These new programs will feature Kapuso actors and actresses who came from successful shows last year, such as Dennis Trillo, Lovi Poe, Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia, Jak Roberto, and Glaiza de Castro.
There are new teleseryes in store for StarStruck graduates Megan Young, Katrina Halili, Jackie Rice, Yasmien Kurdi, and Mike Tan.
Veteran comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas also makes her teleserye comeback after three years, and Jason Abalos gets his first project as a Kapuso.
Here are the two prime-time and three afternoon shows to be aired on GMA-7 during the first quarter of 2018.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
This romantic-comedy series features three Kapuso leading ladies: Lovi Poe, Max Collins, and Rhian Ramos who are all attracted to one man, played by Dennis Trillo.
In the teaser, these three girls were all visibly smitten by Dennis when he entered a coffee shop.
The scene also showed the three other boys who will be involved with the female leads: Migo Adecer, Ivan Dorschner, and new Kapuso Jason Abalos.
Prior to the launch of the omnibus plug, media announcements were already made regarding the lead characters of TOTGA.
In one of its press launches, program manager Hazel Abonita promised that a new brand of rom-com will be seen in this show, following the success of its predecessors on the third prime-time slot of GMA Telebabad.
“We wanted to off er a slightly adult romantic comedy on this slot. More than adult than Meant To Be, a little tamer than Juan Happy Love Story.” Directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes.
The One That Got Away is set to premiere this January 2018 and is rumored to replace My Korean Jagiya, which just announced its impending finale.
SHERLOCK JR.
Sherlock Jr. is the official title of the series featuring the comeback of the GabRu love team of Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid. In the teaser, Gabbi and Ruru are seen taking care of a dog.
Ai-Ai Delas Alas, who makes her teleserye comeback, is seen rummaging through a pile of papers together with Andre Paras.
It was earlier reported that Ruru’s role was originally intended for Alden Richards, who is also preparing for his prime-time comeback.
Also part of this new drama series are new Kapuso stars Matt Evans and Alyanna Asistio.
They will be joined by Kate Valdez, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Rochelle Barrameda, Roi Vinzon, and Tonton Gutierrez.
Sherlock Jr. will air starting January 2018 and might replace the ongoing superhero series Super Ma’am, since the prime-time show Kambal Karibal just premiered last November 27.
CONTESSA
Contessa marks the comeback of Glaiza de Castro to doing a serious, dramatic role. She previously played Pirena in the requel of Encantadia.
Glaiza was first seen in the teaser of Contessa wearing a plain shirt and shorts, looking devastated and full of sadness.
Her leading man Jak Roberto is beside her, patting her back, as if showing support.
Glaiza then transforms into a glamorous, fierce lady wearing a green gown, with her face filled with anger and revenge.
This upcoming afternoon series also stars Geoff Eigenmann, Gabby Eigenmann, and Tetchie Agbayani, and will be directed by Albert Langitan.
In an interview Glaiza explained… She described her new show by saying, “Bea ang magiging name ng character ko.”
“Meron siyang minahal na lalaki at sabihin na nating may mangyayaring hindi maganda. Gagawin ni Bea ang lahat para iredeem kung ano man ang nawala sa kanya. Magiging palaban siya dito. Sa una, api-api then sa huli, mayroon siyang redemption. Pero fierce pa rin. Yun naman ang gusto kong character: inaapi pero lumalaban rin. It’s about women empowerment.”
Did she talk to Geoff about his comeback project with GMA-7?
“Hindi. Nagulat na lang ako na sinabi ni Gabby na makakasama si Geoff . Pero masaya ako sa bago kong trabaho at makakasama ko siya uli. Nung nag-storycon kami, masaya ako kasi naramdaman ko agad ang vibe na magiging pamilya talaga kami.”
Contessa is set to air by March 2018. It is rumored to replace the toprating afternoon series Ika-6 Na Utos.
HINDI KO KAYANG IWAN KA
Dubbed as the first “advocaserye” of GMA-7, as mentioned by lead actress Yasmien Kurdi in Sunday Pinasaya, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka will talk about HIV.
In the teaser, Yasmien and Mike Tan’s characters are depicted to have a happy family.
However, Yasmien discovers that she is HIV positive.
Mike took their children away from her while another woman, played by Jackie Rice, is happy to see Yasmien’s sorrow and tries to seduce Mike.
Produced by the same group behind the prime-time series Someone To Watch Over Me, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka is set to air in January 2018, replacing the supernatural-themed drama series Haplos.
Its pilot week will be directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes while the other episodes will be helmed by Neal Del Rosario.
THE STEPDAUGHTERS The Stepdaughters will feature two StarStruck graduates: Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Katrina Halili.
Megan and Katrina are cast as stepsisters who will try to outdo each other to get the attention of their parents and the man they both love, played by Mikael Daez.
In the teaser, both actresses are seen wearing red gowns while exchanging dagger looks.
Katrina tried to slap Megan, but she ended up missing Megan’s face and falling down on the floor.
The Stepdaughters, which will be directed by Paul Sta. Ana, will air in February 2018 and is rumored to replace Impostora.
