling the casting “unrealistic” and “troubling,” particularly if the narrative leans towards romance.
“Once again, we see older men paired with much younger women,” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: “It would be better to highlight professional respect instead of romantic clichés.”
Different perspectives
Industry insiders, however, have suggested that the series may not hinge on a conventional romance. According to reports, the relationship between Doğan and Çağla could instead focus on themes of interruption, renewal, and personal transformation, with Saraçoğlu’s character acting as a catalyst for change rather than a love interest.
Supporters of the casting argue that Çağla’s age aligns with her role as a lawyer beginning her professional life, while Doğan’s maturity reflects a man shaped by years of separation and personal struggle.
A wider industry debate
The discussion around Abi has reignited long-standing criticism of Turkish television dramas, where younger female actors are often cast opposite older male leads. For some, this reflects a systemic issue of gender imbalance, while others see it as a storytelling device that highlights power, experience, and generational differences.
Star power and expectations
Saraçoğlu, who had reportedly planned a break from mainstream television after completing Disney+’s Pera, accepted the project despite earlier intentions. Combined with İmirzalioğlu’s established stardom, the casting ensures that Abi will be closely watched—whether for its dramatic narrative or the controversy surrounding its leads.
As production gears up, the conversation around the series underscores broader questions about representation, realism, and the choices shaping Turkey’s powerful television industry.
