GMA Network retains No. 1 spot in 2018 nationwide TV ratings

Media giant GMA Network has once again won the top spot in the hearts of Philippine viewers as it dominated the nationwide ratings throughout 2018 based on full-year data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider.

From January to December (with December 23 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA tallied 40.8 percent total day people audience share, which bested ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent, in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

The Kapuso Network was also the most watched station in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila – winning across all day parts including the hotly-contested primetime block. Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, respectively, account for 76 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

Full-year 2018 data showed that GMA still kept a double-digit advantage in Urban Luzon with 45.9 percent total day people audience share while its rival only managed to get 31.5 percent.

With official data from January up to December 22, the Network posted an even bigger margin in its bailiwick Mega Manila with 47.7 percent, which was way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 28.7 percent. 

For the month of December 2018, GMA registered 38 percent total day people audience share in NUTAM as against ABS-CBN’s 34.8 percent.

The Kapuso channel similarly maintained its winning streak in the viewer-rich Urban Luzon with 42.8 percent versus competition’s 28.8 percent.

Furthermore, GMA led competition in Mega Manila (with official data from December 1 to 22) with 44.6 percent outscoring the 26.1 percent of ABS-CBN.

Top Kapuso shows

The lion's share in NUTAM's list of overall top programs in 2018 was bagged by Kapuso shows.

The award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) held the top spot as the most watched GMA program for the year.

Also among the roster of top-rating shows were Daddy’s Gurl, The Clash, Kambal Karibal, Pepito Manaloto, Onanay, 24 Oras, Victor Magtanggol, Magpakailanman, and Studio 7.

Super Ma’am, The Cure, Cain at Abel, Sherlock Jr., Amazing Earth, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Inday Will Always Love You, and Lip Sync Battle Philippines were also unequaled by rivals in 2018.

What's in store for 2019?

“Coming from the Network’s strong ratings performance in 2018, we are optimistic that we will be able to deliver even better numbers in 2019 as we prepare to launch a number of exciting and innovative programs,” said GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.

The network will launch three new primetime shows in the first quarter of the year.

Avid Kapuso fans would surely love the fresh plots such as 'Sahaya' starred by Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix which tells an inspiring story about a Badjao woman; GMA Public Affairs’ political romantic comedy series 'TODA One I Love' with the love team of Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid; and 'Kara Mia' which is a compelling tale of two sisters, starring Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz, having a shared body. —Dona Magsino/ LDF, GMA News