Local television teemed with ambition and extravagance in 2023, and while the mer migration to newer and non-linear platforms, continued to chip traditional television’s viewership, it does not feel right at all to say, the past year did not bring any viewing delight.
That’s what the highest rated TV finales seem to suggest. From traditional soap operas to TV shows whose themes and even looks, defied local conventions, Philippine television took it up a notch to keep local viewing alive. That’s probably the reason why many of the year’s most memorable shows also registered the highest people ratings on local TV in 2023.
Maria Clara at Ibarra (February 24).
One can say that the emergence of phenomenal love team, ‘BarDa’ was simply a bonus, that came alongside the thrill and excitement of witnessing the tale of Maria Clara at Ibarra come to life. Undoubtedly one of the most visually-stunning productions of the year, the historical-fantasy series took the local audience down the memory lane, transporting viewers to an era almost forgotten. The 14.3 finale rating it registered on February 24, is the highest of the year.
Voltes V Legacy (September 8).
The spectacle that GMA Network’s adaptation of the globally-loved anime, Voltes V, to local television, was met with pride and awe. The consistently high ratings it generated throughout its three-month run, are a solid proof of the appreciation that the so-called ‘most ambitious and most expensive’ series of the 2023, received. According to Nielsen Philippines, the series ended with a stellar 13.8 people rating, the second highest of the year.
Royal Blood (September 22).
Royal Blood soared in the ratings game from being a single-digit to double-digit show, with figures now rarely seen on its timeslot, because of strong competition, not just with ABS-CBN, but also non-linear platforms. The 12.6 finale rating it achieved on September 22 is a testament to the strong support it earned.
Magandang Dilag (November 10).
It’s tempting to suggest that the only reason why Kapuso daytime dramas excel in the ratings, is because they remain virtually unopposed. They were, at least until last year, when ABS-CBN and TV5 started producing new dramas to go head-to-head with GMA Network’s Afternoon Prime. Magandang Dilag may have had benifited massively from the Kapuso time block’s established audience, but
Mga Lihim Ni Urduja (May 5).
GMA Network’s earnest effort to bring timeless Filipino classics to the small screen was beautifully through the vision of Mga Lihim Ni Urduja. Although it confronted a very strong FPJ’s Batang Quiapo in the ratings game, the series nevertheless had remarkable moments, including its finale episode, which delivered an 11.4 people rating.
Maging Sino Ka Man (November 3).
The Kapuso Network was not simply striking while the iron is hot, when it gave Barbie Forteza and David Licauco a.k.a. BarDa, Maging Sino Ka Man, as a follow up to the massively successful, Maria Clara at Ibarra. It was also an opportunity to tell a familiar story, delivered through a pair well-loved by the audience. The series certainly had a tough time catching up with its time slot rival, but the series is nevertheless blessed with moments to be proud of, the top being its exceptional finale which pulled off an 11.3 people raring.
Battle of the Judges (September 30).
Talent-reality shows remain top favorites on Philippine television, and the year did not only bring familiar formats, but also new ones. A spin-off of the global smash hit, Got Talent franchise, Battle of the Judges put a twist, that may not be totally new, but nonetheless fresh-looking and promising. And of course, Alden Richards as host, was such a fantastic choice! No wonder, the finale of the show, which posted an impressive 11.2 people rating, made it to the Top 10 highest rated final episodes of the year.
The Seed of Love (Aug 25).
Glaiza de Castro has become an Afternoon Prime staple in the past few years, as many of her daytime dramas truly made a mark on local audiences. This year, The Seed of Love, showcased once again her terrific acting chops, and reminded us once again how truly great she is, as an actress. Nielsen Philippines reported the finale episode of the show, delivered an 11.0 people rating, the second highest for a daytime show, in 2023.
Hearts On Ice (June 16).
GMA Network’s intent to make sports dramas a common feature on local television, was best illustrated with Hearts On Ice, which did not only spice up primetime viewing with its lovely and inspiring story, but also with the newcomer, Ashley Ortega, who delivered incredible moments on the show. Pulling off a stellar 10.4 finale rating, Hearts On Ice, proved sports dramas have solid audiences among Filipino viewers.
Walang Matigas Na Pulis Sa Matinik Na Misis (August 20).
The only sitcom in our list, Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik Na Misis, thrived at a time sitcoms no longer make people gaga the way they did before. Gone are the massive audiences of Home Along Da Rile, OkiDoc, and Palibhasa Lalake. That said, this Bong Revilla-starrer had its own charm that was simply irresistible to the primetime weekend audience, hence its high 10.0 people ratings.
Other strong performers:
Love Before Sunrise (December 29) 9.7
Nakarehas na Puso (January 13) 9.6
The Flower Sisters (January 13) 9.2
Darna (February 10) 9.0
Unica Hija (March 3) 8.9
The Iron Heart (October 13) 8.7
PBA Season 45 Finale (January 15) 8.5
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