Another Kapuso telefantasya stumbles before it can take off.
As an initial article for LionhearTV’s Views from the Numbers, let me dissect how Kapuso’s latest telefantasya series was received by the viewers.
Last Monday, May 22, 2017, another telefantasya remake has premiered; “Mulawin vs Ravena”. Compared to its original version, the remake seemed following its slow and steady take-off.
Dismal Pilot result
After much publicity before its pilot airing, the telefantasya still didn’t fare well compared to its formidable rival “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”. AGB Nielsen NUTAM People survey reported on Monday, “Mulawin vs Ravena”‘s 12.25 pilot ratings, 0.5% lower than “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s” 12.7%.
Considering AGB Nielsen is Kapuso territory, having beaten by a Kapamilya is a big setback for a newly launch Kapuso program. Kantar Media, on the other hand, reported a much bigger gap of 18.6%, 41.1% for “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and 21.5% for “Mulawin vs Ravena”.
The trend even got worst as the week progressed.
“Mulawin vs Ravena” was even beaten by ABS-CBN’s “My Dear Heart’ on Tuesday, May 23. “My Dear Heart” bumped off “Mulawin vs Ravena” on the number 2 spot with 11.1%, 0.4% lead over Mulawin’s 10.7%.
While there has been no data for Friday (May 26) yet to get the complete picture of Mulawin’s pilot week its average from Monday to Thursday of 11.5% compared to “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”‘s 12.9% was a clear disappointment for a well-publicized telefantasya comeback.
“Encantadia” viewership wasn’t carried over.
Starting off with the success of another Kapuso telefantasya, “Encantadia”, it should be easier for “Mulawin vs Ravena” to take-off and fly considering the good following of the former.
With “Encantadia”‘s finale topping the primetime rankings, it’s mathematically probable for “Mulawin vs Ravena” to top its pilot because they are starting from a good base.
But apparently, “Encantadia” viewers were not totally solid on Kapuso programs as some may have switched to the riveting action and drama filled scenes of the Coco Martin led “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”.
With “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” topping “Mulawin’s” pilot week, it’s clear to note that the newest Kapuso remake or sequel has lost former Kapuso viewers. But of course, that’s only my initial analysis, succeeding days and week have yet to be seen.
Same fate as the classic version?
“Mulawin” which premiered on August 2, 2004, was GMA Networks ticket to primetime supremacy.
Staring Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin, this Kapuso telefantasya became GMA Network’s springboard to other successful telefantasya and primetime series like “Darna,” “Encantadia”, “Captain Barbel” and “Marimar.”
But the original version didn’t start well also.
“Mulawin’s” pilot on August 2, 2004, was also not satisfactory as it didn’t beat ABS-CBN’s hit fantaserye, “Marina”. The original “Mulawin” scored 35% on its pilot, 3% lower than “Marina”‘s 38%. The downtrend continues also on its pilot week as “Marina” continues to dominate the human birds of Kamuning.
But as they say, it was history that dictates how “Mulawin” was able to pull off its success.
After starting slow, the original version has made it as one of the most highest-rated primetime series in the country.
In fact, it was GMA Network’s highest rated primetime program at that time before it was beaten by fellow Kapuso telefantasya series “Darna.”
Can “Mulawin vs Ravena” pick up and take the peak?
While “Mulawin vs Ravena” shared the same slow start with its original version, is it bound to pick up and take the peak also?
Given the dynamics of current television programming, it hard to determine whether the human birds from Kamuning will again soar. With ABS-CBN’s “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in direct competition, currently, I cannot think “Mulawin vs Ravena” can skew the tide to their direction.
Another consideration is the lead casts.
Forgive me, but while I’m not discounting the fame and popularity of Dennis Trillo and Heart Evangelista, I think they have already past their primes to do such project.
When the original “Mulawin” soared and fly high about the clouds, Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin were on the primacy of their careers being 2 of the hottest young stars then. And that I think is what’s missing in the current “Mulawin.”
Since it is aimed at introducing the Mulawins and the Ravenas story to the younger millennials, they could have put someone fresh and new.
But, as I’ve said, it was just the start. Who knows in the coming days it may pick-up and revive the former “Mulawin” fever it once had. For now let’s just wait and see until we have another view from the numbers.
