In an unexpected twist that left fans astounded, ABS-CBN made a surprising announcement on Tuesday, June 20 that its popular noontime show, It’s Showtime, would be moving to GMA Network’s GTV channel from TV5.
Starting July 1, It’s Showtime will be airing simultaneously over at GTV, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel and Kapamilya Online Live.
In an exclusive interview with The Philippine Star, GMA Network’s senior vice president, Annette Gozon-Valdes, shared the rationale behind the Kapuso network’s decision to welcome It’s Showtime to the GMA’s sister channel, GTV.
“With regard to It’s Showtime on GTV, it is really a business decision for us,” explained Gozon-Valdes.
Gozon-Valdes also revealed that ABS-CBN had reached out to them first to asked about the availability of GTV’s noontime slot.
““Yes, it is true that ABS-CBN reached out to us first. The negotiations took only a little over two weeks. The first concern was whether the noontime slot was available on GTV.”
Meanwhile, regarding the duration of It’s Showtime’s run on GTV, the Kapuso executive mentioned that GMA Network has a contract that can be renewed by mutual agreement.
With It’s Showtime now airing on GTV, Gozon-Valdes also disclosed the big possibility of Sparkle artists guesting on the Kapamilya noontime show.
“Yes, it is a possibility for GMA stars to guest on Showtime,” confirmed Gozon-Valdes.
With the addition of It’s Showtime, GMA Network now boasts two blocktime noontime shows, including the country’s longest-running noontime program, Eat Bulaga!.
“We think that the more good shows there are on noontime, the better it is for the Filipino viewers.” shared Gozon-Valdes.
ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime started airing on TV5 in July 2022. Its block time contract is due for renewal on July 1, 2023; however, with the entry of Tito, Vic, and Joey in TV5 following their controversial separation with TAPE Inc., TV5 decided to give the noontime slot to the OG Eat Bulaga! hosts, leaving It’s Showtime with no choice but to find another home.
