Engin Akyürek on 'Old Money' - Exclusive Interview

OLD MONEY 2 is officially in production, and the world of power, secrets, and high society drama is about to return to Netflix very soon. The first season built a story around wealth, influence, and the dangerous games played behind closed doors, and with Season 2 now on the way, expect even bigger power struggles, new rivals, shifting alliances, and the kind of scandals that can destroy empires overnight.

The announcement sent ripples through the global streaming community almost as soon as it surfaced. Produced by Tims&B for Netflix, the Turkish drama—originally titled Enfes Bir Akşam—captured audiences with its intoxicating blend of old-money elegance, ruthless ambition, and forbidden desire. Season 1, which premiered in October 2025, quickly climbed Netflix’s international charts, drawing millions into the glittering yet treacherous universe of Istanbul’s elite. Now, as cameras prepare to roll in 2026, the stakes are rising higher than the glittering Bosphorus skyline itself.

At the heart of the series stands Nihal, portrayed with magnetic vulnerability by Aslı Enver. A woman born into privilege yet burdened by her family’s crumbling empire, Nihal returned from France determined to restore her father’s honor through a high-stakes yacht design project for the powerful Bulut family. Her world, once defined by quiet sophistication and carefully curated social circles, shattered the moment Osman entered the frame. Played by the compelling Engin Akyürek, Osman is the self-made tycoon—a man who built his fortune through sharp intellect and unrelenting drive rather than inherited silver spoons. Their chemistry crackled from the first encounter: two worlds colliding, old money meeting new ambition, with attraction simmering beneath layers of suspicion and strategic maneuvering.

Season 1 masterfully wove together themes of class tension, familial betrayal, and the intoxicating pull of forbidden romance. Viewers watched as Nihal navigated the icy expectations of high society while grappling with her growing feelings for a man who represented everything her traditional circle distrusted. Osman, meanwhile, found himself drawn into a web of influence far more complex than his boardroom battles. Supporting characters added depth and danger: the calculating Bulut brothers, whose wariness toward Nihal masked their own hidden agendas, and Berna, whose bold decision to set the record straight hinted at deeper fractures within the family structure. Every episode unfolded like a carefully orchestrated chess match, where one misplaced move could topple decades of carefully guarded secrets.

The visuals alone were enough to captivate. Lavish Istanbul mansions overlooking the strait, sleek yachts cutting through turquoise waters, candlelit dinners in exclusive venues—Old Money presented wealth not merely as backdrop but as a living, breathing character. Costumes whispered status: tailored suits that spoke of quiet power, flowing gowns that masked vulnerability, jewelry that told silent stories of legacy and loss. The cinematography captured both the opulence and the isolation it often brings, framing characters against marble halls and endless horizons as if to remind viewers that even the richest lives can feel suffocatingly small.

Yet beneath the surface glamour lay the true engine of the show: human frailty wrapped in designer clothing. Power struggles manifested in subtle glances across crowded rooms, whispered conversations at galas, and late-night confrontations that exposed raw ambitions. Alliances formed and dissolved with breathtaking speed. A single leaked document or overheard phone call could shift the balance of an entire empire. Season 1 ended on notes of unresolved tension, leaving audiences hungry for more—questions lingering about loyalties tested, hearts entangled, and fortunes hanging in precarious balance.

With Season 2 now moving into active production, creators Meriç Acemi (writer) and Uluç Bayraktar (director) are poised to deepen the intrigue. Insiders suggest the new season will expand the universe, introducing fresh rivals who threaten to upend the delicate equilibrium between old and new money. Expect intensified power plays that reach beyond Istanbul’s elite circles, possibly extending influence into international waters where business deals carry the weight of geopolitical undercurrents. Shifting alliances will test even the strongest bonds, forcing characters to confront whether love can truly survive in a world where trust is the rarest currency.

One element certain to evolve is the central romance between Nihal and Osman. Their relationship, forged in fire and fueled by mutual fascination, remains a powder keg. Season 1 hinted at the dangers of blending personal desire with professional ambition; Season 2 promises to ignite those sparks into full-blown conflict. Will external pressures from family legacies and business empires pull them apart, or will their connection prove resilient enough to redefine what power truly means? The chemistry between Enver and Akyürek, already praised for its intensity, is expected to burn even brighter as the characters face moral dilemmas that blur the lines between right and wrong.

New characters are anticipated to inject fresh energy and danger. Rumors swirl about formidable newcomers—perhaps a mysterious investor with ties to shadowy international networks, or a cunning socialite whose old-money pedigree masks a ruthless agenda. These additions could disrupt existing dynamics, creating unexpected triangles and forcing current players to reveal hidden facets of their personalities. The Bulut family, already wary and calculating, may find their dominance challenged in ways that expose long-buried family secrets. Berna’s role, which offered moments of clarity and courage in Season 1, could expand into something far more pivotal, positioning her as either a stabilizing force or a catalyst for chaos.

