ABS-CBN opened the year strongly as it brought relevant news stories and valuable lessons to more Filipinos in January, hitting an average audience share of 46%, or 12 points higher than GMA’s 34%, based on data from Kantar Media.

The Kapamilya network ruled both rural and homes last month, particularly in Metro Manila where it garnered an average audience share of 42% versus GMA’s 27%. ABS-CBN also captivated more viewers in Total Luzon where it garnered 43%, compared to GMA’s 35%; in Total Visayas where it registered 55% versus GMA’s 27%; and in Total Mindanao where it hit 51%, beating GMA’s 32%.

Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (39.9%) still reigned in national TV ratings in January and continued to thrill viewers as Cardo, while “Pilipinas Got Talent” (38.1%) instantly impressed viewers nationwide with its world-class Pinoy talents.

“TV Patrol” (32.6%) remained to be the most watched newscast in the country with its timely news stories and public service. Drama anthology “MMK” (31.2%), on the other hand, captivated and brought inspiration to viewers with the real-life stories of its letter senders.

Meanwhile, “La Luna Sangre” (30.5%) gripped fans with its thrilling revelations led by on-screen tandem Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.

Loveteam ElNella also brought kilig and valuable lessons last month via “Wansapanataym” (29.6%), while “Wildflower” (23.3%) continued to reign in national TV ratings as it approaches its much-awaited finale.

Also part of the top 10 are comedy program “Home Sweetie Home” (23.2%), and “Rated K” (22.2%) led by Korina Sanchez.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN also ruled across all timeblocks, particularly in primetime (6 PM to 12 MN) where it recorded an average audience share of 50%, or 18-points higher than GMA’s 32%. The primetime block is the most important time of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investments in to reach more consumers effectively.

The Kapamilya network also led the morning block (6 AM to 12 NN) with 41% versus GMA’s 32%; the noontime block (12 NN to 3 PM) as it registered 47%, compared to GMA’s 35%; and the afternoon block (3 PM to 6 PM) with 43%, beating GMA’s 39%.

In 2017, ABS-CBN reigned in national TV ratings all year round as it scored an average audience share of 46%, or 12-points higher over GMA’s 34%.