In a major industry shake-up, ABS-CBN Studios and GMA Network have officially inked an agreement to air the hit noontime show It's Showtime on GMA's main channel.
Before today's contract signing, the hosts of It's Showtime, led by Vice Ganda, were seen leaving their studio inside the ABS-CBN compound to go to the headquarters of GMA Network.
It's Showtime is set to air on GMA-7 from April 6, 2024.
It's Showtime's Road to Kamuning
If you had asked me back then if this partnership was possible, I'd probably have laughed at you. During the heyday of AlDub, the sensational duo of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, who gained fame through the Kalyeserye segment of Eat Bulaga — back when it was still airing on GMA — It's Showtime faced a notable decline in ratings, putting its future at risk. And now, seeing it taking over Eat Bulaga's former spot on GMA feels surreal.
It's Showtime ceased airing on TV5 on July 1, 2023, after Manny Pangilinan’s MediaQuest Holdings Incorporated struck a deal with Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon (TVJ), along with other Eat Bulaga mainstays, in the aftermath of their fallout with TAPE Incorporated.
On June 20, 2023, ABS-CBN and GMA Network announced that It's Showtime would air on GMA's sister network, GTV, beginning on July 1. A formal signing ceremony between executives of ABS-CBN and GMA occurred at Seda Vertis North on June 28.
Meanwhile, TAPE continued production of the noontime show Eat Bulaga! on GMA-7, which underwent a name change to Tahanang Pinakamasaya due to a trademark dispute with TVJ. However, on March 7, 2024, TAPE officially axed Tahanang Pinakamasaya due to financial constraints.
It's Showtime is poised to captivate an even larger audience with this new partnership.
Watch the live coverage here.
ABS-CBN Studios and GMA Network's Joint Statement
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| Photo credit: ABS-CBN News |