It was a timeslot change that was unexpected and unfortunate.
Last Friday night, GMA announced a pair of scheduling changes that shook the primetime landscape. First, the returning series ‘Alyas Robin Hood’ will now occupy the timeslot succeeding ’24 Oras’, and second, ‘Mulawin vs. Ravena’ will now air on the timeslot that was previously used by ‘My Love from the Star’.
The timeslot change meant that the long-running ABS-CBN action series ‘Ang Probinsyano’ will now have its sixth different opponent. As it nears its third year on the air, ‘Ang Probinsyano’ has shown no signs of slowing down, earning ratings between 35-40% every night.
‘Mulawin vs. Ravena’, which premiered on May 22, seemed to be a worthy opponent for ‘Ang Probinsyano’ when it first aired. However, the series was a disaster from the start, and through 60 episodes, ‘Mulawin vs. Ravena averaged only 17-18% ratings-wise.
Meanwhile, ‘Alyas Robin Hood’ showed some promise during its first season. Despite facing uncharacteristically weak Kapamilya competition in ‘Magpahanggang Wakas’, ‘A Love to Last’ and ‘My Dear Heart’, ‘Alyas Robin Hood’ still came away with consistent ratings of around 20-25%, showcasing its potential.
If ‘Alyas Robin Hood”s first season performance was of any indication, then GMA seemed to have made the right call. They think that the series will have a much-better chance against Coco Martin, and with some viewers no longer pleased with the endlessly long run of ‘Ang Probinsyano’, it could give GMA the opportunity to woo such viewers to watch Dingdong Dantes’ show.
Still, even if ‘Ang Probinsyano’ appears to be in a creative nadir, they are still a force to be reckoned with. That said, if the second season of ‘Alyas Robin Hood’ fails to duplicate if not surpass its first season performance, it could mean big trouble for the Kapuso network.
As for ‘Mulawin vs. Ravena, the demotion could still become either a boon or a bust. While the series will no longer have the pressure of facing ‘Ang Probinsyano’, they still have to worry about KathNiel’s ‘La Luna Sangre’, whose ratings of 35% or better is just as impressive as the former.
Not only that, the series will have to contend with former ‘Mulawin’ star Richard Gutierrez. If in the past Richard made ‘Mulawin’ a popular series during the mid-2000s, now it will be up to him to take down its sequel.
Whether or not ‘Mulawin vs. Ravena and ‘Alyas Robin Hood’ will thrive in their new surroundings remain to be seen. For now, let’s wish both shows good luck, otherwise expect another switcharoo coming up.
From the Tube 
In two words, the reasons of the changes of its time slot are Ratings and Genre of a Teleserye.
It’s obvious that GMA badly wanted to topple AP since its previous five opponents were no match for Coco Martin and company, that’s why they placed ARH to sort of give it a ‘fair’ opportunity. Now the question is, can its good form from season 1 carry over to season 2 against a more dangerous animal like AP? Honestly, I have doubts over this since AP is way different from the less intimidating series that ARH faced in the past. It will be up to GMA to rekindle that same magic all over again, this time against a teleserye giant like AP.
Even with the timeslot change, mukhang lumalala pa ang problema ng Mulawin vs. Ravena since talo sila against La Luna Sangre, which was topbilled by KathNiel and the original Mulawin, Richard Gutierrez. Mulawin vs. Ravena scored 14.7 vs. La Luna Sangre’s 33.7 last Monday, citing data from Kantar.
Even the premiere of the second book of Alyas Robin Hood didn’t even deliver at all. They only scored a 18.9 rating vs. Ang Probinsyano’s 39.8 last Monday.
#FantaseryePaMore ang inatupag ng GMA.
Seriously, I don’t know what’s on Lilybeth Rasonable’s mind right now. Either she’s brave to boast their top ranking or is foolish to admit their shortcomings.
Patapos na rin ang MVR, as per their latest plugs
At least umabot past the 80-episode threshold. Kaso they didn’t last as long as Encantadia. Looks like the cost of producing these fantaseryes are once again taking its toll on GMA.
Medyo kumpiyansa ako sa ARH, medyo haha. So, I think (medyo) sinugal na nila yung MVR, matatapos na rin naman. And sa estado niya, palagay ko no more sudden extensions for that.
They won’t be extending dahil Marian’s new teleserye will take over MVR’s timeslot in a few weeks. That’s a given. Considering that the show is losing in the ratings, not to mention the hefty costs of maintaining a fantaserye, GMA realized na the end is truly near. As for ARH, well, too bad they’re up against Ang Probinsyano na hanggang ngayo’y No. 1 in primetime despite questions surrounding its storyline. I’d say it’s a risk that didn’t exactly go GMA’s way.
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