The invisible wall previously caused by network exclusivity has seemingly been taken down, as GMA Network welcomes more talents from its previous main rival, ABS-CBN.
Three years ago, seeing a Kapamilya star appearing on GMA Network—or a Kapuso star on ABS-CBN, for that matter—would surely surprise. It wasn’t impossible, but still an extremely rare scene on local television. Now, with ABS-CBN being reduced to a content provider, and other major talent management agencies aggressively making partnerships with free-to-air networks, that division has seemingly reached its ‘Berlin Wall’ moment. Suddenly, GMA Network, and TV5, have become more open than ever.
The development between former fierce rivals, GMA Network, and ABS-CBN, is even more remarkable. Following the steps they both took last year, to collaborate on landmark projects, their partnership took a stunning turn this year.
It began with the historical collaboration series, ‘Unbreak My Heart’, which saw both Kapuso and Kapamilya stars headlining the much anticipated primetime drama. The deal practically ensured that Kapamilya stars, Jodi Sta. Maria, Joshua Garcia, Jeremia Lisbo, and Bianca de Vera, among others, can freely appear on GMA Network.
#FamilyFeudPH #Teaser: Maghaharap ang dalawang pinakasikat na PPOP groups sa bansa! Abangan ang tapatan ng BGYO at BINI ngayong Lunes na!
Bumisita sa https://t.co/4BezEviWFc at panoorin ang Kapuso Stream tuwing weekdays, 5:40 PM sa Family Feud PH's Facebook at YouTube. pic.twitter.com/SAik6WGcBw
— Family Feud Philippines (@FamilyFeudPH) May 7, 2023
But the surprise does not stop there. Recently, Kapamilya supporters have been delighted by Kapamilya artists’ appearances on various Kapuso shows. StarHunt-produced PPOP acts, BINI and BGYO, have appeared on ‘TickToClock’. They have also guested on the top-rated Kapuso game show, ‘Family Feud’ hosted by Dingdong Dantes.
Just a few weeks back, GMA Network and Cornerstone announced the signing of a landmark movie project. This featured Kapuso heartthrob, Alden Richards, and Kapamilya drama actress, Julia Montes. This ensured the return of another big Kapamilya star, appearing on GMA Network. Upcoming movie projects by Kapuso artists with Kapamilya film outfit, Star Cinema, could open the possibility of more ABS-CBN talents getting cast on these Kapuso star-billed projects. Of course, promotional campaigns for these projects are also a way for Kapamilya stars to appear on GMA.
But as network exclusivity further weakens and inclusion prevails, the aforementioned incredible developments could be just the tip of the iceberg. More collaborations that are likely to happen very soon, between the former rival stations, will ensure that Joshua Garcia and Jodi Sta. Maria won’t be the prized Kapamilya talent to star in a Kapuso show.
Who knows that after primetime, GMA’s Afternoon Prime might be the new destination for the next Kapamilya-produced drama?
