Just barely a week after its Philippine premiere, Boys Over Flowers is moved to a new time slot starting next Monday. The Korean phenomenon switches its time slot with Pinoy Bingo Night, taking over the 6 p.m. time slot.
So what does this mean?
The pre-programming for the prime time newscast is very important for rival networks GMA-7 and ABS-CBN because it sets the mood for the viewers. The trend shows that if your pre-programming is a hit, chances are the viewers will stick through your prime time programs. When Meteor Garden became a huge hit in the Philippines, its rerun became the pre-prog for TV Patrol.
Right now, GMA-7’s pre-prog for its prime time newscast 24 Oras is the game show cum comedy skit Hole in the Wall, which has been unbeatable in the ratings game. Starting Monday, Boys Over Flowers will bear this burden on its shoulders.
The good thing about this is that ABS-CBN is becoming more and more aware of BOF’s large and still growing fan base. The network is probably confident that the return of the F4 fever would help boost their ratings.
So will the change in the time slot make or break BOF’s ratings? We’ll see what happens next.