Celebrating thirty years of Astro, Malaysian viewers can look forward to a diverse mix of new entertainment productions arriving on television from August through December.
The lineup features productions in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, alongside reality and documentary programmes highlighting talent and stories from across Malaysia.
The first new title to arrive is telefilm Dear Amma, premiering August 25 and starring Jaclyn Victor, Julia Farhana Marin and Dishaaleny Jack.
The telemovie follows an unexpected relationship between a single mother and a young graduate whose lives become intertwined after a caregiving job brings them together.
Their growing connection explores how people from very different stages of life can form meaningful bonds.
Speaking about her decision to take on the role during Astro’s 30th anniversary launch celebration at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Victor said “It’s a really nice story that kind of resonated with me and my life.”
“I loved the fact that it’s about a single mum, because my mum was a single mum.
“It’s really great to see how, even though you’re a single mother, there is so much you can do to make sure your kids are alright — exactly what my mum did.”
Comedy takes a different direction in Bapa Aku Lost His Mind, premiering September 4.
Datuk Razak Ahmad, Kahoe Hon, Sathiyya Kandhi and Aila Azizul star in the story of a stubborn father who suddenly loses the ability to speak any known language.
His unusual predicament forces him to rely on family members he has kept at a distance for years, turning a strange situation into a story about communication, family ties and unresolved emotions.
Rumah Terakhir Abang, arriving September 16, takes a more emotional approach with Zizan Razak, Alvin Chong and Zairi Aziz playing brothers.
The story follows Amar and Azhar, who must take responsibility for caring for their autistic younger brother following their father’s death.
As grief gives way to the realities of caregiving, the brothers are forced to confront their own relationship and reconsider what they are willing to sacrifice for their family.
Also premiering September 16, Tok Wan On Duty starring Ropie, Michael Ang, Sathiya, and Datuk Fazley Yaakob follows Osman, a man determined to bring his family closer together.
He sends them to a summer camp, only for the experience to become far more difficult than expected when they find themselves caught up in a robbery investigation.
Mandarin-language drama Wolong: The Mastermind brings a historical figure into contemporary Malaysia.
Premiering September 6, the series stars Mimi Kung, Kevin Chu, Chris Tong, Karena Teo, and more.
The story imagines what would happen if Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Three Kingdoms era, suddenly found himself in modern-day Malaysia.
Rather than leading armies, Zhuge Liang begins his new life as an entry-level employee at a public-listed company.
Food lovers can also follow Axian’s Local Eats with Jason Yeoh, premiering September 5.
Yeoh travels around Malaysia to revisit familiar flavours while discovering local food spots and
Tamil-language drama Visham premieres August 17, starring Charles Roberts, Nirmala, Jashmithra, Nuveshaan and Menaga Dolmayan.
The series centres on a father whose life is transformed by a devastating incident.
Determined to seek justice, he faces tragedy and increasingly difficult circumstances while holding on to his love for his family.
Speaking about the drama, Charles said one of the aspects that sets Visham apart is its exploration of relationship abuse from a man’s perspective, particularly why some men choose to suffer in silence.
“We learn more about the complexity of men,” he said, reflecting on the themes explored in Visham.
Additionally, Astro is collaborating with Disney+ to offer shows from Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.
With its blend of local and international shows, Astro has it all, and not just for Merdeka month.
