Inspired by such classic Scandi Noirs as The Bridge and The Killing, the dark Turkish procedural Alef follows two detectives as they try and unravel the mystery of a series of murders following the discovery of a headless body in Istanbul’s Golden Horn inlet. (And yes, a bridge features in the climax.) The analytically brilliant Kemal, recently returned from London, and the veteran, instinctive Captain Settar overcome their differences to solve a series of mystical clues left behind at the crime scenes. The two men race to decipher the killer’s grim puzzles before more victims are claimed. In the course of the investigation, Kemal turns to Yasar, an expert in Islamic history, for help and the two strike up a touching personal relationship.

Incorporating and exploring ideas of Ottoman history, Sufist philosophy and Sunni theology, Alef is a fresh and unique twist on a classic Nordic-style serial killer thriller.

Alef streams July 22nd, 2025 on MHz Choice.