GINGER Gonzaga (right) in a scene from the comedy series “Mixology”
An established general entertainment channel in the United States, Lifetime started broadcasting on Philippine cable last October, a few months after its launch in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
“We’re happy to introduce another baby of ours,” said A&E Networks Asia’s director of marketing communications Hazel Yap at the channel’s recent formal launch in Manila. “Last year, we expanded in the region. The parent network, A&E, is an American brand. Lifetime and (the History Channel ‘spinoff’) H2 are the newest members of our family.”
Now available as well in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Indonesia, and joining the previously established channel roster of Bio, History and CI, Lifetime has a lineup that consists of new seasons of old favorites and fresh shows currently enjoying positive buzz, according to Yap.
“We introduced the channel months ago with the fourth season of ‘Master Chef Australia,’ which did extremely well for us,” she related. “[Lifetime has] programming pillars: We have original TV-movies, reality programs, dramas, and local productions. Dramas perform very well, ratings-wise.”
The channel is targeting both male and female viewers, she said. “It actually appeals to both… it’s probably more skewed towards females, but in general, the channel is touching on emotion and entertainment with its different shows,” Yap explained.
The shows in this year’s programming include the cop procedural “Unforgettable,” the romance-comedy series “Mixology,” the science fiction-thriller “Orphan Black,” and the fantasy-drama “Resurrection.”
Elaborating on Lifetime’s Philippine endeavor, Yap enthused, “There will be one local production here called ‘Mom’s Time Out.’ We’re going to have a Filipino family [as] part of the show.”
BUGOY Cariño as a kid who takes care of younger siblings in “MMK.”
The forthcoming show, Yap elaborated, will offer a peek into different Asian family dynamics. “‘Mom’s Time Out’ is about three families. You know how kids are [sometimes] more
attached to the mom? We’re going to take her away for a week; she’s going on a holiday. We’ll see what happens to the household with [just the father running things]. There’s going to be a family each in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia. Everything will happen concurrently; we will follow their journey. We haven’t found a Filipino family yet. It’s going to be really interesting!”
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‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’
In tomorrow’s episode of ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK), child actor Bugoy Cariño portrays the character of Jose, an eight-year-old boy who stands as a guardian to seven younger siblings after being abandoned by both parents.
MMK airs Saturday nights after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN.
‘24: Live Another Day’
Action-drama series “24” returns with “24: Live Another Day,” restarting the ticking clock for the antiterrorist hero Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland). Airing the same day as in the United States, the two-hour premiere of “24: Live Another Day” will be on May 6, simulcast at 1 p.m. and reairing at 9 p.m. on JackCity.
OMAR Epps (left) and Devin Kelley in “Resurrection”
Set and shot in London, the series picks up four years after the previous season. Ex-agent Jack is now an exile, but still on a mission to prevent a terrorist threat.
‘Donut Showdown’
“Donut masters” from across North America compete for $10,000, tasked with concocting variations on the dessert. (One contestant whipped up a batch of bacon chocolate donuts.) “Donut Showdown” airs Sunday, 8 p.m. on 2nd Avenue.
‘House of Cards’
This political drama starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright premieres May 28, 9:55 p.m. on RTL CBS Entertainment. Spacey is Congressman Francis Underwood and Wright is his equally ambitious wife. They will stop at nothing to ensure their ascendancy.