WATCH: ABS-CBN drops trailer for new series ‘Senior High’ 

MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment teased its upcoming series Senior High, which will feature teen stars Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, and Elijah Canlas 

Joining them in this highly-anticipated project are fellow ABS-CBN former child actors, including Xyriel Manabat, Zaijian Jaranilla, and Juan Karlos Labajo. 

The two-minute teaser released on Friday, May 19 by Dreamscape Entertainment showed fans what to expect from the upcoming project. “When the parents are away, the kids will definitely PLAY! Who are you when no one is watching?” the post read. 

When the parents are AWAY, the kids will definitely PLAY!

Who are you when no one is watching?

ABS-CBN Entertainment and Dreamscape Entertainment present #SeniorHigh, coming soon! pic.twitter.com/aAW0OU0BZy

— DreamscapePH (@DreamscapePH) May 19, 2023

As seen in the video, Senior High‘s characters will be navigating and confronting varying issues, including involvement with illegal substances, alcoholism, insecurities, and sexuality.

The project also marks the first time for the aforementioned actors to take on more challenging roles. 

Brillantes and Jaranilla first caught the public’s attention through their appearances in sketch comedy TV show Goin’ Bulilit – with Brillantes later rising to fame with Annaliza and Kadenang Ginto, and Jaranilla becoming best known for his character in May Bukas Pa. 

Echarri and Labajo, both former contestants of The Voice Kids, have successfully transitioned from singing to acting. Labajo last acted in the 2017 series A Love to Last. Manabat, who gained fame through Star Circle Quest and 100 Days to Heaven, is currently making waves online in the series Dirty Linen. 

Senior High also marks the reunion of Brillantes and Echarri after their appearance in the 2020 drama series Huwag Kang Mangamba.

The trailer for Senior High has already garnered mixed reactions from netizens. Some viewers have drawn comparisons to popular US teen drama series like Euphoria and Elite, claiming that the concept seems disconnected from the real experiences of senior high school students in the country.

now don't get me wrong, I know that a very small percentage of senior high school students DO experience this kind of life, drugs and sex and all. That's fine.

However, it's severely "niche" that the audience would NOT relate at all, and the target audience doesn't care. https://t.co/f5a4Gvd9Ki

— just a gaymer (@myhuiven) May 20, 2023

Is this just a blatant rip off of something like Euphoria? Because I don’t think I’ve seen a single senior high school in the country look like this. Also, this isn’t a well-made trailer at all. https://t.co/IU8Cr7QGEL

— chino 🇵🇭 #StandYourGround (@drogbaaaa_) May 20, 2023

This is an Imperial Manila-centric and a nepotist-centric depiction of senior high school students. It does not represent the material conditions of the broad masses of senior high school students.

It also fetishise the such students that this show only adults can consume. https://t.co/lZPpmy4q4X

— сука влять R U S H 🅱☭📕🇵🇸| #HandsOffMindanao (@SergaMaZki1917) May 21, 2023

The series will also feature Daniela Stranner, Miggy Jimenez, Gela Atayde, Tommy Alejandrino, Sylvia Sanchez, Angel Aquino, Baron Geisler, and Mon Confiado.

A release date for Senior High has yet to be announced. – with additional reports from Jacob Maquiling/Rappler.com

Jacob Maquiling is a Rappler intern.