Historic Move: “It’s Showtime” Transfers to GMA Network
In a groundbreaking development for the Philippine television industry, ABS-CBN’s hit variety show “It’s Showtime” has confirmed its historic move to GMA Network. This unexpected transfer marks a significant shift in the noontime show landscape and may pave the way for similar movements in the future.
The news was first reported by the tabloid “Pilipino Star Ngayon” on Friday, March 15, causing a major shakeup in the midday TV lineup. To verify the claim, the Manila Times Entertainment sought more information on this significant development.
This move comes in the wake of recent changes in GMA programming, with “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” officially going off-air as announced by Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. on March 7. In their statement, the company expressed their regret in informing viewers that the noontime show on Kapuso Network, GMA 7, will no longer be on air effective March 8, 2024.
While attempts were made to seek official statements from both networks regarding “It’s Showtime’s” supposed transfer, Vice Presidents for Corporate Communications Kane Choa of ABS-CBN and Angel Javier-Cruz of GMA chose not to provide any comments. However, the Manila Times Entertainment managed to confirm from a highly reliable industry source that the transfer was indeed happening. Executives from both networks are scheduled to convene early in the week to iron out the details.
One critical point of discussion will be whether the move will proceed with “It’s Showtime” as a co-production between ABS-CBN and GMA or as a straightforward block timer. Currently, the show is running on GMA’s supplemental channel, GTV, and other free-TV stations like A-Z. Considering the difference in rates between GTV and GMA, it is likely that a co-production arrangement will be necessary. Airing on GMA, being the country’s leading network, would considerably cost more, and it would be challenging for the show to sustain that on its own.
The industry source also highlighted the possibility of “It’s Showtime” facing a similar fate as TAPE’s short-lived “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” if it insists on a block time arrangement. TAPE is already burdened with mounting debts, even prior to last year’s controversy involving “Eat Bulaga.” Despite this, GMA has shown kindness and patience towards TAPE, and now they are extending a helping hand to “It’s Showtime,” which is why they are rightly called Kapuso.
Another topic for discussion would be the rights to online streaming. With the show moving to GMA, it raises a conflict for ABS-CBN to continue streaming “It’s Showtime” on its YouTube and Facebook platforms via channels like Showtime Online Ü, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC. This complex issue will need to be resolved by both networks.
Contrary to the title of the Pilipino Star Ngayon’s article 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 that this decision has not been finalized yet. However, industry insiders anticipate a significant realignment of talent and resources, which could potentially open up opportunities for cross-network collaborations.
As more details continue to emerge, televiewers are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the evolution of noontime entertainment. This week promises to unfold the exciting changes that “It’s Showtime” will bring to its new home on GMA Network.
Source: The Manila Times
