Linlang (2023 TV series)

Linlang (International title: Deceit) is a Philippine 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.

Linlang
Mid-season Promotional poster
Genre	Thriller drama Action Mystery Romance Soap opera
Written by	David Diuco
Directed by	FM Reyes Jojo A. Saguin
Starring	Paulo Avelino Kim Chiu JM de Guzman Maricel Soriano
Composers	Jovinor Tan Jonathan Manalo Len Calvo Adriane Macalipay
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Filipino
No. of episodes	14 (Prime Video) 20 (Netflix) 103 (The Teleserye Version) (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers	Carlo Katigbak Cory Vidanes Laurenti Dyogi Roldeo Endrinal
Camera setup	Single-camera
Running time	56–61 minutes
Production company	Dreamscape Entertainment
Original release
Network	Amazon Prime Video
Release	October 5 (2023-10-05) – November 16, 2023 (2023-11-16)
Network	Kapamilya Channel (cable and satellite TV only)[a]
Release	January 22 (2024-01-22) – June 14, 2024 (2024-06-14)

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

From left to right: Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman

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^[1]
• Ruby Ruiz as Pilar Alcantara
• Raymond Bagatsing as Emilio Mendoza^[1]
• Kaila Estrada as Sylvia Villamayor-Lualhati^[2]
• Heaven Peralejo as Olivia Castillo-Lualhati^[2]
• Albie Casiño^[1] as Ricardo "Ricky" Torres
• Benj Manalo^[1] as Jimboy Ulambay
• Race Matias as Matteo Bautista^[2]
• Anji Salvacion as Kate Alcantara^[2]
• Kice So as Dylan Salazar^[1]
• Heart Ramos as Abigail "Abby" Lualhati
  • Hanna Lexie as young Abby

Recurring cast

• Bart Guingona as Dante Villamayor^[1]
• Adrian Lindayag as William^[1]
• Frenchie Dy as Mema
• Ross Pesigan as Bogs
• Connie Virtucio
• Lotlot Bustamante as Mosang
• Meanne Espinosa

Guest cast

• Jake Ejercito as Lucas^[1]
• 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.^[3][4][5] 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 20 lb (9.1 kg) to 35 lb (16 kg) at the start of the filming and lose around 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) midway into the shoot."^[6]

Marketing

The official trailer of the series was released on September 24, 2023.^[7] The following month, advance screening for the series was held at Cinema76 in Quezon City.^[8] To promote the series, the cast appeared in the noontime musical-variety show ASAP.^[9] Chiu and De Guzman also appeared in the talk show Magandang Buhay.^[10]

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.^[11]

Television broadcast

The uncut version of the series 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.^[12][13]

This series will have a re-run on August 4, replacing the re-run of Huwag Kang Mangamba.

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.^[6] The series also opened with 367,069 concurrent live viewers during its premiere on Kapamilya Online Live through the streaming service YouTube.^[14] According to Nielsen NUTAM People Survey, the pilot episode of Linlang: The Teleserye Version received a nationwide rating of 9.0%.^[15] The series registered its highest national rating on June 13 and 14, garnering 12.0%, the latter date being the finale episode.^[16]

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.^[17]

Accolades

Accolades received by Linlang

Year	Award	Category	Nominee(s)	Result	Ref.
2024	ContentAsia Awards	Best Female Lead in a TV Programme / Series	Kim Chiu	Nominated	[18]
		Best Supporting Actress in a TV Programme / Series	Kaila Estrada	Nominated
	Gawad Pasado Awards	Best TV Actor	Paulo Avelino	Won	[19]
2025	PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Primetime Drama Series	Linlang	Nominated	[20]
		Best Drama Actor	Paulo Avelino	Nominated
		Best Drama Actress	Kim Chiu	Won
		Best Drama Supporting Actress	Kaila Estrada	Won

Notes

1. The series also aired on A2Z, TV5, Jeepney TV and TFC. It was also available for streaming via Kapamilya Online Live and on-demand via iWantTFC.