{{Short description|2021 Philippine television drama series}} {{Use Philippine English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox television | image = Legal Wives title card.jpg | alt = An image of Andrea Torres, Alice Dixson, Dennis Trillo and Bianca Umali in a temple. The series title is displayed on the upper side of the image. | caption = Title card | genre = Romantic drama | creator = Suzette Doctolero | writer = {{Plainlist| * Suzette Doctolero * Brylle Tabora * Jaymee Katanyag * Marlon Miguel}} | director = Zig Dulay | creative_director = Aloy Adlawan | starring = {{Plainlist| * Dennis Trillo * Alice Dixson * Andrea Torres * Bianca Umali}} | theme_music_composer = Rina L. Mercado | open_theme = "Pagmamahal Mo Lang" by Hannah Precillas | country = Philippines | language = Tagalog | num_episodes = 80 | list_episodes = List of Legal Wives episodes | executive_producer = Shielyn M. Atienza | cinematography = Mark Joseph Cosico | editor = {{Plainlist| * Mikie Donald Robles * Julius James Castillo * Robert Pancho * Mark Oliver Sison * Gervic Estella}} | camera = Multiple-camera setup | runtime = 22–41 minutes | location = Laguna, Philippines | company = GMA Entertainment Group | network = GMA Network | first_aired = {{Start date|2021|7|26}} | last_aired = {{End date|2021|11|12}} }}
'''''Legal Wives''''' is a 2021 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Zig Dulay, it stars Dennis Trillo, Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres and Bianca Umali. It premiered on July 26, 2021 on the network's Telebabad line up. The series concluded on November 12, 2021 with a total of 80 episodes.
The series is streaming online on YouTube.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOrZJYVEy3TB54WFYVb_tSSVT&si=7msMxDNRvdJ_G7bF |title=''Legal Wives'' {{!}} Full Episodes |website=YouTube |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref>
==Premise== ''Legal Wives'' features a story of a Maranao Muslim royalty and the lead character's relationship with three wives.<ref name=kabit/><ref name=threeleading/>
==Cast and characters== {{Multiple image | header = Cast | align = center | direction = horizontal | total_width = 300 | image1 = Shake, Rattle and Roll XV Official Trailer - Dennis Trillo.jpg | caption1 = Dennis Trillo | alt1 = An image of Dennis Trillo. | image2 = Cherie Gil.jpg | caption2 = Cherie Gil | alt2 = An image of Cherie Gil. }}
<!--Official cast billing from GMA Network.--> ;Lead cast * Dennis Trillo as Ismael Makadatu, a Maranao Muslim who has three wives.<ref name=kabit>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/chikamuna/769012/dennis-trillo-nilinaw-na-hindi-tungkol-sa-mga-kabit-ang-legal-wives/story/ |title=Dennis Trillo, nilinaw na hindi tungkol sa mga kabit ang ''Legal Wives'' |trans-title=Dennis Trillo clarifies that "Legal Wives" are not about mistresses |author=Santos, Jami |date=December 22, 2020 |website=GMA Network |access-date=June 2, 2021 |language=tl |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220146/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/chikamuna/769012/dennis-trillo-nilinaw-na-hindi-tungkol-sa-mga-kabit-ang-legal-wives/story/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Alice Dixson as Amirah Alonte, the first wife of Ismael and the widow of Nasser Makadatu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149517/alice-dixson-to-do-first-full-length-gma-7-series-after-almost-five-years-a724-20200220 |title=Alice Dixson to do first full-length GMA-7 series after almost five years |date=February 20, 2020 |website=PEP |access-date=September 5, 2025 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029173527/https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/149517/alice-dixson-to-do-first-full-length-gma-7-series-after-almost-five-years-a724-20200220 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Andrea Torres as Diane May F. San Luis, the second wife of Ismael and a Christian.<ref name=threeleading>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/726752/dennis-trillo-has-three-leading-ladies-in-new-drama-series-featuring-maranao-muslim-royalty/story/ |title=Dennis Trillo has three leading ladies in new drama series featuring Maranao Muslim royalty |date=February 20, 2020 |website=GMA Network |access-date=June 2, 2021 |language=en, tl |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215926/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/726752/dennis-trillo-has-three-leading-ladies-in-new-drama-series-featuring-maranao-muslim-royalty/story/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Bianca Umali as Farrah Valeandong, the third wife of Ismael and Abdul Malik's daughter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/bianca-umali-excited-legal-wives-064500720.html |title=Bianca Umali excited about ''Legal Wives'' |author=Hsia, Heidi |date=January 8, 2021 |website=Yahoo! |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110181252/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/bianca-umali-excited-legal-wives-064500720.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
