‘It’s Showtime’ moves to GMA Network
IN another groundbreaking development in the noontime show landscape in Philippine television, ABSCBN’s hit variety show “It’s Showtime” is confirmed to be making a historic move to GMA Network. Once deemed inconceivable, the transfer is poised to mark a significant shift in the industry and may well pave the way for similar movements in the future. Tabloid “Pilipino Star Ngayon” first broke the news on Friday, March 15. It indicated a major shakeup in the midday TV lineup, prompting The Manila Times Entertainment to verify the claim.
The article follows recent developments in GMA programming, with “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” officially going off-air as announced by Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. on March 7.
The company released a statement saying: “It is with heavy heart that we inform our televiewers that our noontime show ‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya’ on Kapuso network, GMA 7, will no longer be on air effective March 8, 2024.”
While immediate attempts were made to seek comments from both networks regarding Showtime’s supposed transfer, Vice Presidents for Corporate Communications Kane Choa of ABS-CBN and Angel JavierCruz of GMA opted not to provide official statements.
The Manila Times Entertainment, however, managed to confirm from a highly reliable industry source that the transfer was indeed happening, with executives from both networks scheduled to convene early in the week to iron out the details.
“There are many critical points they will have to discuss for sure. The move can’t be as simple as that,” the source noted.
On top of the list is whether the move will proceed with “Showtime” as a co-production between ABS-CBN and GMA or a straightforward block timer as it is currently running on the latter’s supplemental channel, GTV and other free-TV stations like A-Z.
“I should think it will have to be a co-production because the rates between GTV and its mother station, as you would imagine, will be very different,” the source disclosed. “Airing on GMA would considerably cost more being the country’s leading network, and it would be difficult for the show to sustain that.”
The source highlighted that “Showtime” could face a similar fate as TAPE’s short-lived “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” if it insists on a block time arrangement, given the production company’s mounting debts even prior to last year’s controversy involving “Eat Bulaga.”
“I have to give it to GMA for being so kind and patient with TAPE for so long now, but of course, everything has its limits,” the source continued, unwilling to disclose the significant amount owed to GMA. “Yet, here they are again, lending ‘Showtime’ a hand, which is why they are rightly called Kapuso.”
Another topic for discussion would be the rights to online streaming. Given that the show will be on GMA, it raises a conflict for ABS-CBN to continue streaming “Showtime” on its YouTube and Facebook platforms via channels Showtime Online Ü, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC.
“That’s another complex issue they’ll need to resolve,” the source said.
Finally, contrary to the title of the Pilipino Star Ngayon’s article (“Finally Kapuso na sila Vice... It’s Showtime, pinaplantsa na ang kontrata sa GMA 7!”) claiming that “It’s Showtime’s” roster of hosts led by Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis are signing up with GMA Network, the source maintains this has neither been decided yet.
Nevertheless, in light of these changes, industry insiders anticipate a significant realignment of talent and resources, potentially opening up opportunities for cross-network collaborations.
As details continue to emerge, televiewers are certainly on the edge of their seats, anticipating the next chapter in the evolution of noontime entertainment.
“It will all unfold this week, for sure,” said The Manila Times’ source. “Bottom line is it all boils down to financials, but all the same, let’s all stay tuned for the exciting developments.”