In a shocking turn of events, Vice Ganda has found himself at the center of a heated controversy after the announcement that It’s Showtime, the popular noontime show he anchors, is shifting to GTV, the secondary channel of GMA7. The move has sparked a wave of criticism from fans and industry insiders alike, with many questioning the decision and the implications it has on the future of the long-running show.
The Big Shift: A Controversial Move
In a groundbreaking decision, the management of It’s Showtime made a surprising announcement that the show will be broadcasting on GTV starting this year. GTV, which is known as a secondary channel of GMA Network, is seen as a step away from mainstream television. Many viewers expected the show to remain on ABS-CBN, its home network for over a decade, especially after the network’s closure in 2020.
For fans who have been loyal to the show since its inception, the move to GTV is seen as a betrayal or disappointment, with some fans speculating that Vice Ganda, who has always been the face of It’s Showtime, might have played a role in the move, though the details remain unclear.
Why Are Fans Angry?
Fans of It’s Showtime, known as Showtime Addicts, have expressed their frustration on social media. Many feel that the move to GTV is a step backward for the show, which has enjoyed a massive following and success on ABS-CBN for years. The shift has also raised questions about the future of the show and its relationship with the Kapamilya network.
“Bakit sa GTV? Parang tinatanggal na tayo bilang Kapamilya?” one fan commented on Twitter. “Walang mangyayari sa Showtime kung lilipat sila sa GMA. Ang dami pang magagandang shows sa ABS-CBN.”
The backlash was even more intense when fans began to draw comparisons between It’s Showtime and its rival noontime shows, including Eat Bulaga!, which has a huge following on GMA7. Many were upset, feeling that the move to a GMA channel would place It’s Showtime at a disadvantage in terms of viewership and ratings.
Vice Ganda Under Fire: Is He To Blame?
As the main host of It’s Showtime, Vice Ganda has become the face of the show, and naturally, many fans have turned their frustration toward him. Some are speculating that Vice’s influence and association with the new move to GMA7 may be behind the shift, while others accuse him of being too focused on his personal projects to consider the impact on the It’s Showtime audience.
“Vice Ganda should’ve stayed loyal to ABS-CBN! Kung hindi dahil sa network na ‘yun, wala siya sa kinalalagyan niya ngayon!” one fan said.
Vice’s usual humor and confidence may have been viewed in a different light by fans upset over the change. Although he has always used his platform to entertain, this time, the reaction has been more serious and critical, with many calling out the lack of transparency behind the move.
What Did Vice Ganda Say?
In the midst of the growing backlash, Vice Ganda took to social media to address the issue. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, he acknowledged the disappointment many fans were feeling, but emphasized that the move was made with the best intentions for the future of the show and its loyal audience.
“I understand that change can be difficult and confusing, but I assure you all that we will continue to give our best for you. Whatever channel we are on, our love for you, our Showtime family, will never change.” Vice wrote.
He further clarified that the decision was not made lightly, and that the move was part of a larger strategy to ensure the show’s long-term success.
“This is for the future of It’s Showtime and for you, the people who have supported us from the beginning. It’s not about changing networks; it’s about creating new opportunities.” he added.
While some fans appreciated his response, others were still critical, with some pointing out that the change might reflect a deeper rift within the industry.
Industry Reactions: GMA7 and ABS-CBN’s Shift in Dynamics
The decision for It’s Showtime to move to GTV has not only caused a stir among fans but also raised eyebrows within the Philippine entertainment industry. GMA7, which has long been a competitor of ABS-CBN, is now home to several of the most popular shows on television, including Eat Bulaga!, All-Out Sundays, and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. With the addition of It’s Showtime to their roster, many are wondering what this means for the future of ABS-CBN’s programming.
Industry analysts have speculated that the shift is part of a larger trend in Philippine media, as networks adapt to the changing landscape of television viewership, particularly with the rise of digital platforms. Some believe that the move to GTV could be a strategic decision to target a younger, more digitally savvy audience, as the channel has made strides in catering to this demographic.
But with all these industry changes, fans are concerned that the essence of It’s Showtime—which has been synonymous with ABS-CBN for years—might lose its Kapamilya identity and the connection with its loyal viewers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Vice Ganda and It’s Showtime?
Despite the criticism, Vice Ganda and the It’s Showtime team have assured fans that the show will continue to deliver the same level of entertainment and laughter that they’ve come to expect, regardless of the channel change. Whether the backlash will die down or persist remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the future of It’s Showtime is being closely watched by fans, media professionals, and critics alike.
For Vice Ganda, the path ahead might be filled with difficult conversations and reconciliations with his audience, but his resilience and humor have always been his trademarks, and they will likely serve him well as he navigates this challenging moment.
As for the fans, many are hoping that Vice and the It’s Showtime family will find a way to make this transition work, while still staying true to the values that made them fall in love with the show in the first place.
Stay tuned for more updates on how the Kapamilya community and Vice Ganda handle this shifting chapter in Philippine television history!
