ABS-CBN Studios’ much-anticipated Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” premiered on Monday (July 22), drawing strong viewership and online buzz. The pilot episode racked up 608,595 live concurrent views on Kapamilya Online Live and soared to the top of Netflix Philippines’ most-watched series list.
In the first episode, viewers were introduced to Mia Hernandez, a successful yet troubled children’s book author, and brothers Patrick Pat-Pat Gonzales (Joshua), a psychiatric ward caregiver, and Matthew “Mat-Mat” Gonzales (Carlo), a person with autism who has a trauma with butterflies. Flashbacks hinted at painful pasts that continue to haunt the characters, setting the stage for an emotionally layered narrative.
A pivotal moment came when Pat-Pat confronts Mia for smoking in a hospital hallway—an encounter that sparks tension and curiosity, especially as a brief flashback suggests a possible history between the two.
Netizens also praised the show and its production for the amazing animation and acting prowess showcased by the show’s lead stars, Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino. The series’ hashtags, #ItsOkayToNotBeOkayPH and #IOTNBOPH, trended on X throughout the weekend.
Aside from the netizens, other showbiz and online personalities shared their good feedback on the premiere of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.”
Actor Christian Bables raved about it on his Facebook account after watching the first two episodes: I felt nothing but pride. From the first frame, it was clear. We didn’t just translate a story; we embodied it. We gave it our soul, our cultural texture. Ramdam mo ang lalim ng Filipino sensibility. The quiet strength, the internal battles, the way we carry pain with tenderness and humor. Each performance had truth in it. Each moment was filled with heart.”
Korean content creator Jessica Lee posted on her Instagram page, “Just began watching this one (It’s Okay To Not Be Okay) and really enjoyed the first episode, especially the animation. It was so good.”
Don’t miss the exciting episodes of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” on weeknights at 8:45 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Watch it on Netflix and iWantTFC in advance.
For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.
