Many probably no longer remember this, but there were a few times during when GMA-7 was still lording the rating game—in Mega Manila, at least—that some Kapamilya programs were delivering decent—if not excellent—results, ratings-wise, to ABS-CBN.
In 2006, GMA Network maintained the number one spot among the most-watched TV networks in the country.
ABS-CBN already took back the lead in the nationwide ratings, but not in the Mega Manila, where advertisers were still more fixated, the title remained elusive to the embattled media giant company.
Among those shows is the millennial reiteration of the 50s radio drama classic Gulong ng Palad, which starred Kristine Hermosa and TJ Trinidad. The show premiered on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida block on January 9. With its pilot episode alone, Gulong ng Palad was able to intimidate the long-running and more established Extra Challenge, which dominated its slot for years. Posting 27.3% household ratings in Mega Manila (based on AGB Nielsen data), the Kristine Hermosa-starrer trimmed down the usual multiple-point lead of Extra Challenge, whose ratings went to 29.8%.
The show previously maintained 30% ratings versus Kapamilya game show Pasko Na Game Ka Na Ba, to which it went head-to-head, before Gulong ng Palad. Extra Challenge finally had its first defeat via Gulong ng Palad’s third week, when the latter finally emerged as the winner.
From its already strong take-off, the Kapamilya primetime drama only went on to become a strong contender, as it took down the Kapuso reality TV series, at least once in their week-long battle, from week 3-6, and maintained a minimal gap, in the following weeks.
In week 11, however, Gulong ng Palad finally secured its lead over Extra Challenge, winning at least thrice a week.
Gulong ng Palad concluded strong on May 12, and while Extra Challenge remained for a few more weeks, it inevitably succumbed to another strong Kapamilya program (Bituing Walang Ningning) on May 26. While this may not be the case, Gulong Ng Palad’s strengthening of its timeslot. Became very advantageous to Bituing Walang Ningning, which arguably didn’t have to build momentum, as it takes off in the competition, with an already high rating.
