Made even more alive by the return of live studio audiences, the non-scripted shows of the year brimmed with that oozing energy and interaction that viewers utterly missed in the past two years.
Oddly anomalous that too few non-scripted local shows have ever made a mark in the digital realm. That said, local television remained home to exciting non-scripted programs, most of which were reality shows, that served as a satisfying alternatives to their scripted counterparts.
The magic in these shows, really, is the spontaneity of the moments, as it often dictates the show’s fate from the hands of the audience. Variety shows ought to ooze with energy and comic appeal, while reality shows had to be both intriguing and funny.
From noontime shows to game shows and talent reality searches, Philippine TV was enlivened with traditional non-scripted entertainment that Filipino viewers don’t seem to get tired of. Occupying mostly our list are shows that have been on the air for quite some time.
Here are the 11 best non-scripted shows of the year:
ASAP Natin ‘To. Even after nearly three decades on air–ABS-CBN’s flagship musical variety show remains home to the country’s brightest and most seasoned performers—both singers and dancers, and sometimes celebrities who can do both. This year, the show went back to doing live shows in front of ecstatic audience, and judging the overwhelming reception they received from their latest world tour in Las Vegas, USA–it’s hard to think the show will get cut anytime soon.
Drag Race Philippines. The great thing about the Filipino edition of the global smash hit RuPaul’s Drag Race—a reality show where most ingenious drag queens compete with each other —is that it became a venue for making socio-political comments. While that isn’t totally new in the franchise’s context–it made the Philippine version far more interesting that most Filipino fans must have expected.
Everybody Sing Season 2 Returning for its sophomore season, Everybody Sing is probably one of the most interesting game shows that currently air on local television. Praised for its unique game play and the fact that no one loses the game, the show has the multi-awarded TV host, comedian, and box-office juggernaut Vice Ganda as its presenter. His wit and jaw-dropping fashion sense, and added bonuses make the show far more appealing than it already is.
Family Feud. The ultra-high ratings of this show alone tell you that it’s one you can’t afford to miss. Although the Dingdong Dantes-hosted game show often finds itself among the most viral videos on YouTube or TikTok. Seeing the two groups of players straight on your television sets as they try to guess the answers of some 100 interviewees–is arguably an engaging and more alive experience.
I Can See Your Voice. Having someone as funny and energetic as a host–it’s hard for a game show like I Can See Your Voice to bust. That’s true in the case of the Philippine edition of the Korean hit singing-reality game show, which has the wit and charm of Luis Manzano to keep it alive and interesting. Of course, he conveniently gets reinforcement from the hilarious format of the show, the Panelists, a.k.a. ‘sing-vestigators who are mostly there as comic relief’ and the players, themselves, to keep the fun and energy of the show running.
It’s Showtime. Now entering its 14th year on air, It’s Showtime proved many times over as a force to reckon with in the world of noontime shows. It’s even more amazing that the show survived ABS-CBN’s shutdown and is now thriving in both traditional and digital platforms. The secret behind the show’s success can be attributed to the lovely and strong chemistry that the show hosts have.
Running Man Philippines. Like its Korean counterpart, Running Man Philippines is very predictable at times. However, it is a show that does not run out of humor and adrenaline, an aspect that makes it a delight to watch on weekend primetime. It’s unique for being a co-production between GMA Network and the franchise’s original produder, SBS Korea, the reality-variety show is undoubtedly terrific treat with its witty comic appeal and thrill-bombarded games.
Sing Galing Kids. TV5 certainly didn’t need to produce a ‘kids’ counterpart of its hit reality-singing game show, Sing Galing, but thank God it did, as it turned out to be a pure bliss. None could go wrong with kids—at least when it comes to variety shows—and true enough, the kiddie version of the show’s brimming with energy and young talent. The addition of reality-talent show alums Morisette and Jona to the judging panel added an extra charm that made the show even more engaging and fun!
The Clash Season 4. Even after four seasons, The Clash, with its “isa laban sa lahat” game play, remains one of the most intriguing talent search formats ever made for Philippine television. Though, it’s unfortunate for the show to find legitimate recording superstars. None of the winners have released chart-topping singles yet). How the show chooses its winner is arguably one of the most-fascinating original concepts that GMA Network have ever offered to its viewers.
TikToClock. TickToClock is already GMA Network’s second attempt to rule the pre-noontime slot with a variety show. They did the same a decade ago with Diz Iz It, but failed massively to then going phenomenal It’s Showtime. Given the absence of a strong opponent, the show hosted by variety show staples Pokwang and Kim Atienza easily rules its time slot. That however, isn’t the only reason why TickToClock is a standout. The show’s ‘every minute counts’ slogan makes everything exciting, as contestants are ‘somewhat forced’ to give their best, one way or another.
The Wall Philippines Season 2. It may have shifted from TV5 to GMA Network, but it still had the wit and superb projection of Billy Crawford as its presenter. In fact, it currently has the biggest jackpot prize for a local game show, The Wall Philippines is unsurprisingly a delectable treat on television.
Missing your personal faves on our list? Head to the comment section and drop your ultimate favorites, and tell us why.
