TV5 has always been the ‘third network’ next to media giants ABS-CBN and GMA. You probably just came across TV5 when you’re browsing channels during commercial breaks (kinda mean, but true). But this little network has some quality programming, too.
After its launch in 2008, TV5 put out some of great shows. Many of them flew under the radar, sadly, but their quality was top-notch. Now that they are slowly merging with ABS-CBN, it’s time to revisit their god-tier shows so they might actually consider bringing them back to life.
Wow Mali (1996-2008, 2009-2015)
Before all the YouTube and TikTok pranks, Joey de Leon and his gang were already doing the craziest stunts in public. And we loved watching them!
Wow Mali fed us with lots of candid video footage showing practical jokes, bloopers, and wacky segments. Featuring ordinary people, the Wow Mali team would just go around random places and disturb the streets with their hilarious antics. Not gonna lie, their actors were GOOD. They managed to keep a straight face while trolling innocent people.
Talentadong Pinoy (2008-2013)
First hosted by Ryan Agoncillo, it featured performances from singers, dancers, actors, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, ventriloquists, magicians, and many more talented Filipinos! It was probably one of the biggest talent shows in the country.
I’m pretty sure you know Makata Tawanan and Wanlu. Yes, they were from Talentadong Pinoy and they were among the long list of its Hall of Famers!
Face to Face (2010-2013)
Everyone’s still clueless if the violent fights here were real or scripted but anyway, it was entertaining AF! I really think that this show made us the Marites we are today.
Hosted by Amy Perez, this show aimed to resolve conflicts between two parties. It was like a barangay hall on air but the live audience (called sawsaweros & sawsaweras) were free to choose between ‘sa pula’ or ‘sa puti,’ after hearing their side of the story. There was also this Trio Tagapayo composed of a lawyer, psychologist, and a priest to give tips and advice.
This was chaotic but we loved it. Hope they bring it back! Listen to their nostalgic and iconic opening song here.
Midnight DJ (2008-2011)
Remember being so scared yet still so fascinated? Midnight DJ’s horror stories were crazy good! This thriller series narrated the story of a DJ who works at night. Together with his team, they tried to find solutions to the paranormal problems encountered by his listeners. During its run, they created a bridge between the living and the dead and talked about unsolved crimes, ghosts, and ghouls.
Paolo Contis, Oyo Sotto, Bangs Garcia, Baron Geisler, and Desiree del Valle were among the cast. Still gives me some chills, NGL!
Pidol’s Wonderland (2010-2013)
Dolphy’s final television show, this fantasy-comedy series had the comedy legend telling folk tales, legends, and original fantasy stories to families every Sunday night. Just like old times, he worked with his sons Vandolph and Epi.
In the show, they all came together in Mang Pidol’s curio shop and attended his storytelling sessions along with people from the neighborhood. Several actresses made an appearance in the series like Susan Roces and then-child actress, Andrea Brillantes.
Juicy! (2008-2012)
This entertainment news program was one of the flagship shows of TV5 when it launched in 2008. Hosted by Alex Gonzaga, IC Mendoza, Cristy Fermin, and Shalala, it featured showbiz scoops, trivia, fan features, and interviews. As the name suggests, the hosts would blurt out juicy takes and expose stories that rival networks couldn’t touch, making the show a must-watch.
LokoMoko (2008-2013)
This sketch-comedy show was inspired by Wow Mali. It had several segments that never failed to give some good vibes. They used to spoof, make practical jokes, and sometimes prank innocent normal people. They also created hilarious songs like this.
It was relaunched as Lokomoko High, Lokomoko U, then Tropa Moko Unli throughout its five-year run. Imagine Empoy, Valeen Montenegro, and Alex Gonzaga in a sitcom…this was unhinged!
History with Lourd (2013-2016)
Hosted by Filipino journalist, musician, and activist Lourd de Veyra, this show looked back at history in a different light. With Lourd’s extraordinary delivery, he made history more exciting than those boring 3-hour lectures at school. It explored the not-so-talked about issues with ex-presidents, heroes, and political scandals. NGL, he uncovered some spicy teas about Philippine chismis history.
This multi-awarded show aired every Saturday at 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and if TV5 decides to make a reboot, we hope they schedule it at an earlier time. Goodness knows we badly need some history lessons.
As TV5 ties up with ABS-CBN, we hope to see some improved versions of these top-notch shows. Just imagine Vice Ganda hosting Face to Face or KathNiel reviving Midnight DJ…that would be epic!
What’s your favorite TV5 show of all time? Drop it in the comments below.