;Supporting cast * Derrick Monasterio as Edgar Delos Reyes<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/24/new-gma-series-hopes-to-bridge-filipinos-to-the-culture-of-muslims/ |title=New GMA series ''Legal Wives'' hopes to bridge Filipinos to the culture of Muslims |date=July 24, 2021 |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=October 8, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008140816/https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/24/new-gma-series-hopes-to-bridge-filipinos-to-the-culture-of-muslims/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Ashley Ortega as Marriam Pabil<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/768606/here-s-how-ashley-ortega-prepared-for-her-muslim-role-on-legal-wives/story/ |title=Here's how Ashley Ortega prepared for her Muslim role on ''Legal Wives'' |author=Malig, Kaela |date=December 18, 2020 |website=GMA Network |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218183135/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/768606/here-s-how-ashley-ortega-prepared-for-her-muslim-role-on-legal-wives/story/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Al Tantay as Haseeb Makadatu, a Imam and Nasser and Ismael's father<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/09/look-dennis-trillo-is-a-maranao-muslim-in-gma-7-drama-series-legal-wives/ |title=Look: Dennis Trillo is a Maranao Muslim in GMA-7 drama series ''Legal Wives'' |author=Nepomuceno, Neil Patrick |date=November 9, 2020 |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226165724/https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/09/look-dennis-trillo-is-a-maranao-muslim-in-gma-7-drama-series-legal-wives/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Juan Rodrigo as Cesar San Luis, Diane's father who is against the relationship of her daughter with Ismael.<ref name=Cast/> * Irma Adlawan as Nuriya Baunto, Haseeb Makadatu's first wife and Nasser's mother<ref name=":0"/> * Maricar de Mesa as Zobaida Almahdi, Farrah's mother and Abdul Malik's wife<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/74336/maricar-de-mesa-nakikita-ang-sarili-kay-legal-wives-co-star-bianca-umali/story |title=Maricar de Mesa, nakikita ang sarili kay ''Legal Wives'' co-star Bianca Umali |trans-title=Marica de Mesa, sees herself with "Legal Wives" co-star Bianca Umali |author=Ruiz, Marah |date=February 17, 2021 |website=GMA Network |access-date=February 26, 2021 |language=tl |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218023256/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/74336/maricar-de-mesa-nakikita-ang-sarili-kay-legal-wives-co-star-bianca-umali/story |url-status=live}}</ref> * Tommy Abuel as Asad Ampang Alonte, Amirah's father and a sultan<ref name="Cast">{{cite news|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/26/expats-diplomats/legal-wives-sets-new-milestone-on-ph-television/1808338 |title=''Legal Wives''{{'}} sets new milestone on PH television |date=July 26, 2021 |newspaper=The Manila Times |access-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729221214/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/26/expats-diplomats/legal-wives-sets-new-milestone-on-ph-television/1808338 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Bernard Palanca as Abdul Malik Valeandong, Farrah's father, Zobaida's husband.<ref name=Cast/> * Cherie Gil as Zaina Guimba, Haseeb's second wife and mother of Ismael.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/154866/dennis-trillo-legal-wives-a4118-20201109 |title=Not one, but three ang asawa ni Dennis Trillo sa cultural drama series na ''Legal Wives'' |trans-title=Dennis Trillo has not one, but three wives in the cultural drama series, ''Legal Wives'' |date=November 9, 2020 |website=PEP |access-date=February 26, 2021 |language=tl,en |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109140623/https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/154866/dennis-trillo-legal-wives-a4118-20201109 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Abdul Raman as Hammad Pabil<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/74332/abdul-raman-aminadong-may-takot-sa-legal-wives-co-star-na-si-cherie-gil/story |title=Abdul Raman, aminadong may takot sa ''Legal Wives'' co-star na si Cherie Gil |trans-title=Abdul Raman, admits he has fears with ''Legal Wives'' co-star Cherie Gil |author=Ruiz, Marah |date=February 17, 2021 |website=GMA Network |access-date=February 26, 2021 |language=tl |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217114635/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/74332/abdul-raman-aminadong-may-takot-sa-legal-wives-co-star-na-si-cherie-gil/story |url-status=live}}</ref> * Shayne Sava as Jamilah Makadatu, Nasser and Amirah's daughter<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/72169/cherie-gil-excited-na-makasama-si-shayne-sava-sa-legal-wives/story |title=Cherie Gil, excited na makasama si Shayne Sava sa ''Legal Wives'' |trans-title=Cherie Gil, excited to be with Shayne Sava in ''Legal Wives'' |author=Quieta, Racquel |date=December 8, 2020 |website=GMA Network |access-date=February 26, 2021 |language=tl |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208133815/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/72169/cherie-gil-excited-na-makasama-si-shayne-sava-sa-legal-wives/story |url-status=live}}</ref> * Kevin Santos as Omar Delos Reyes<ref name=Cast/> * Divine Aucina as Lizzie Cruz, Diane's friend.<ref name=Cast/> * Chanel LaTorre as Faizah Almahdi, Ismael's cousin.