5 challenges ‘It’s Showtime’ has overcome in its 17 years on air

From MTRCB controversies to landing on GMA, look back at the show’s biggest hurdles.

From a 12-day suspension to network changes after ABS-CBN lost its broadcast franchise, the noontime show has had to adapt to keep reaching the Madlang People.

Since premiering on October 24, 2009, as “Showtime,” the program has grown from a talent competition into one of the country’s most recognizable noontime variety shows. Now celebrating its 17th anniversary, “It’s Showtime” looks back on a run shaped by regulatory setbacks, network changes, and the challenge of staying connected with its audience.

Here are five challenges that have shaped the show’s journey.

1. Its 12-day MTRCB suspension in 2023


In September 2023, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) upheld a 12-day suspension against “It’s Showtime” over an episode of its “Isip Bata” segment featuring hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.

ABS-CBN said it would serve the suspension beginning October 14, while maintaining that the program had not violated any pertinent law. The show returned on October 28.

The suspension became one of the most significant controversies in the program’s history, putting its hosts and content under public scrutiny.


2. ABS-CBN’s shutdown in 2020


When ABS-CBN went off free-to-air television in May 2020 after Congress denied its franchise renewal, the network’s programs—including “It’s Showtime”—lost access to their former broadcast platform.

The show continued reaching audiences through digital platforms and other available channels as ABS-CBN explored new ways to distribute its programs.

The shutdown marked a major turning point for the network and its shows, which had to find new ways to connect with viewers.

3. Its move to TV5 in 2022


In July 2022, “It’s Showtime” began airing on TV5, expanding its reach beyond ABS-CBN’s own platforms.

However, the partnership did not last indefinitely. In June 2023, ABS-CBN announced that the program would leave TV5 beginning July 1 following programming changes, after declining a proposed 4:30 p.m. timeslot.

The departure meant the show had to find another broadcast home just months after joining TV5.

4. Finding a new home on GMA


After leaving TV5, “It’s Showtime” began airing on GMA Network’s sister channel GTV on July 1, 2023.

The partnership expanded further when the program began airing on GMA’s main channel on April 6, 2024, bringing the Kapamilya-produced show to a wider free-to-air audience.

The move also marked an unusual development in Philippine television: a program produced by ABS-CBN airing on the network of one of its longtime competitors.

5. Its 2010 suspension over remarks about teachers

Long before its 2023 suspension, “Showtime” faced another run-in with the MTRCB. In January 2010, the board imposed a 20-day preventive suspension after guest judge Rosanna Roces made controversial remarks about teachers during a live episode.

Roces criticized teachers after a contestant failed to give national hero Jose Rizal’s full name, accusing educators of failing to teach students what they needed to know and calling them “repeaters.” ABS-CBN removed Roces as a judge but challenged the suspension.

The Court of Appeals later issued a temporary restraining order, allowing the show to return after six days off air. In March, the MTRCB ordered a one-month suspension over the same incident, prolonging the dispute.

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