The newest Kapuso series Lolong captured the viewers’ and netizens’ attention during its pilot episode.
On July 4, the action-adventure-themed program aired its first episode on the GMA Network’s Telebabad lineup, replacing First Lady.
According to AGB Nielsen’s data, Lolong earned a 17.7% rating on July 4 and ranked #2 on the leaderboards.
It was only 0.3% behind GMA’s 24 Oras, the most-watched TV program nationwide. Lolong also established a 5.8% lead against its rival Kapamilya show FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
The (Lo)long wait is worth it 💚 Maraming salamat po, mga Kapuso!
Walang bibitiw dahil marami pang dambuhalang sorpresa ang naghihintay ngayong linggo! 😉 pic.twitter.com/bzEZiKjjPh
— GMA Public Affairs (@GMA_PA) July 5, 2022
Based on its rating, Lolong is an improvement of its predecessor First Lady. First Lady earned 14.4% for its pilot in February, while it concluded on July 1 with a 17.1% rating.
Aside from dominating the free TV, Lolong was also talked about on social media due to its thrilling premiere. It topped the trending chart on Twitter.
DAMBUHALANG PASASALAMAT para sa inyong mainit na suporta sa #LolongPremiere! 💚
Marami pang dapat abangan! Sabay-sabay tayong manood at sumabaybay sa #Lolong tuwing Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 8 PM, sa GMA Telebabad. 🐊 pic.twitter.com/iqJ7YkXDhW
— GMA Public Affairs (@GMA_PA) July 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/dkrbwnqifp/status/1543946674917163008?s=20&t=S2HcOf1RAtI8si1vg-L6vQ
As expected, the #LolongPremiere did not disappoint. Knowing that it is produced by @GMA_PA, I know they will deliver well. In addition, @Rurumadrid8's dedication and acting skills will complete the whole plot alongside the best actors in the industry. Congratulations, Lolong! pic.twitter.com/6k7q8md7vB
— Kapuso Outsider (@OutsiderKapuso) July 4, 2022
Lolong hits 5.7K concurrent Live Views on GMA Network YT and 3.1K concurrent live views on GMA Public Affairs YT.
Such a milestone, @GMA_PA @Rurumadrid8 #LolongPremiere
RURU MADRID pic.twitter.com/tQYvNVEt6p— Kit (@IkmKit) July 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/UnBottomMe/status/1543973181207154688?s=20&t=S2HcOf1RAtI8si1vg-L6vQ
I would say, #LolongPremiere isn't perfect, I know with the time constraint and budget madaming namadaling special effects but if you will just see it beyond those, ang ganda ng objective, it tells a story. Also the cinematography and the pther ost plus the ensemble casts 💚 pic.twitter.com/7MtAaJnGye
— Kapuso Talks (@KapusoTalks) July 4, 2022
Congratulations Lolong this is what you have been waiting for we know that you worked hard for it and you deserve this show.
Lolong Mamaya na po!@Rurumadrid8
RURU MADRID#LolongPremiere
RURU X LOLONG pic.twitter.com/mD36eLU6n4— kyky (@_dazzlingkylie) July 4, 2022
Netizens also acclaimed Lolong for its star-studded casting.
You know it's a good series when you see them 💛 #LolongPremiere pic.twitter.com/NzwPZPXhoc
— Kapuso Talks (@KapusoTalks) July 4, 2022
And when we say stellar cast, we mean this:#LolongPremiere https://t.co/wVLmHU8Suh pic.twitter.com/7EEKQMLJRF
— Kim (@kapusongkim) July 4, 2022
Lolong stars Kapuso Action-Drama Prince Ruru Madrid. Joining Madrid are Christopher de Leon, Jean Garcia, Shaira Diaz, Arra San Agustin, Paul Salas, Rochelle Pangilinan, Bembol Roco, Malou de Guzman, Mikoy Morales, Ian de Leon, DJ Durano, Marco Alcaraz, and Maui Taylor. Some of the guest cast includes Ryan Eigenmann, Gina Pareño, and Pokwang.
For its first episode, the series featured the young Lolong and introduced the characters that became part of his growing-up years. They also immediately featured an intense action of Lolong fighting with armed men in their village.