The hit Thai property “Bad Genius” gets a Filipino twist as Viva adapts the high-stakes academic thriller into a 13-episode series.
Rising talent Atasha Muhlach leads the cast as Lin, a gifted student who turns to cheating as a way to help herself and others navigate the pressures of elite education.
The character is based on the protagonist of the 2017 Thai blockbuster, which spawned an acclaimed 2020 series and inspired remakes in India (“Farrey,” 2023) and Hollywood (2024).
Muhlach admits the project is a huge challenge for a newbie like her.
“Kinabahan ako. It was a big shift from ‘Eat Bulaga.’ But it’s a great opportunity and a great blessing and I never took it for granted. We all gave our one hundred percent.”
“It was challenging, but I always believe in the saying that nothing good comes easy,” she adds. “So you always have to give it your best and always putting your heart in the work that you do. And I hope that reflects in ‘Bad Genius.’”
Joining Muhlach in the show are Jairus Aquino as Bank, Gab Lagman as Pat, and Hyacinth Callado as Grace—characters caught in a morally murky web of ambition, survival, and privilege.
The Filipino version is directed by Derick Cabrido (“Mallari,” “Clarita”), who says the show won’t just entertain but also examine issues in the local education system.
“We studied each character deeply to reflect real Filipino experiences. This adaptation aims to go beyond pop culture by offering relevant social commentary.”
The series explores Lin’s journey from a public school student to a scholarship scholar at a top private high school. Living with her father (Romnick Sarmenta), a public school teacher, she initially seeks to stay afloat—until she discovers there’s money to be made by helping others cheat.
Bank, played by Aquino, joins the scheme out of financial desperation, despite being Lin’s academic rival.
Pat (Lagman), a wealthy underachiever, becomes the face of their illicit operation, while Grace (Callado), an “It Girl” under pressure to keep her grades up, uses her social savvy to stay in the game.
Cabrido assures that the show doesn’t glorify cheating. “We made sure the moral lesson is clear,” he says. “It’s about choices, consequences, and the pressure students face every day.”
Veteran actors Yayo Aguila, Irma Adlawan, and Sarah Lahbati round out the cast, with Lahbati playing the ever-watchful school principal. The ensemble also includes Gold Aceron, Art Acuña, Lander Vera-Perez, Lester Llansang, Andrea Babierra, Keagan De Jesus, Alex Payan, Ash Jewel, and Kyosu Guinto.
“Bad Genius: The Series” premieres July 17 on Viva One.
