The news about ABS-CBN Entertainment-produced shows airing on TV5, has been circulating in various social media platforms for a while now, but as the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned local tv channel recently updated its entire 8-10 pm primetime programming—airing movies in lieu of tv series and game shows, the rumor that ABS-CBN flagship primetime programs are coming to save the Kapatid Network’s struggling primetime block, gets even louder.
Interestingly, TV5’s decision to ax its practically entire primetime line-up, coincides with rumors that suggest FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and the rest of ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida line-up, is indeed debuting on TV5, joining fellow Kapamilya programs, ASAP Natin ‘To and FPJ Da King, which both premiered on the Kapatid Network, more than a month ago.
It is also interesting to note that while new programs—including game shows, The Wall Philippines, and 1000 Heart Beats: Pintig Pinoy, hosted by former Kapamilya talents, Billy Crawford and Xian Lim, respectively—produced by the network and its block time partners, are set to be launched, in the coming weeks, the network’s primetime block remains untouched, as those new programs will fill up weekend programming.
This further fuels added volume to the gathering rumor which points to ABS-CBN expanding its free-tv presence, via a partnership with TV5.
If this pushes through, the Coco Martin starrer will be joined by the upcoming Kapamilya drama series, Huwag Kang Mangamba, and Init Sa Magdamag. Huwag Kang Mangamba stars the phenomenal teen group, The Gold Squad (comprised of Kyle Echarri, Seth Fedelin, Andrea Brillantes, and Francine Diaz), while Init Sa Magdamag will feature Gerald Anderson, JM de Guzman, and Yam Concepcion, in a political drama that is set to heat-up viewers’ primetime viewing.
Already posting impressive ratings, amidst limited free-tv coverage, ABS-CBN programs are expected to expand in viewership share, should this partnership end up in fruition. This will also mean that TV5 will have a better chance at salvaging its primetime block’s dismal ratings.
As of press time, there has been no official announcement about the matter yet. A movie block featuring blockbuster films has been occupying TV5’s 8-10 pm slot, since two weeks ago.
