Linlang (2023 TV series)

Linlang is a Philippine pre-produced mystery thriller drama television series produced by Dreamscape Entertainment. Directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin, it stars Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman and Maricel Soriano. The series streamed on Amazon Prime Video from October 5 to November 16, 2023. The extended version of the series, titled Linlang: The Teleserye Version, aired on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida evening block from January 22 to June 14, 2024.

Premise

The story centers around a husband's investigation into his wife's affair as he learns more about the situation and comes to the conclusion that his wife's infidelity is not the only factor at play.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Paulo Avelino as Victor Lualhati
Kim Chiu as Juliana Alcantara-Lualhati
JM de Guzman as Alexander "Alex" Lualhati
Maricel Soriano as Amelia Contreras-Lualhati

Supporting cast

Jaime Fabregas as Badong Castillo
Ruby Ruiz as Pilar Alcantara
Raymond Bagatsing as Emilio Mendoza
Kaila Estrada as Sylvia Villamayor-Lualhati
Heaven Peralejo as Olivia Castillo-Lualhati
Albie Casiño as Ricardo "Ricky" Torres
Benj Manalo as Jimboy Ulambay
Race Matias as Matteo Bautista
Anji Salvacion as Kate Alcantara
Kice So as Dylan Salazar
Heart Ramos as Abigail "Abby" Lualhati
* Hanna Lexie as young Abby

Recurring cast

Bart Guingona as Dante Villamayor
Adrian Lindayag as William
Frenchie Dy as Mema
Ross Pesigan as Bogs
Connie Virtucio
Lotlot Bustamante as Mosang
Meanne Espinosa

Guest cast

Jake Ejercito 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

Linlang was first announced in October 2022 by Dreamscape Entertainment. Principal photography for the series lasted for six months. Lead star Paulo Avelino prepared for his role by "pushing himself through a body transformation to embody his character’s journey", stating that he "had to gain around to at the start of the filming and lose around 20 pounds midway into the shoot."

Marketing

The official trailer of the series was released on September 24, 2023. The following month, advance screening for the series was held at Cinema76 in Quezon City. To promote the series, the cast appeared in the noontime musical-variety show ASAP. Chiu and De Guzman also appeared in the talk show Magandang Buhay.

Release

The series was released 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. Its uncut version called Linlang: The Teleserye Version premiered on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Jeepney TV and The Filipino Channel on January 22, 2024. It was also available for streaming via Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC. With this, it is the second series to release both cut and extended versions, after 2009–2010; 2012–2013's May Bukas Pa from the late 2000s to early 2010s.

Music

The main theme song of the series is a 2023 version of "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa" performed by Erik Santos. The instrumental version of this song was also featured on the "EXpecially For You" segment of the noontime variety show It's Showtime.

Reception

Ratings and viewership

Upon release, Linlang debuted at No. 1 on Amazon Prime Video Philippines. The series also opened with 367,069 concurrent live viewers during its premiere on Kapamilya Online Live through the streaming service YouTube. According to Nielsen NUTAM People Survey, the pilot episode of Linlang: The Teleserye Version received a nationwide rating of 9.0%. The series registered its highest national rating on June 13 and 14, garnering 12.0%, the latter date being the finale episode.

Critical response

Writing 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, as well as the portrayals of Maricel Soriano, Kaila Estrada and Ruby Ruiz.