Production details remain closely guarded, but the scale appears ambitious. With Season 1 consisting of eight episodes around 45 minutes each, expectations point toward a similar structure that allows for rich character development alongside rapid plot progression. Filming in 2026 will likely return to iconic Istanbul locations while venturing into new settings that reflect the story’s growing scope—perhaps exclusive coastal retreats, private jets soaring over European capitals, or opulent venues where deals worth billions are sealed with a handshake and a veiled threat. The attention to detail that defined the first season—everything from the sound of waves against yacht hulls to the subtle click of expensive heels on marble—will undoubtedly return, heightened to immerse viewers even deeper into this intoxicating world.

What makes Old Money resonate so powerfully with global audiences is its unflinching exploration of universal themes through a distinctly Turkish lens. Class disparity, the illusion of security that wealth provides, the corrosive effect of secrets on relationships—these elements transcend cultural boundaries. In an era where social media amplifies both aspiration and envy, the series holds up a mirror to contemporary society, asking uncomfortable questions about the true cost of success and the fragility of human connections when money enters the equation. Viewers find themselves simultaneously rooting for underdogs and sympathizing with the privileged, a testament to the nuanced writing and performances that avoid simplistic moral judgments.

Fan reactions since the renewal news have been electric. Social media platforms buzz with theories about potential plot twists: Will Osman’s self-made empire face a hostile takeover? Could Nihal be forced to choose between family duty and personal happiness? Discussions often circle back to the magnetic pull of the central romance, with fans dissecting every loaded glance and charged silence from Season 1. Hashtags celebrating the show have trended across regions, reflecting its broad appeal from Turkey to Latin America and beyond. Many credit the series with elevating Turkish drama’s international profile, paving the way for more cross-cultural storytelling on streaming platforms.

Behind the scenes, the creative team faces the challenge of surpassing the first season’s success without losing the essence that made it compelling. Meriç Acemi’s scripts are known for their sharp dialogue and layered motivations, while Uluç Bayraktar’s direction brings a cinematic quality that elevates television drama. The cast, anchored by seasoned talents like Engin Akyürek and Aslı Enver, brings authenticity to characters who could easily veer into caricature. Their ability to convey complex emotions—ambition laced with doubt, desire tempered by calculation—grounds the opulent setting in relatable humanity.

As production gears up, anticipation builds around how the narrative will evolve the core conflict between old and new money. Season 1 established the battlefield; Season 2 promises to escalate the war. Expect scandals that ripple outward, threatening not just individual reputations but entire family legacies. Alliances may form in unexpected quarters, with former adversaries finding common ground against greater threats. The theme of love as both weapon and weakness will likely intensify, exploring whether genuine connection can flourish in an environment where every interaction carries strategic weight.

The series also offers subtle commentary on contemporary Turkey and its place in the global economy. Through the lens of elite society, it examines tensions between tradition and modernity, inheritance and innovation, national identity and international ambition. These undercurrents add intellectual depth without overshadowing the emotional and dramatic core that keeps viewers binge-watching late into the night.

For those who have yet to experience Season 1, the upcoming Season 2 presents the perfect opportunity to dive in. The story stands as a masterclass in serialized drama: addictive pacing, morally complex characters, and production values that rival big-screen features. Netflix’s investment in Turkish content continues to pay dividends, with Old Money joining a growing roster of international hits that prove compelling storytelling knows no borders.

Looking ahead, the potential for Old Money to become a long-running franchise seems strong. If Season 2 delivers on its promise of heightened drama and deeper character exploration, audiences may find themselves immersed in this world for years to come. Future seasons could expand geographically, introducing global players whose ambitions intersect with Istanbul’s elite in explosive ways. Or they might delve even further into the psychological toll of living under constant scrutiny, where privacy is the ultimate luxury.

In the competitive landscape of streaming entertainment, Old Money distinguishes itself through its commitment to elegance amid chaos. It reminds viewers that behind every fortune lies a story of sacrifice, betrayal, resilience, and occasionally redemption. The quiet moments— a shared glance across a crowded ballroom, a hesitant touch in the shadow of ancient architecture—carry as much weight as the grand confrontations.

As cameras begin to roll and scripts take final shape, one thing remains certain: the return of Old Money will once again transport audiences into a realm where wealth opens doors but rarely guarantees safety. Power corrupts, secrets fester, and love complicates everything. In this glittering arena, no one is truly untouchable, and every victory comes with a price.

The anticipation is palpable. From dedicated fans replaying key scenes to newcomers discovering the series for the first time, the countdown to Season 2 has begun. When it finally arrives—likely toward the end of 2026 or early 2027—it will bring with it fresh waves of tension, passion, and jaw-dropping revelations. The dangerous games behind closed doors are far from over. In fact, they are only just beginning to reach their most thrilling and treacherous heights.

The world of Old Money has always thrived on uncertainty. Who will rise? Who will fall? And at what cost? As production advances and details slowly emerge, one promise holds firm: the drama will be bigger, the emotions deeper, and the scandals more devastating than ever before. Netflix audiences around the globe are ready. The elite of Istanbul are about to step back into the spotlight, and this time, the stakes have never been higher.