A Philippine television drama has made history by airing on free-to-air television in the Middle East. “2 Good 2 Be True,” produced by ABS-CBN, began airing on February 16 on Dubai One, an English-language channel owned by Dubai Media Incorporated that reaches millions of households across the Middle East and North Africa.
The series is the first Filipino drama to be shown on free TV in the region. It airs on weeknights with English dubbing and Arabic subtitles, allowing both English- and Arabic-speaking audiences to watch.
The launch was scheduled during Ramadan, when television viewing in the region is typically at its highest. Dubai One usually broadcasts Western programs, so the addition of a Filipino drama places it alongside international shows on the channel.
“2 Good 2 Be True” stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The series follows the story of a mechanic and law student trying to clear his father’s name and a nurse who dreams of becoming a doctor. Their story focuses on love, redemption, and second chances.
The drama was also popular in the Philippines, staying in the Top 10 of Netflix Philippines for 32 consecutive weeks.
The move is part of ABS-CBN’s push to expand globally and bring Filipino stories to international audiences. In 2024, another ABS-CBN series, “A Soldier’s Heart,” also entered the Middle East market with an Arabic-dubbed release on regional streaming platforms.
ABS-CBN said it has already distributed more than 50,000 hours of content to over 50 countries as it continues to expand the reach of Philippine entertainment worldwide.
