Since its Italian debut on December 1st, 2024, Tradimento—the Italian title for the Turkish series Aldatmak—has swiftly become one of the most beloved dramas on Canale 5, sweeping up legions of fans with its tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and emotional depth. Directed by Murat Saraçoğlu and written by the seasoned Yıldız Tunç, the series originally aired in Turkey on ATV until June 2024 and is composed of two seasons with 45-minute episodes that plunge the viewer into the crumbling world of a seemingly perfect family. At the heart of this intricate tale is Güzide Özgüder, portrayed by the iconic Vahide Perçin (famous for her role in Terra Amara), a highly respected family court judge whose world begins to unravel when she discovers that everyone she loves has been hiding painful and potentially devastating secrets. The tension, the mystery, and the compelling performances have elevated Tradimento beyond the realm of traditional soap operas, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon that now resonates deeply with Italian audiences.

The magnitude of Tradimento’s impact in Italy was evident during the recent BCT – National Festival of Cinema and Television in Benevento, where the arrival of three of its lead actors—Yusuf Çim (Ozan), Feyza Sevil Güngör (Oylum), and Caner Şahin (Tolga)—caused scenes of euphoria among adoring fans. The reaction was so overwhelming it surpassed expectations, cementing the show’s place in the hearts of Italian viewers. In the heart of Piazza Santa Sofia, the trio met the press and public with heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on the unexpected yet welcome adoration. “We think the Turkish and Italian people are similar,” they remarked, “we’re both warm, passionate, and expressive. That’s why Tradimento works so well here.” The series’ narrative—steeped in hidden affairs, moral dilemmas, and painful reckonings—mirrors the kind of emotionally charged storytelling long cherished by Italian television, and the connection was instant. The actors’ presence in Italy not only validated their growing popularity but also emphasized how cultural parallels can create bridges that allow stories to transcend borders.

Yusuf Çim, who portrays the troubled and impulsive Ozan Yenersoy, was singled out by journalists as the “bad boy” of the series, a label that drew laughter and reflection from the actor himself. “I’m sure I caused some trouble when I was younger,” he confessed, “I always seemed calm, but looking back now, maybe Ozan is actually more composed than I was as a teenager.” This candid admission highlighted the complexity behind Çim’s portrayal of Ozan—a young man torn between love, resentment, and rebellion. When asked to define their characters in one word, the cast hesitated, illustrating just how nuanced their roles have become. While Sevil Güngör called Oylum “courageous” without hesitation, Çim offered “teenager” to encapsulate both the immaturity and the emotional turmoil of Ozan. Meanwhile, Caner Şahin’s reply was a simple yet powerful “in love,” revealing how his character Tolga, though often caught in the crossfires of family and fate, is ultimately driven by his deep affection for Oylum. This moment of introspection demonstrated not only their connection to their characters but also the thoughtful preparation they bring to each performance.

The show has also served as a significant career milestone for Feyza Sevil Güngör, born in 1997, who previously appeared in Savaşçı (Warrior). With Tradimento, she has risen to international recognition, although she humbly insists that fame hasn’t changed her core self. “It may sound like a cliché,” she said, “but my life hasn’t changed as much as it’s just improved. When someone smiles at me on the street because they recognize me, that moment makes me want to be better. Their sincerity touches me.” Her reflections underscore the quiet impact of success when it arrives not as a whirlwind, but as a series of human connections that affirm one’s journey. Yusuf Çim echoed this sentiment when asked about the show’s sudden popularity in Italy. “None of us expected this level of success here,” he admitted. “But it’s beautiful. It’s an incredible feeling to be loved this much for something we worked so hard on.” Their modesty, paired with the overwhelming reception from the Italian public, paints a picture of artists who remain grounded in spite of their growing stardom.

The cast credits the show’s resonance not only to its gripping script but to the deep bond shared behind the scenes. “It’s teamwork,” Caner Şahin explained. “We genuinely like each other—on camera and off. That kind of chemistry translates into our scenes. When you spend so much time together and it’s a good dynamic, everything just works better.” Güngör agreed, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and unity on set. “When you’re part of a strong team, you can handle everything better. Even if someone reacts badly to something, you let it go because you care about each other.” Their camaraderie adds another layer of authenticity to the show, proving that what happens behind the camera is just as vital as what unfolds in front of it. When asked whether they hope to emulate the enduring Italian success of Can Yaman, another Turkish actor beloved in Italy, the cast laughed but didn’t hide their enthusiasm.