Netflix Philippines unveils 2026 slate led by five new originals

Posted by ReyFort Media

Netflix Philippines is entering 2026 with its largest and most ambitious local slate to date, headlined by five new original productions that signal a deeper investment in Filipino storytelling.

The lineup, unveiled this week, includes three series and two films spanning dystopian action, horror-mystery, young adult romance and family drama. The expansion marks a major step for the streaming platform as it celebrates a decade of operations in the country.

Leading the slate is “BuyBust: The Undesirables,” a dystopian action series that reimagines the aftermath of the 2018 film “BuyBust.” The series stars Anne Curtis and is directed by Erik Matti. With large-scale set pieces and an ensemble cast, it is billed as Netflix Philippines’ most ambitious action production to date.

Also in the spotlight is “Balaraw,” an atmospheric horror-mystery series directed by Rae Red. Drawing from Filipino folklore, the show follows an ensemble cast in a story described as expansive and unsettling, blending suspense with distinctly local themes.

The upcoming young adult romance film “18th Rose” brings together Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri in their first on-screen pairing. The film centers on first love and marks a rare entry in the local market for modern YA romance, a genre that has seen limited recent releases.

Family drama “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon,” starring Jodi Sta. Maria, explores the chaos and warmth of Filipino family life through the story of a complicated matriarch. The film combines humor and heart while tackling intergenerational tensions.

Rounding out the originals is “Paskong Pinoy,” a holiday anthology film celebrating Filipino Christmas traditions through stories of nostalgia, romance and second chances.

Beyond its original productions, Netflix Philippines will continue its partnerships with local networks. Two series will premiere on the platform three days before airing on free-to-air television.

GMA’s “The Master Cutter” stars Dingdong Dantes as a former scout ranger who leads a double life as a tailor and bounty hunter. ABS-CBN’s “Someone, Someday” features Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid and Maja Salvador in a drama about a woman who creates a dating app aimed at helping women find meaningful relationships while confronting her own past.

The 2026 slate reflects Netflix’s broader evolution in the Philippines, where it has shifted from primarily distributing global content to actively investing in local productions. According to the company, more than 90% of its Philippine members watched local content in the past year. To date, 32 Filipino titles have appeared on Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists.

Past local hits such as “Doll House,” “Lolo and the Kid,” “Outside,” and “Kontrabida Academy” helped establish the platform’s foothold in the local industry and drew international attention.

Since 2022, Netflix has also premiered episodes of long-running Filipino dramas ahead of their broadcast on free-to-air television, first in partnership with ABS-CBN and later with GMA. The arrangement allows viewers early access while maintaining traditional television distribution.

“We are excited to continue growing alongside the industry, strengthening partnerships, and supporting more ambitious ideas from script to screen. We continue to bring Filipino stories to the global stage, working with a wide range of creators to showcase the breadth, ambition, and diversity of Filipino storytelling. We are confident viewers will enjoy the varied stories coming to their screens this year, and the many more we look forward to bringing their way,” said Vitto Lazatin, Netflix’s content lead for the Philippines and director of content licensing for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

As Netflix Philippines marks 10 years in the country, its 2026 slate shows a clear strategy and that is to scale up local productions, deepen creative collaborations and position Filipino stories for audiences at home and abroad. (Manila Times Ent.)