Linlang (International title: Deceit) is a Philippine thriller drama television series, directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin. It stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman and Maricel Soriano. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video from October 5 to November 16, 2023.
| Linlang | |
|---|---|
 Mid-season Promotional poster | |
| Genre | |
| Written by | David Diuco |
| Directed by |
|
| Starring | |
| Composers | Jovinor Tan Jonathan Manalo Len Calvo Adriane Macalipay |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original language | Filipino |
| No. of episodes | 14 (Prime Video) 103 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Carlo Katigbak Cory Vidanes Laurenti Dyogi Roldeo Endrinal |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 56–61 minutes |
| Production company | Dreamscape Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
| Release | October 5 – November 16, 2023 |
| Network | Kapamilya Channel (cable and satellite TV only)[a] |
| Release | January 22 – June 14, 2024 |
Premise
editThe story centers around boxer-turned-seaman Victor Lualhati and his investigation into his wife Juliana's affair. Victor learns more about the situation as he looks into it and comes to the conclusion that his wife's infidelity is not the only factor at play.
Cast and characters
edit
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- Main cast
- Paulo Avelino as Victor "Bangis[b]" Lualhati
- Kim Chiu as Juliana Alcantara-Lualhati
- JM de Guzman as Alexander "Alex / Da Master[c]" C. Lualhati[d]
- Maricel Soriano as Amelia Contreras-Lualhati[e]
- Supporting cast
- Jaime Fabregas as Coach Badong Castillo[1]
- Ruby Ruiz as Pilar Alcantara
- Raymond Bagatsing as Emilio Mendoza[1]
- Kaila Estrada as Atty. Sylvia Villamayor-Lualhati†[2]
- Heaven Peralejo as Olivia Castillo-Lualhati†[2]
- Albie Casiño[1] as Ricardo "Ricky" Torres
- Benj Manalo[1] as Jimboy Ulambay
- Race Matias as Atty. Matteo Bautista[2][f]
- Anji Salvacion[2] as Kate Alcantara
- Kice So[1] as Dylan Salazar
- Heart Ramos as Abigail "Abby" A. Lualhati
- Hanna Lexie as young Abby
- Recurring cast
- Bart Guingona[1] as Hon. Dante Villamayor
- Adrian Lindayag[1] as William
- Frenchie Dy as Mema
- Ross Pesigan as Bogs
- Connie Virtucio
- Lotlot Bustamante as Mosang
- Meanne Espinosa
- Guest cast
- Jake Ejercito[1] as Lucas
- Mark McMahon as Eric
- Lovely Abella as Emma
- Daniela Stranner as Maricar
- Sandy Aloba
- Danny Ramos as Jessie Lualhati
- Daisy Cariño as Olivia's mother
Production
editLinlang was first announced in October 2022 by Dreamscape Entertainment.[3][4][5] Principal photography for the series lasted for six months. Paulo Avelino, one of the lead stars, prepared for his role by pushing "himself through a body transformation to embody his character’s journey", stating that he "had to gain around 20 lb (9.1 kg) to 35 lb (16 kg) at the start of the filming and lose around 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) midway into the shoot."[6]
Release
editThe series premiered on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video on October 5, 2023, with the first two episodes available immediately and the rest debuting on a weekly basis.[7]
Television broadcast
editLinlang had its television debut (subtitled as "The Teleserye Version") on January 22, 2024, on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida lineup, A2Z's A2Z Primetime,[g] Jeepney TV, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5's TodoMax Primetime Singko lineup, worldwide via The Filipino Channel and on-demand via iWantTFC, which is the uncut version of the series. It replaced Senior High, but at an earlier time, while Can't Buy Me Love took over 3rd timeslot that left by Senior High.[10][11]
Marketing
editThe official trailer for Linlang was released on September 24, 2023.[12] The following month, advance screening for the series was held at Cinema76 in Quezon City.[13] To promote the series, the ensemble cast made special appearances in noontime musical-variety show ASAP[14] while Chiu and de Guzman served as guest stars in the lifestyle morning talk show Magandang Buhay.[15]
Reception
editRatings and viewership
editUpon release, Linlang debuted at No. 1 on Amazon Prime Video Philippines.[6] The series also opened with 367,069 concurrent live viewers during its premiere on Kapamilya Online Live through the streaming service YouTube.[16] According to Nielsen NUTAM People Survey, the pilot episode of Linlang: The Teleserye Version received a nationwide rating of 9.0%, winning over its timeslot rival Love. Die. Repeat..[17] The series registered its highest national rating on June 13 and 14, garnering 12.0%, the latter date being the finale episode and won over its timeslot rival My Guardian Alien.[18]
