Top 15 Longest-Running TV Shows in the Philippines: A Journey Through Time

Alright, let’s dive into the world of Philippine television, where longevity is the name of the game. But first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the variety show on the stage? Yes, I’m talking about the one and only “Eat Bulaga!”

The Unstoppable “Eat Bulaga!”

“Eat Bulaga!” has been a staple of Philippine television since 1979. That’s right, folks, this show has been running for over four decades, making it the longest-running variety show in the country with over 13,000 episodes. It’s like the Energizer Bunny of Philippine TV – it just keeps going and going!

Recently, there’s been a bit of a shake-up with “Eat Bulaga!” The original hosts – Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon – announced that they would be parting ways with TAPE Inc., the production company behind the show. This announcement came as a shock to many, as these three have been the faces of “Eat Bulaga!” for so long. But fear not, the show must go on! The show resumed its original programming with new hosts Paolo Contis, Buboy Villar, Betong Sumaya, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi, and Alexa Miro.

The Longest Running Shows in the Philippines

Now, let’s talk about the other long-running shows in the Philippines. These shows have stood the test of time, providing entertainment to Filipinos for years, and in some cases, decades.

1. “Eat Bulaga!” (1979-present): As we’ve already discussed, this variety show is the longest-running in the country.
2. “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (1991-2022): This drama anthology has been tugging at our heartstrings for over three decades.
3. “TV Patrol” (1987-present): This news program has been keeping Filipinos informed for over 30 years.
4. “24 Oras” (2004-present): Another news program that has been a staple of Philippine television.
5. “Saksi” (1995-present): Yet another news program that has been around for over two decades.
6. “ASAP Natin ‘To” (1995-present): This variety show has been entertaining us with music and dance performances for over 25 years.
7. “Bubble Gang” (1995-present): This comedy sketch show has been making us laugh for over two decades.
8. “Wish Ko Lang!” (2002-present): This public service show has been granting wishes for nearly two decades.
9. “Magpakailanman” (2002-present): This drama anthology show has been telling inspiring stories for nearly two decades.
10. “Imbestigador” (2000-present): This investigative news program has been uncovering the truth for over 20 years.
11. “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (2004-present): This magazine show has been providing us with interesting features for over 15 years.
12. “Maynila” (1999-2020): This drama anthology show ran for over two decades before ending in 2020.
13. “Matanglawin” (2008-present): This educational show has been teaching us about science and nature for over a decade.
14. “Failon Ngayon” (2009-2020): This public affairs show ran for over a decade before ending in 2020.
15. “AHA!” (2010-present): This educational show has been making learning fun for over a decade.

These shows have proven that they have what it takes to stand the test of time. They’ve

become a part of our daily lives, a constant presence in our living rooms. They’ve made us laugh, cry, and think. They’ve informed us, entertained us, and educated us. They’ve become a part of our culture, a part of who we are as Filipinos.

So, next time you’re flipping through the channels, take a moment to appreciate these long-running shows. They’ve been with us through thick and thin, through good times and bad. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be talking about how they’ve been running for five, six, or even seven decades.

Read next: The End of an Era after 44 Years: Eat Bulaga’s Controversial Transition

But for now, let’s just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Because in the world of Philippine television, the show always goes on. And as the saying goes, “the best is yet to come.”

So, there you have it, folks! The 15 longest-running shows in the Philippines. From the unstoppable “Eat Bulaga!” to the informative “TV Patrol,” these shows have truly stood the test of time. And who knows what the future holds? With the ever-changing landscape of Philippine television, we might just see some new shows joining this prestigious list. But for now, let’s just appreciate these shows for what they are – a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Filipino spirit.

And remember, in the world of Philippine television, longevity is the name of the game. So, here’s to many more years of laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments. Cheers, mga Kapuso!