The strengthened partnership of two media giants, ABS-CBN and TV5, spawns two new drama series slated to challenge GMA Network’s already formidable Afternoon Prime.
While ABS-CBN continues to spoil GMA Network’s complete dominance on primetime through its frequent top rater ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ as well as the action-drama ‘The Iron Heart’ and the suspense-thriller ‘Dirty Linen,’ the afternoon block remains practically monopolized by the Kapuso Network. That may change soon with the debut of ‘Nag-aapoy na Damdamin’ and ‘Pira-Pirasong Paraiso’ on July 25.
The first two shows to spring from the expanded collaboration deal between ABS-CBN and TV5 will confront the current ‘goliaths’ of afternoon programming. At the moment, ‘Abot Kamay Na Pangarap,’ ‘Magandang Dilag,’ and ‘The Seed of Love’ are practically unopposed on their respective timeslots, and each pulling off primetime-like figures in the ratings game. That gives rise to this question: Is GMA Network’s Afternoon Prime in trouble? On the other hand, the question could be: Are ABS-CBN and TV5 in trouble for going against the already established Afternoon Prime?
Beyond these questions, this incredible shake-up in afternoon programming and the change in competition dynamics that the new shows will bring are undoubtedly what make July 25 a really exciting date to keep tabs on. While it is true that GMA Network has established a foothold on the afternoon block, it has been shown that daytime leadership has always been volatile and subject to contention. That is exactly the same reason why breakaway dramas like ‘Prima Donnas,’ ‘Kadenang Ginto,’ and ‘Abot Kamay Na Pangarap’ have surprised and continue to surprise the viewers and the competition itself.
While ABS-CBN has had weaker free TV presence since its infamous 2020 shutdown, it is not entirely impossible that a return to daytime dominance could happen with the help of TV5.
So, will ABS-CBN and TV5 be successful in halting GMA Network’s supremacy in the noontime block? The answer is yet to come. What is sure, though, is that the new shows will only bring about exciting changes in the local television landscape.
‘Pira-Pirasong Paraiso’ stars Charlie Dizon, Loisa Andalio, Elisse Joson, and Alexa Ilacad, with the participation of seasoned dramatic actors Snooky Serna, Epy Quizon, and Sunshine Dizon. It will air from Mondays to Fridays at 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays at 2:30 PM.
Meanwhile, ‘Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin’ serves as Jane Oineza’s first lead role. She is joined by JC de Vera, Tony Labrusca, and Ria Atayde. It will air from Mondays to Fridays, 3:50 PM to 4:40 PM.
