The Protector (2018)
A Turkish action-fantasy epic on Netflix following a young Istanbul shopkeeper who uncovers his ancient destiny as the city's chosen guardian.
The Protector - Series Information
- Original Title: Hakan: Muhafız
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Binnur Karaevli
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Turkish
- Spoken Languages: Turkish
- First Air Date: December 14, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), December 14, 2018 (Canada - 18+), December 14, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), December 14, 2018 (Germany - 16), December 14, 2018 (France - 16), December 14, 2018 (New Zealand - 16), December 14, 2018 (Australia - MA 15+), December 14, 2018 (Brazil - 16), December 14, 2018 (Spain - 16), December 14, 2018 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: The Protector (FR), Защитник (RU), Χακάν: Ο Προστάτης (GR), The Protector (US)
- Production Companies: O3 Medya
- Production Countries: Turkey
The Protector - Plot
The epic adventure of Hakan, a young shopkeeper whose modern world gets turned upside down when he learns he's connected to a secret, ancient order, tasked with protecting Istanbul.
The Protector - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at Hakan's extraordinary destiny:
Where to Watch The Protector
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The Protector - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Binnur Karaevli
Main Cast
- Çağatay Ulusoy
- Hazar Ergüçlü
- Okan Yalabık
- Ayça Ayşin Turan
- Engin Öztürk
- Funda Eryiğit
- Mehmet Kurtuluş
- Yurdaer Okur
- Søren Vejby
- Ayşe Melike Çerçi
Writers
- Binnur Karaevli
- N. İpek Gökdel
Executive Producers
- Jason George
- Binnur Karaevli
The Protector - FAQs
Where can you stream The Protector online?
The Protector is available exclusively on Netflix. You can watch all four seasons with a standard Netflix subscription or through Netflix Standard with Ads. All 32 episodes are available to stream in full on the platform.
Is The Protector based on a true story?
The Protector is not based on a true story. It draws on the rich historical legacy of Istanbul, weaving references to Byzantium and Constantinople into a fictional narrative about a secret order sworn to protect the city across centuries.
What is the significance of Istanbul in The Protector?
Istanbul is far more than a backdrop in The Protector — it's essentially a character in its own right. The series draws heavily on the city's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, using real landmarks and ancient mythology to ground its supernatural storyline in a deeply rooted sense of place and history.
How many seasons and episodes does The Protector have?
The Protector ran for four seasons with a total of 32 episodes. Season 1 has 10 episodes, Season 2 has 8, and Seasons 3 and 4 each contain 7 episodes. The series concluded in 2020 with a complete story arc.
Who plays the lead role in The Protector?
Çağatay Ulusoy leads the cast as Hakan Demir, the young shopkeeper who discovers his destiny as Istanbul's chosen protector. He is joined by Hazar Ergüçlü, Okan Yalabık, Ayça Ayşin Turan, Engin Öztürk, and Funda Eryiğit, among others.
Is The Protector worth watching for fantasy fans?
Fans of action-fantasy with a cultural twist will find plenty to enjoy. The Protector blends superhero tropes with Ottoman and Byzantine mythology in a visually striking Istanbul setting. Çağatay Ulusoy's charismatic performance and the show's fast-paced plotting make it a compelling binge-watch on Netflix.
What inspired the supernatural elements in The Protector?
The show's supernatural elements are rooted in Istanbul's layered history as Byzantium and Constantinople. The ancient order at the heart of the story draws on real archaeological and historical mythology surrounding the city, blending themes of destiny, secret societies, and immortality into its action-fantasy framework.
What is the content rating for The Protector?
The Protector is rated TV-MA in the United States, meaning it is intended for mature audiences. International ratings vary: it carries a 15 certificate in the UK, 16 in Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, and New Zealand, 18+ in Canada, MA 15+ in Australia, and 19 in South Korea.
More About The Protector
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