As local TV embraces the threat of streaming services and the apparent decline of traditional television viewers, it is brimming with renewed ingenuity and vigor in 2022. This will result in rare titles, themes, and genres previously unexplored in the Philippine setting.
There may have been a gradual decline in its audiences because of streaming platforms, but free television remains the king.
It is no surprise that Filipinos fell in love with TV series that were remarkably executed and free television fights the seemingly relentless expansion of non-linear media. Suddenly, traditional television is alive and it seems it is perfectly capable of extending its reign for several years to come.
From the longest-running weekday television series, FPJ’s Probinsyano, to the historical portal fantasy, Maria Clara at Ibarra, the year 2022 is certainly one remarkable television season, that’s not easy to rival. But of course, with production studios getting bolder and more imaginative than ever, Filipino audiences can surely hope to see more unexpected dramas in the coming years.
Here are 10 of the year’s most memorable performances by an actor on a television series:
2 Good 2 Be True
No one did a romcom like 2 Good 2 Be True—at least, this year. Having sustained the level of ‘kilig’ and the intrigue, from beginning to end, the KathNiel-career is a testament to ABS-CBN’s unrivaled domination of the genre in the local setting. KathNiel did great in sending the fans and casual viewers alike, into a ‘kilig’ frenzy, but the addicting storyline and the presence of lovely and equally interesting support characters are what made the series stand out.
Abot Kamay Na Pangarap
Marketed as a full-fledged medical drama, Abot Kamay Na Pangarap unfortunately still adheres to the traditional daytime soap opera formula, with cheesy and campy moments being its most attractive drawing factor. That’s not to say the show has no remarkable ‘OR’ or ‘ER’ sequences. Instead, the real beauty of the show is mostly made possible by the drama, tension, and perhaps, its relatable storyline.
Apoy Sa Langit
With Apoy Sa Langit, the Filipino’s love for cheating husbands and wives was brought to a new level. Campy dialogues and shocking, albeit predictable, twists drove the series forward. Thanks to the show, we got introduced to one of the year’s breakthrough performers, Lianne Valentin, who seemed to just love getting hated by the viewers.
Bolera
It actually turned out to be a full-fledged sports drama. The presence of several iconic personalities in billiards like Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes, allowed the show to create a legitimate sports drama atmosphere. That said, it was Kylie Padilla’s believable performance as a female billiards prodigy that really made the show a true primetime spectacle.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano
Ending its seven-year domination of primetime in August, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano no doubt inscribed itself in the history books of local entertainment. More than 20 rival shows outlasted and countless milestones achieved on both traditional television and streaming platforms, the Coco Martin-starrer holds the distinction of having survived ABS-CBN’s shift to digital and non-linear media—a true testament to its sheer popularity.
Lolong
On paper, Lolong feels like a show cut from the same fabric as other creature drama that came before it. While there are not many entries to the genre, the ones that came before seldom carried norm-defying themes, let one that invited audiences to care for the environment. That perhaps, is what made the Ruru Madrid-starrer both a heartwarming and eye-opening treat on primetime.
Maria Clara at Ibarra
Maria Clara at Ibarra is a landscape-defying show that can be a glorious illustration of the local entertainment scene’s continuing evolution. Although the show was adapted from the pages of Dr. Jose Rizal’s brilliant literary works, the amount of genius and wonder brought into the show’s production is undeniably enormous, and we can’t thank GMA Network enough for bringing it into our time. Also, it’s just amazing that the show is a perfect tool for drawing back our today’s youth into loving our own history.
The Broken Marriage Vow
While Jodi Sta. Maria’s recent Best Actress win at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards, is already enough proof of The Broken Marriage Vow’s quality and greatness, the entire series itself, is a bucket of what every great TV series should have: stellar performances, well-woven story, satisfying pace, picturesque setting, you name it.
The production has to thank BBC Studios for allowing them to use Dr. Foster’s original source material for their local adaptation, but beyond that, Dreamscape Entertainment and the showrunners did incredible work to make the show one of the most remarkable local adaptations of a foreign format, ever.
Widow’s Web
An infidelity-themed drama that tackles various sociopolitical themes GMA Network certainly knows how to tickle the curiosity of its daytime viewers; with Widow’s Web, it was able to deliver a satisfying murder-mystery drama that fell no short of intrigue, campy confrontations, and mind-blowing twists.
Viral Scandal
The level of talent in this Kapamilya primetime drama is unbelievably insane, and every character in it was given their moment to shine. Serving as Charlie Dizon’s first solo primetime-starrer, Viral Scandal brought about a very important discussion that is both timely and relevant: online bullying. It also sheds light upon various sensitive topics such as rape, teenage pregnancy, injustice, and prejudice, making it one of the year’s most thought-provoking shows.
There are obviously other remarkable shows that made their way to local television this year. Head to the comment section below and drop the shows you think should have made it onto the list.
