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The buzz around Bad Genius: The Series, the upcoming Filipino adaptation of the viral Thai thriller, is impossible to ignore. After the original 2017 movie became Asia’s highest‑grossing Thai film, it's time for fans to dive into this new version.
The story became so popular that it spawned acclaimed remakes: India's Farrey (2023), a U.S. version (2024), and a 2020 series. And it’s now the turn of the Philippines to present its own take.
Leading the charge is Atasha Muhlach, marking her first starring television role as Lin, a brilliant student whose strategic mind ignites an underground cheating empire. Set to debut on Viva One, this adaptation brings fresh creative energy under the direction of Derick Cabrido, the award-winning filmmaker behind Mallari and Clarita
Cabrido admits the pressure is real, given the original’s prestige, but also intriguing, saying he took time to consider how to make this version stand apart by going deeper into character backstories and infusing it with a distinctly Filipino flavor.
Curious to know everything about this Filipino adaptation? Keep reading!
Bad Genius: The Series release date and streaming options
Bad Genius: The Series is scheduled to premiere on Viva One on July 17, 2025. Since Viva Studios is the one who acquired the rights to this upcoming TV series, the Viva One app is the official streaming platform.
It's the same platform where other globally hit Filipino series like Ang Mutya Ng Section E, The Rain In España, Avenues of the Diamond, and more debuted. In recent times, Filipino dramas are gaining notable attention worldwide, and now Atasha Muhlach's series has added to the buzz.
The Viva One app can be installed through the App Store, Google Play Store, or viewers can even access it on the web. It offers different subscription plans, with the first two episodes free. So make sure to dive into Lin's cheating empire at her school.
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Bad Genius: The Series plot details explored
Following the original Thai film, the core of the story remains the same. Bad Genius: The Series follows Lin, a brilliant student from a modest background, who finds a way to turn her academic excellence into a money-making scheme. It all begins with helping a friend cheat in one exam, and then realizing there's a business in selling answers to struggling but wealthy classmates.
What starts as a simple favor soon turns into an elaborate cheating ring that crosses borders and moral lines. But this version digs deeper. Director Derick Cabrido has hinted that the Filipino remake expands on character backstories and explores social themes
They have crafted Bad Genius: The Series in a way that resonates with the viewers. It highlights family pressure, class issues, and the cost of ambition in a highly competitive school environment.
Who are the cast members in Bad Genius: The Series?
The main cast of Bad Genius: The Series includes:
Atasha Muhlach as Lin: Leading the series is Atasha Muhlach, daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, and the twin sister of Andres Muhlach, the actor who has been stealing hearts with his role as Keifer in Ang Mutya ng Section E.
Since her parents have been in the entertainment industry, Atasha took training for her role. To leave no stone unturned, she even plays the piano by herself as Lin in the series.
Jairus Aquino as Bank: The actor took on the role of the main character, Bank. He is Lin’s academic rival, who is equally intelligent but comes from an even more financially strapped background. Bank eventually falls into Lin's scheme to make money, but his moral compass keeps on fluctuating.
Gab Lagman as Pat: As seen in the trailer of Bad Genius: The Series, Pat is a wealthy student who underperforms in his studies. He gets interested in Lin's plan and funds her scheme, which brings clients but complications as well.
Hyacinth Callado as Grace: Callado's character, Grace, becomes Lin's closest friend at the school. She's among the ones who don't perform well in studies and is surrounded by pressure.
The supporting cast in this Filipino remake includes Romnick Sarmenta, Yayo Agu, Ruffa Gutierrez, Irma Adlawan, Joko Diaz, Keagan De Jesus, Gold Aceron, and Alex Payan.
Why is this remake of Bad Genius worth the hype?
Bad Genius: The Series isn’t a copy of the original Thai film. Director Derick Cabrido, who’s known for gripping dramas like Mallari and Clarita, is taking a more emotionally grounded approach this time.
He’s not just focusing on the thrill, but also adding layers that speak more directly to Filipino values and emotions. While the tense cheating scenes are still there, this version goes a step further by diving into the characters’ inner struggles and the moral gray areas they’re caught in.
As for Atasha, her casting got people talking, especially since she comes from a well-known family. Some even labeled her a "nepo baby." But despite the chatter, she’s been putting in serious effort.
With a talented ensemble, tight direction, and a timeless story of brains versus systems, Bad Genius: The Series could easily become one of the most talked-about Filipino series of the year.
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