Mafia Stories in TV Series: A Mirror of Social Transformation!

Sociologist Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı emphasized that the increasing violence and mafia themes in TV series in recent years are not merely a content preference but are closely related to social transformation, stating that the intense engagement of younger generations with such content could lead to significant consequences. Prof. Süleymanlı stated that the transition from neighborhood culture to mafia-themed narratives is a reflection of social transformation, and added, “While neighborhood series represent solidarity, trust, and collective life; today's productions emphasize individual competition, power relations, and conflict themes.”

Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı from Üsküdar University’s Department of Sociology evaluated the transformation in TV series and their effects on viewers.

The longing for old TV series is based on a strong collective cultural memory

Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı stated that the longing for old TV series is not limited to individual memories but is based on a strong collective cultural memory, saying, “Because TV series were not just productions watched, but social experiences shared together. The culture of watching television as a family generated common feelings, and series became an important part of daily communication. When these series are remembered today, not only the stories but also the family environment, social relationships, and emotional atmosphere of that period are recalled. Familiar fictional worlds are known to provide security, belonging, and emotional stability. Therefore, when people experience intense emotions or are mentally exhausted, they turn to familiar narratives to create a psychological ‘safe space’.”

Interest in old TV series is also related to the need to maintain emotional balance

Pointing out that the structural transformation of today's TV series strengthens the feeling of nostalgia, Prof. Süleymanlı said, “The excessive length of episodes, repetitive scenes, and the weakening of narrative intensity lead viewers to perceive old series as more meaningful and coherent. Thus, nostalgia transforms from merely a longing for the past into a perception based on content quality comparison. In this respect, the interest in old TV series is also related to the need to maintain emotional balance in the face of the complexities of modern life.”

There is also a longing for neighborhood relationships in old TV series 

Prof. Süleymanlı noted that old TV series offered themes from daily life such as neighborhood relationships, neighborliness, solidarity, and family ties, establishing strong bonds with viewers through characters resembling ordinary people. He stated, “Viewers could see themselves in these characters and establish emotional identification with the narrative. In contrast, many of today's productions highlight surreal rich lifestyles, luxurious settings, and idealized characters. The viewer's inability to connect with their daily experience increases emotional distance. Furthermore, the more theatrical and artificial dialogues in current series, moving away from everyday spoken language, weaken the perception of sincerity. The acceleration of urban life, increased individualism, and weakening social relationships make these warm relationships of the past more valuable. For this reason, old series are remembered as narratives that offer viewers a slower, more predictable, and emotionally stable experience.”

The rise of mafia and intrigue-themed series indicates social transformation
Prof. Süleymanlı, linking the increase in mafia and intrigue-themed series to social transformation, continued:

“Today, the intensification of themes such as competition, power struggle, and conflict reflects the direction of cultural narratives, while also potentially influencing viewers' perceptions of relationships and behavior. Particularly noteworthy is how narratives are constantly built upon high dramatic tension and traumatic events. Continuous crisis and intense emotional stimulation create emotional fatigue in viewers and increase the longing for more balanced narratives. Therefore, series not only reflect social trends but also reproduce perceptions regarding power, authority, and forms of relationships.”

Mafia-themed series serve as a form of catharsis

Prof. Süleymanlı noted that these series can create a space for emotional release for the viewer, stating, “Viewers symbolically experience the tensions and repressed emotions they encounter in daily life through identification with characters. However, this process is not solely catharsis. Media characters can also serve as role models, and continuously repeated themes of power, violence, or conflict can, over time, affect the boundaries of what is considered normal behavior. Therefore, popular culture products should be regarded not merely as entertainment, but as powerful cultural tools that shape the perception of values and social norms.”

TV series preferences also differ across generations

Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı explained that Generations X and Y, having grown up in an era where television was central, place more importance on narratives with story integrity, character development, and the ability to form emotional connections. He said, “For them, TV series are also a shared experience within the family. Generation Z, influenced by digital platforms, prefers faster-paced, visually intense content suitable for shorter attention spans. The short-season, high-production offerings of digital platforms have raised viewer expectations, leading to more criticism of the narrative tempo and structure of television series. Despite this, it is noteworthy that younger generations also express seeing more natural relationships and strong social ties in old TV series. This situation indicates that despite digitalization, people's need for stories that offer a sense of reality and belonging persists.”

“Strong male” and “anti-hero” themes are on the rise

 Prof. Süleymanlı also addressed the increase in “strong male” and “anti-hero” characters, stating, “These themes can influence gender perception by often associating power with toughness, control, and authority. The normalization of anti-hero characters makes visible a relational understanding where power is defined through dominance and struggle. Media does not merely reflect society; it also reproduces social values by providing a reference framework for what behaviors are acceptable. Therefore, such representations can be effective in the long-term transformation of relationship dynamics and role expectations.”

People tend to remember the past more positively

Prof. Süleymanlı also emphasized that the romanticization of old TV series is related to both the effect of nostalgia and the transformation in the media environment. He said, “People tend to remember the past more positively; however, the fact that today's series are built on high tempo, intense conflict, and continuous dramatic tension is a factor that makes the past seem calmer. Additionally, the determining role of commercial concerns in today's series, rating-driven script changes, and insufficient character development also strengthen the perception that old series were more consistent and coherent.”

What does the transition from neighborhood culture to mafia culture tell us?

Prof. Süleymanlı stated that the transition from neighborhood culture to mafia-themed narratives is a reflection of social transformation, concluding, “While neighborhood series represent solidarity, trust, and collective life; today's productions emphasize individual competition, power relations, and conflict themes. This transformation can also be linked to an increasing shift from artistic concerns to commercial concerns in media production. Ratings and economic expectations have led to a greater preference for conflict-centered narratives. Therefore, series are not merely entertainment but cultural texts that shape society's world of values and emotional climate. The longing for old TV series can also be interpreted as a reflection of this transformation in the viewer's consciousness.”