There was a time, especially in the 1990s, when sitcoms became part of our lives. We laughed with the same characters every week, quoted their jokes, and slowly saw them less as fictional people and more like our own barkada, kapitbahay, or even extended family. That kind of connection made classic sitcoms special and it is exactly what many viewers have been missing.
Now, D8TV is bringing that feeling back!
SITCOM Comeback
With two original sitcoms – ROOMIES and BOARDING HAUS – D8TV, together with NKO Films, is reviving the kind of barkada-driven comedy that once defined Filipino television. Created by Direk Niokz Arcega and Gela Quevedo, both series aim to reconnect audiences with stories that feel simple, relatable, and rooted in everyday life.
Instead of chasing trends, these shows focus on something more lasting like friendships, shared spaces, and the humor that naturally comes from living closely with other people. It’s a modern take on a familiar formula—one that worked before because it felt real.
ROOMIES: One House, Many Personalities
ROOMIES sets the tone with a story centered on a group of friends living under one roof, dealing with adulthood, relationships, and the usual ups and downs—while constantly getting in each other’s way.
The strength of the show comes from its cast of distinct personalities:
- Benedict Sta. Ana as Ben, the self-proclaimed action star
- Trixie Malang as Trex, the strict but caring friend
- Jayvee Villaraza as JV, the witty and charming barkada member
- Charles Temones as Mac, the playful troublemaker
- Mara Quevedo as Atha, the ever-hustling business-minded neighbor
- Khiester Bernardino as Khiester, the confident ladies’ man
- Nick Laminoza as Nick, the tough guy with a soft side
- Rismon Delsocorro as Rismon, the unpredictable neighbor
- Jack Daniel Burgos as Jack, bringing even more eccentric energy
- Sheldon Cruz as Sheldon, the sosyal but dependable friend
Together, they create a kind of chemistry that feels effortless, like a real barkada that’s messy, loud, and loyal. The humor comes naturally from their interactions, making each episode feel like a slice of everyday life.
BOARDING HAUS: Bigger Space, Wilder Energy
Following ROOMIES, BOARDING HAUS expands the story into a new setting — a boarding house where more tenants mean more personalities, more clashes, and even bigger comedic moments.
Leading the new chapter is:
- Alden Co as Alden, a shy and awkward romantic trying to find his place
Returning from ROOMIES are:
- Charles Temones as Mac
- Khiester Bernardino as Khiester
- Mara Quevedo as Atha
- Jayvee Villaraza as JV
Joining them are new faces that shake up the group:
- Trisha Malvar as Issa, the confident and attention-grabbing tenant
- Jasmine Mendoza as Chinita, the strict yet charming housemate
And bringing back the familiar chaos are returning neighbors:
- Jack Daniel Burgos
- Rismon Delsocorro
- Trixie Malang
With a larger setting and more characters, BOARDING HAUS leans into louder, more unpredictable comedy but still keeps the heart of the story intact — friendship.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO
What makes these shows work is how grounded everything feels. The characters argue, joke around, mess up, and still choose to stick together. That’s what makes them relatable.
There’s also a strong nostalgic layer behind the project. With music contributions from Anjo Inacay, songs written by Chito Miranda, and performances by Soapdish, the series carries a subtle throwback feel that longtime fans of 90s entertainment will recognize.
A New Generation, Same Barkada Spirit
ROOMIES and BOARDING HAUS prove that barkada comedy still has a place today. The format may be updated for online audiences, but the core remains the same and these are the stories about friendship, shared struggles, and moments that make you laugh because they feel familiar.
Now streaming on D8TV, new episodes drop every Sunday at 7:00 PM.
If you’ve been missing the kind of sitcom where characters feel like people you actually know, this might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
