Linlang (2023 TV series)

Linlang (International title: Deceit) is a Philippine television drama thriller series, directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin. It stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman and Maricel Soriano. The series was first released on Amazon Prime Video on October 5, 2023, consisting of 14 episodes, followed by a "Teleserye Version" on January 22, 2024 broadcast by Kapamilya Channel, replacing Senior High on Can't Buy Me Love's timeslot. The series concluded on June 14, 2024 with a total of 103 episodes. It was replaced by Pamilya Sagrado on its timeslot.

Premise
The story centers around boxer-turned-seaman Victor Lualhati and his investigation into his wife Juliana's affair. Victor learns more about the situation as he looks into it and comes to the conclusion that his wife's infidelity is not the only factor at play.

Cast and characters

 * Main cast
 * Paulo Avelino as Victor "Bangis" Lualhati
 * Kim Chiu as Juliana Alcantara-Lualhati
 * JM de Guzman as Alexander "Alex / Da Master" C. Lualhati
 * Maricel Soriano as Amelia Contreras-Lualhati


 * Supporting cast
 * Jaime Fabregas as Coach Badong Castillo
 * Ruby Ruiz as Pilar Alcantara
 * Raymond Bagatsing as Emilio Mendoza
 * Kaila Estrada as Atty. Sylvia Villamayor-Lualhati
 * Heaven Peralejo as Olivia Castillo-Lualhati
 * Albie Casiño as Ricardo "Ricky" Torres
 * Benj Manalo as Jimboy Ulambay
 * Race Matias as Atty. Matteo Bautista
 * Anji Salvacion as Kate Alcantara
 * Kice So as Dylan Salazar
 * Heart Ramos as Abigail "Abby" A. Lualhati
 * Hanna Lexie as young Abby


 * Recurring cast
 * Bart Guingona as Hon. Dante Villamayor
 * Adrian Lindayag as William
 * Frenchie Dy as Mema
 * Ross Pesigan as Bogs
 * Connie Virtucio
 * Lotlot Bustamante as Mosang
 * Meanne Espinosa


 * Guest cast
 * Jake Ejercito as Lucas
 * 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. Principal photography for the series lasted for six months. Paulo Avelino, one of the lead stars, 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 to 35 lb at the start of the filming and lose around 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) midway into the shoot."

Release
The series premiered 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.

Television broadcast
Linlang had its television debut (subtitled as "The Teleserye Version") on January 22, 2024, on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida lineup, A2Z's A2Z Primetime, Jeepney TV, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5's TodoMax Primetime Singko lineup, worldwide via The Filipino Channel and on-demand via iWantTFC, which is the uncut version of the series. It replaced Senior High, but at an earlier time, while Can't Buy Me Love took over 3rd timeslot that left by Senior High.

Marketing
The official trailer for Linlang was released on September 24, 2023. The following month, advance screening for the series was held at Cinema76 in Quezon City. To promote the series, the ensemble cast made special appearances in noontime musical-variety show ASAP while Chiu and de Guzman served as guest stars in the lifestyle morning talk show Magandang Buhay.

Ratings and viewership
Upon release, Linlang debuted at No. 1 on Amazon Prime Video Philippines. The series also opened with 367,069 concurrent live viewers during its premiere on Kapamilya Online Live through the streaming service YouTube. According to Nielsen NUTAM People Survey, the pilot episode of Linlang: The Teleserye Version received a nationwide rating of 9.0%, winning over its timeslot rival Love. Die. Repeat. The series registered its highest national rating on June 13 and 14, garnering 12.0%, the latter date being the finale episode and won over its timeslot rival My Guardian Alien.

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, including the notable portrayals of Maricel Soriano, Kaila Estrada and Ruby Ruiz.