Jane the Virgin About to Conclude, Says ABS-CBN

Apparently ABS-CBN does not realize the difference between American and Filipino series.

Such is the case for ‘Jane the Virgin’, the Tagalized American comedy-drama series that premiered in the Philippines last March 28. The series, which starred Gina Rodriguez as the titular Jane, was recently renewed by the American cable network The CW for a third season.

Yet ABS-CBN insists that ‘Jane the Virgin’ will come to an end soon. A teaser for its presumed conclusion was recently released by ABS-CBN and has been airing on the network during commercial breaks (see trailer video below).

If the ABS-CBN management were smart enough, they should know the difference between a typical Filipino teleserye and an American series. Look at these contrasts.

American series

• A season consists of at least 20 episodes
• An American television season lasts from October to May
• An American series airs weekly, with a few preemptions for special events in between
• If successful, they are usually renewed for another season, otherwise they can be cancelled

Filipino series

• A season ranges from at least 60 episodes to at most 160 episodes, usually divided by ‘book’
• There is no such thing as a Filipino television season; programs air year-round
• A Filipino series airs five times a week, except during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
• Cancellations rarely happen in Filipino series, but renewals to extend its run take place

From the perspective of ABS-CBN, it appears that the reason why ‘Jane the Virgin’ is about to ‘end’ is because of ratings and a desire for another experiment. As it currently stands, ‘Jane the Virgin’ averages around 7% per episode, which is good enough to beat a GMA Asianovela but not against comedy programs ‘A1 Ko Sa ‘Yo’ and ‘Bubble Gang’.

This means that based on ratings alone, ABS-CBN might not bring back ‘Jane the Virgin’ in the foreseeable future. Even though a third season is expected to air in the United States this October, there is a possibility that it may not be aired at all in the Philippines.

If this is indeed the end for ‘Jane the Virgin’ in the Philippines, expect nothing less than an impressive finish. Hopefully ABS-CBN can reconsider its so-called ‘decision’ on this beloved American series, otherwise they will have to regroup.

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From the Tube’s 2015 Holy Week Retreat

From the Tube will be off the air throughout Holy Week. Regular programming resumes after the Easter weekend.

From the Tube will again sign off this Holy Week.

As part of a tradition commemorating the death, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, no new posts on From the Tube will be published throughout Holy Week. Regular programming will resume after the Easter weekend.

As it has been the case in previous Lenten observances, most television stations will either air limited programming with mostly religious themes, or sign off from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday. Radio stations will either have limited playlists or sign off for the aforementioned three days.

All regular programming should resume this Easter Sunday. As for the upcoming Holy Week schedules on the small screen, click this post from Timow’s Turf for more information.

With that, From the Tube will like to wish everyone a blessed Holy Week. For those traveling to faraway places, stay safe and enjoy this respite.

From the Tube Takes a Sabbatical This Holy Week

From the Tube will be off the blogosphere this Holy Week. Regular posts will resume after the Easter weekend.

Holy Week is about reflection, prayer and sacrifice. It is a week where Jesus Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is commemorated, and for many Filipinos, this is the time where they take a respite from their busy lifestyles, and look back religiously at the things that God has done to them.

And as part of maintaining that serenity and calm, there will be no new posts on From the Tube for the duration of the Holy Week. Regular posts will resume right after the Easter weekend.

Then, for those who want to check out the upcoming television programs this Holy Week, click on Timow’s latest post on his blog. And finally, most radio stations will be off the air from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday, so I advise readers to legally download songs as soon as possible, so that you can enjoy your favorite tunes without disturbing the peace.

From the Tube would like to wish everyone a safe and blessed Holy Week. For those leaving Metro Manila for either a trip to the beach or at the church, enjoy your brief vacation.