<ref name=Cast/> * Shiela Marie Rodriguez as Kadi Aisha<ref name=Cast/> * Raquel Pareño as Rose Aguila<ref name=Cast/> * Melbelline Caluag as Ailyn Roxas<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/72580/derrick-monasterio-ashley-ortega-at-melbelline-caluag-nag-share-ng-experience-sa-taping-ng-legal-wives/story |title=Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega at Melbelline Caluag, nag-share ng experience sa taping ng ''Legal Wives'' |trans-title=Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega and Melbelline Caluag, share their experience in the taping of ''Legal Wives'' |author=Ruiz, Marah |date=December 19, 2020 |website=GMA Network |access-date=February 26, 2021 |language=tl |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219043030/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/72580/derrick-monasterio-ashley-ortega-at-melbelline-caluag-nag-share-ng-experience-sa-taping-ng-legal-wives/story |url-status=live}}</ref> * Kiko Matos as Ghazi Pabil<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2021/06/07/2103661/cong-alfred-excited-na-sa-private-life |title=Cong. Alfred excited na sa private life! |author=Asis, Salve Asis |date=June 7, 2021 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729223909/https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2021/06/07/2103661/cong-alfred-excited-na-sa-private-life |url-status=live}}</ref> * Jay Arcilla as Vince Alvarez<ref name=Cast/> * Brent Valdez as Dale Vasquez<ref name=Cast/>
;Guest cast * Alfred Vargas as Naseer Makadatu, son of Haseeb.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/77342/alfred-vargas-may-espesyal-na-role-sa-legal-wives/story |title=Alfred Vargas, may espesyal na role sa ''Legal Wives'' |author=Ruiz, Marah |date=May 31, 2021 |website=GMA Network |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607213847/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/legal_wives/77342/alfred-vargas-may-espesyal-na-role-sa-legal-wives/story |url-status=live}}</ref> * Mon Confiado as Usman Pabil, the mayor of Lanao del Sur and Marriam's father.<ref name=":0"/><ref name=Cast/> * Marx Topacio as Amparo<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/12/gma-telebabads-legal-wives-leads-an-emotional-send-off-this-friday/ |title=GMA Telebabad's ''Legal Wives'' leads an emotional send-off this Friday |date=November 12, 2021 |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219133845/https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/12/gma-telebabads-legal-wives-leads-an-emotional-send-off-this-friday/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Casting== Actress Megan Young was initially hired for the role of Diane San Luis. In November 2020, Young left the series due to the production's lock-in filming. She was replaced by actress Andrea Torres.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://journal.com.ph/entertainment/showbiz/megan-opts-to-be-with-mikael-than-work/ |title=Megan opts to be with Mikael than work |author=Bautista, Mario |date=November 11, 2020 |newspaper=Journal |access-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111133506/https://journal.com.ph/entertainment/showbiz/megan-opts-to-be-with-mikael-than-work/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, actress Cherie Gil left the series for personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/cherie-gil-leaves-show-a4118-20210508 |title=Cherie Gil in-announce ang pag-alis sa isang teleserye |date=May 8, 2021 |website=PEP |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713210611/https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/cherie-gil-leaves-show-a4118-20210508 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Production== Principal photography commenced on December 1, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/13329/sneak-peek-unang-araw-ng-legal-wives-lock-in-taping/photo |title=Sneak Peek: Unang araw ng ''Legal Wives'' lock-in taping |trans-title=Sneak Peek: First day of ''Legal Wives'' lock-in taping |author=Ruiz, Marah |date=December 3, 2020 |website=GMA Network |access-date=February 26, 2021 |language=tl |archive-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112040515/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/13329/sneak-peek-unang-araw-ng-legal-wives-lock-in-taping/photo |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Ratings== According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in television homes, the pilot episode of ''Legal Wives'' earned an 11.9% rating.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2021/07/newest-kapuso-series-legal-wives-off-to-a-great-start/ |title=Newest Kapuso series, ''Legal Wives'', off to a great start! |author=Gacura, TJ |date=July 29, 2021 |website=LionhearTV |access-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729221605/https://www.lionheartv.net/2021/07/newest-kapuso-series-legal-wives-off-to-a-great-start/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The final episode scored a 15.7% rating.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2021/11/legal-wives-finale-week-performs-well-in-ratings-remains-as-the-most-watched-drama-nationwide/ |title=''Legal Wives'' finale week performs well in ratings, remains as the most-watched drama nationwide |date=November 16, 2021 |website=LionhearTV |access-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117004717/https://www.lionheartv.net/2021/11/legal-wives-finale-week-performs-well-in-ratings-remains-as-the-most-watched-drama-nationwide/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/legal_wives}} * {{IMDb title|15114416}}
Category:2021 Philippine television series debuts Category:2021 Philippine television series endings Category:Filipino-language television shows Category:GMA Network drama series Category:Long stubs with short prose Category:Moro people Category:Philippine romance television series Category:Television series about couples Category:Television series about Islam Category:Television series about polygamy Category:Television series by GMA Entertainment Group Category:Television series directed by Zig Dulay Category:Television shows set in the Philippines
{{Philippines-drama-tv-prog-stub}} {{Philippines-romance-tv-prog-stub}}