Unhampered by regulatory restrictions set for traditional television, streaming platforms thrived massively in the pandemic, giving way to some of the most ingenious and refreshing dramas the local audience has ever seen.
The sudden rise and aggressive expansion of digital and non-linear platforms have changed the local television landscape. Not only did it take away a significant chunk of traditional TV viewership, but the likes of Netflix, Viu, Vivamax, and iWantTFC–also practically forced the mainstream media, especially the leading TV broadcasters, to push the envelope in content production. Be that as it may, the lack of stricter regulation on digital content has inevitably allowed streaming services to be the home to bolder and out-of-the-box shows.
From plain youth-oriented shows to musicals to girl love stories, 2022 digital TV surprisingly turned out to be a cornucopia of extraordinary stories, rarely tackled in mainstream media without censorship and with untamed bravery.
Here are 10 best digital series of the year:
Beach Bros (iWantTFC). This iWantTFC’s mix of coming-of-age and boys’ love goodness is such a bliss, that it did not surprise when viewers got ensnared by its irresistible comic and ‘kilig’ appeal. The spotlight was undoubtedly bigger on the main couple, played by Kyle Echarri and Chie Filomeno, but the boys’ love charm that young actors, Sean Tristan and Raven Rigor, created, was an unexpected treat.
Bola Bola (iWantTFC). This year, ABS-CBN went the extra mile in offering new stories that primarily featured the plights and struggles of the youth. With Bola-Bola, however, iWantTFC, delved deeper and tackled often disregarded problems that affect many teenagers: bullying, depression, and weight management, among others. Francine Diaz’s lovely and moving take on his role added an extra charm. The show certainly did not need it, but it made the series overwhelmingly affectionate, nevertheless.
Drag Race Philippines (WOW). The likes of Drag Race Philippines rarely make their way to mainstream media. Fortunately, the sudden surge of streaming platforms allowed the more unconventional formats and themes to thrive, and we can’t be thankful enough, that the Filipino edition of the global hit reality show, debuted in the Philippines at a time non-linear media is relentlessly expanding. But of course, the real beauty and virtue of the show is the fact that it allowed Filipino drag queens to finally get recognized for their ingenuity, authenticity, and talent, and be paid with the respect they utterly deserved.
Flower of Evil (Viu). The Filipino adaptation of the global South Korean hit, Flower of Evil, gave us everything we could ask for in a K-drama remake, but one could feel it was giving too much. Serving as Lovi Poe’s first lead starrer in ABS-CBN, Flower of Evil PH had its limited free TV run early this year, but it arguably made a better impression through Viu. The series teemed with enough mystery, tension, and twists, that unsurprisingly caught its audience in a loop of intrigue.
He’s Into Her Season 2 (iWantTFC). This iWantTFC teen drama was a surefire hit from its first season. Thanks to its lead stars—Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano a.k.a. DonBelle—whose irresistible chemistry took the entire internet by storm, the series kept its oozing appeal and it became even more interesting by its second season. The show did not only tackle the little revolts of a teenager, but it also shed light upon the many mysteries of growing up, being in love at a young age, and working out to reach your dreams in life.
Lyric and Beat (iWantTFC). The endearing team-up of Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes a.k.a. SethDrea in the iQiyi drama, Saying Goodbye, remained unsurprisingly magical in the iWantTFC youth-oriented musical drama, Lyric and Beat. While the iQiyi series is plainly about two people who fell in love with each other and the same music, however, Lyric and Beat is a full-fledged musical featuring a bunch of young musicians who collectively work out to reach their dreams, together. Featuring the music of master composer, Jonathan Manalo, the series was no doubt an inspiring delight.
Run to Me (iWantTFC). The crackling romantic flair between rising Kapamilya love team, KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, a.k.a. KDLex, was a potent factor that made this web series a knock-out romcom treat. The series arguably did not make much of a detour from the formulaic teenybopper format, but some delightful elements nevertheless made the series worth a watch.
Sleep with Me (iWantTFC). Coming at a time when boys’ love was already losing its magic as a well-loved sub-genre of romance (at least, in the Philippines), Sleep With Me, could either start a new craze or just end up as content that barely left a mark, like the most recent entries to the BL genre. Luckily for this iWantTFC gem, the surprising chemistry between talented actresses, Lovi Poe and Janine Gutierrez—who are both gorgeously beautiful women—made the series both intriguing and visually attractive.
Still (Viu). The music blends beautifully with heartwarming millennial sentiments and stories, in this uplifting musical drama, starring a bunch of talented actors and musicians, that includes Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, and Nica del Rosario. Evoking the poignant realities of the pandemic, Still showcased inspiring tales of survival and the voices that all struggle to remain heard, amid the harrowing noise of desperation and frustration.
The Kangks Show (WeTV). Angelica Panganiban was perfectly in element in this kinky and raunchy, web series, that could stake a claim to being one of the most liberated web series in the local setting. Aside from the fact, the entire show featured stories from people having troubles with their ‘sex life’, The Kangks Show made everything upsized. F its humor to its naughtiness, the series is undoubtedly a mind-blowing and norm-defying showcase.
Which of your personal favorites made or did not make it on the list? Head to the comment section to share what you think!
