Dynamic drama times three

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"Every episode feels like a pilot episode," Andrea Torres said as her eyes lit up with proud conviction during the grand and glitzy media launch of GMA Network's newest Afternoon Prime lineup. She was, of course, referring to her much-awaited teleserye comeback in the upcoming series "Akusada" — but the sentiment might as well apply to the entire launch that evening at GMA Network's Studio 6.

The female leads of GMA Afternoon Prime (from left) Lianne Valentin, Andrea Torres, Kylie Padilla, Vina Morales, Gladys Reyes and Kazel Kinouchi. PHOTOS FROM GMA NETWORK

The network, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, clearly isn't resting on its laurels. Instead, it's serving up three powerhouse new dramas that promise the kind of edge-of-your-seat storytelling that Filipinos can't get enough of in the mid-afternoon.

(From left) ‘My Father’s Wife’ director Aya Topacio and cast members Jak Roberto, Kylie Padilla, Gabby Concepcion, Arlene Muhlach, Kazel Kinouchi, Snooky Serna and Andre Paras. 

First on the slate is "My Father's Wife," which will begin airing this Monday, June 23. It's a tangled, multi-generational tale of love, betrayal and twisted vengeance that stars Gabby Concepcion as Robert, Kylie Padilla as Gina, Jak Roberto as Gerald and Kazel Kinouchi as Betsy.

The setup is already intense: Gina helps her childhood best friend Betsy migrate to the US, but love complicates their friendship when both fall for Gerald. Betsy, believing that Gina always takes what she wants, doesn't just stew in her resentment — she acts on it. She sets her sights on Gina's father, Robert, and a twisted revenge plot begins. The story quickly spirals into a painful reckoning where betrayal breeds betrayal, and, ultimately, a daughter pays the price.

‘Akusada’ director Dominic Zapata with cast members Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento, Lianne Valentin, Andrea Torres, Benjamin Alves, Arnold Reyes and Ahron Villena.

The cast is stacked with talents like Maureen Larrazabal, Sue Prado, Arlene Muhlach, Andre Paras, and the legendary Snooky Serna in a special participation role. With direction by Aya Topacio, "My Father's Wife" airs Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.

But Andrea's "Akusada" will likely spark a conversation among viewers once it premieres on June 30, especially those hungry for fast-paced, high-stakes drama with a suspenseful twist.

Director Gil Tejada Jr. with the cast of ‘Cruz vs. Cruz’ — Vina Morales, Neil Ryan Sese, Gladys Reyes, Elijah Alejo, Caprice Cayetano, Lexi Gonzales, Pancho Magno and Kristoffer Martin.

"We are very proud of our show," Andrea continued. "This is a completely new concept. If you've seen the fast-paced stories that GMA is known for, this one is twice as fast. We tried something experimental, and all I can say is don't miss a single episode because right until the end, we made sure there's always something to look forward to. And honestly, every episode feels like a pilot episode. The story is very heavy, but we promise there's suspense, drama, romance, and events that viewers can relate to — whether it's about family or personal struggles. We all make wrong decisions in life, but if we're good people at heart, we'll always find a way through."

Andrea plays Carol, a woman forced to disappear after a tragic incident leads to the death of another woman. She changes her identity and builds a new life with Wilfred (played by Benjamin Alves), but the secrets she buries begin to haunt her.

The story turns the familiar amnesia trope on its head — this time, the lead isn't forgetting her past; she's hiding from it. Also in the cast are Lianne Valentin, Ahron Villena, Arnold Reyes, Marco Masa, and Ashley Sarmiento, with special appearances from Max Collins, Sandy Andolong and Tonton Gutierrez. Directed by Dominic Zapata, "Akusada" will air on weekdays at 4 p.m.

Rounding out the triple threat is "Cruz vs. Cruz," another domestic drama but with a more grounded, familiar tone. This one stars Vina Morales and Neil Ryan Sese as Felma and Manuel, a struggling but devoted couple whose family begins to fall apart when Manuel leaves to work abroad and starts an affair with another woman — played by Gladys Reyes. It's a painful but relevant storyline that touches on the sacrifices and temptations OFWs face, as well as the strength needed by families left behind.

The series also stars Kristoffer Martin, Lexi Gonzales, Elijah Alejo, Caprice Cayetano, Cassy Lavarias, Gilleth Sandico, and Pancho Magno. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., "Cruz vs. Cruz" is coming soon to Afternoon Prime.

With these three new programs, GMA Afternoon Prime is clearly going strength to strength. Whether audiences are in the mood for scandalous romance, high-stakes suspense, or familial heartbreak, there's a story here that will keep them watching. And again, if Andrea is right, every episode will feel like something you can't afford to miss.

Global viewers can also tune in via GMA Pinoy TV to watch these promising new dramas from GMA Network.