Critical response
editWriting for Daily Tribune, Alwin Ignacio described Linlang as "a cautionary tale and modern-day morality check." He praised the acting performances of the lead stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino and JM de Guzman, including the notable portrayals of Maricel Soriano, Kaila Estrada and Ruby Ruiz.[19]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ContentAsia Awards | Best Female Lead in a TV Programme / Series | Kim Chiu | Nominated | [20] |
| Best Supporting Actress in a TV Programme / Series | Kaila Estrada | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPASADONG Aktor sa Telebisyon | Paulo Avelino | Won | [21] |
Notes
edit- ^ The series also airs on Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z (analog free TV in Manila only and digital TV in Nationwide only) (every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only during the PBA season until February 9), TV5 (free TV in Nationwide), and worldwide via The Filipino Channel. It is also available on demand via iWantTFC.
- ^ Victor's ring name.
- ^ Alex's ring name.
- ^ Alex is disbarred as of episode 65 (10 in the Prime Video cut).
- ^ Amelia uses the Lualhati last name despite her never being married to Alex and Victor's late father Jessie Lualhati. This makes Amelia a mistress, and Alex an illegitimate son, as Jessie's legal wife is Victor's biological mother.
- ^ Alex and Sylvia’s assistant who becomes a lawyer after Alex’s disbarment + transition into boxing.
- ^ Due to the PBA games that aired every Wednesday and Friday, the series broadcast on this channel every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until the association ended on February 11 after 3 months of broadcast.[8][9]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h "'Linlang' becomes the most watched show on Prime Video Philippines on its first streaming day". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ a b c d "Four Reasons to watch Prime Video series Linlang". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Paulo, Kim, JM and Maricel star in new series 'Linlang'". ABS-CBN News. 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- ^ Cruz, Dana (2022-10-22). "Maricel Soriano, Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman lead cast of new series 'Linlang'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- ^ "Paulo, Kim, JM, Ruby, and Maricel headline star-studded cast of ABS-CBN's new series 'Linlang'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- ^ a b "Linlang emerges as top pick on Prime Video PHL". www.philstar.com. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- ^ "Kim, Paulo, and JM topbill Prime Video series 'Linlang'". www.philstar.com. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- ^ "Some ABS-CBN shows to give way to PBA on A2Z". ABS-CBN News. October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ "A2Z restores regular primetime programming". Trendrod. 2024-02-11. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ Felipe, MJ (2023-12-15). "ABS-CBN unveils initial line-up of 2024 shows". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ Felipe, MJ (December 14, 2023). "300 stars gather as ABS-CBN Christmas special returns to Big Dome". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ "Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino play married couple in gripping preview of 'Linlang'". ABS-CBN News. 2023-09-24. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Kim Chiu on intimate scenes with Paulo Avelino: 'Happy naman ako'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Stars of 'Linlang' grace 'ASAP' stage to promote new series". ABS-CBN News. 2023-10-08. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "JM appeals: Tagal ko nang nanliligaw, baka naman". ABS-CBN News. 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ ""Linlang: The Teleserye Version" debuts with 367,069 live concurrent viewers, multiple trending topics". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ CC, JE (2024-01-24). "'Linlang' The Teleserye Version sets highest pilot rating for a Kapamilya show on the second primetime slot". LionhearTV. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ "'Linlang' soars to its all-time high ratings during its finale week - LionhearTV". Lionheartv.net. June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ Ignacio, Alwin (2023-10-11). "Linlang: Love and lust on a collision". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Nominees for 2024 ContentAsia Awards revealed". Manila Bulletin. July 15, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024.
- ^ https://entertainment.inquirer.net/581219/kathryn-bernardo-paulo-avelino-cedrick-juan-among-26th-gawad-pasado-winners