Viewers hooked by the series’ gripping mystery and powerful performances

ABS-CBN’s newest suspense thriller “What Lies Beneath” made a strong debut, rising to the top of Netflix Philippines’ most-watched TV titles and recording 517,436 peak concurrent views online via Kapamilya Online Live last Monday (Oct.20).

The pilot episode immediately drew viewers into the intertwined lives of four women—Alice (Janella Salvador), Mel (Sue Ramirez), Erica (Kaila Estrada), and Beth (Charlie Dizon)—whose once-unbreakable friendship was fractured by a traumatic event 14 years ago. Back then, they witnessed the brutal murder of their best friend Louisa and faced pressure from the whole community of Amurao to accuse Edong (Jake Cuenca) of the crime.

Years later, the women have tried to move on—Alice, Mel, and Beth continue to pursue their shared dream of building a retirement home, while Erica distances herself to start anew. But the past comes knocking once more when Edong resurfaces, vowing to make them pay for the injustice they inflicted upon him.

As early as its debut episode, What Lies Beneath has sparked online discussions and fan theories, with viewers praising how the series keeps them analyzing and guessing after every turn. Many also highlighted how the show explores the strength and fragility of female friendship amid pain, betrayal, and the search for healing.

“It’s so good to see a series that talks about friendship that goes beyond struggles, trauma, and how to overcome it. Sobrang galing talaga ng @RCDNarratives sa mga ganitong mystery series—more of this please!” wrote @dellnario.

Netizens also commended the show’s direction, pacing, and casting choices, noting the seamless transitions between the characters’ younger and present-day portrayals.

“RCD Narratives never disappoints! Ang ganda ng pilot episode considering di pa ganun katagal since it was shot. Maganda pacing ng flashbacks, di baduy! And perfect match ‘yung mga gumanap at younger versions, pero stand out sina Mutya, Krystal, and Allyson,” shared @forkoffubiatch.

The series’ stellar cast—Janella Salvador, Sue Ramirez, Kaila Estrada, and Charlie Dizon, together with their younger counterparts Eliza Borromeo, Reich Alim, Krystal Mejes, and Allyson McBride—earned widespread praise for their nuanced performances that balance strength, vulnerability, and emotional truth. Each portrayal deepens the story’s exploration of guilt, survival, and the weight of buried secrets.

As What Lies Beneath continues, viewers can expect on how will Edong disrupt the lives of the Mabels and how will he seek justice.

Catch the pilot week of “What Lies Beneath,” airing weeknights at 8:45 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5. Watch it in advance on iWant and Netflix.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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