Shahrzad (2015)
A sweeping Iranian romantic historical drama set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1953 coup d'état, starring Taraneh Alidoosti and Shahab Hosseini.
Shahrzad - Series Information
- Original Title: شهرزاد
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Hassan Fathi
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 59
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Persian
- Spoken Languages: Persian
- Networks: Lotus Play
- Production Companies: Tasvir Gostar Pasargad
- Production Countries: Iran
Shahrzad - Plot
A romantic historical drama set around and after the 1953 Iranian coup d'état.
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Shahrzad - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Hassan Fathi
Main Cast
- Taraneh Alidoosti
- Shahab Hosseini
- Mostafa Zamani
- Parinaz Izadyar
- Mehdi Soltani
- Parviz Fallahipour
- Houman Barghnavard
- Gelare Abbasi
- Fariba Motakhasses
- Soheila Razavi
Writers
- Hassan Fathi
- Naghmeh Samini
Shahrzad - FAQs
Is Shahrzad based on a true story?
Shahrzad is a fictional drama, but it unfolds against the very real backdrop of the 1953 Iranian coup d'état — the CIA and MI6-backed operation that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. The political upheaval of that era shapes every layer of the story, lending the series a powerful sense of historical authenticity.
What is Shahrzad about?
Set in the turbulent years surrounding the 1953 Iranian coup, Shahrzad follows a young woman caught between love, loyalty, and political survival. The series weaves a rich romantic narrative through one of Iran's most defining historical moments, exploring how ordinary lives are shattered and reshaped by forces far beyond personal control.
Who are the lead actors in Shahrzad?
The series stars Taraneh Alidoosti as the titular Shahrzad Saadat and Shahab Hosseini as Ghobad Divansalar. Both are among Iran's most celebrated screen performers — Hosseini is internationally known for his work in Asghar Farhadi's Oscar-winning films — and their chemistry is central to the show's emotional power.
Where can you stream Shahrzad?
Shahrzad is available to buy on Amazon Video. For a full overview of viewing options in your region, JustWatch is a reliable resource to check current availability across digital platforms.
How many seasons and episodes does Shahrzad have?
Shahrzad ran for three seasons between 2015 and 2018, totalling 59 episodes. Season 1 was the longest with 28 episodes, followed by Season 2 with 15 and Season 3 with 16. The series concluded in 2018, offering a complete narrative arc across its full run.
Who created Shahrzad and who wrote it?
Shahrzad was created and directed by Hassan Fathi, one of Iran's most prominent television auteurs. The scripts were written by Fathi alongside Naghmeh Samini, a respected playwright and screenwriter whose literary sensibility adds considerable depth to the dialogue and character development throughout the series.
How was Shahrzad received by audiences and critics?
Shahrzad became a cultural phenomenon in Iran, drawing enormous audiences and sparking widespread discussion about its bold portrayal of a politically sensitive historical period. It is widely regarded as one of the finest Persian-language television productions ever made, praised for its production values, performances, and willingness to engage with difficult history.
What makes Shahrzad significant in Iranian television?
Shahrzad broke new ground for Iranian TV by combining lavish period production design with a politically charged narrative set during the 1953 coup — a topic rarely addressed so directly on screen. Its cinematic ambition, star-driven cast, and emotionally complex storytelling set a new benchmark for prestige drama in Persian-language television.
More About Shahrzad
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