Love at First Spike

Last updated

Love at First Spike
Love at First Spike.jpg
Promotional poster
Genre
Written by
  • Ivan Andrew Payawal
  • Ash Malanum
  • Keavy Eunice Vicente
Directed byIvan Andrew Payawal
Starring
Country of originPhilippines
Original languagesFilipino
English
No. of episodes8
Production
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time45–109 minutes
Production company ABS-CBN Studios
Original release
Network iWantTFC
ReleaseJune 20 (2025-06-20) 
July 11, 2025 (2025-07-11)
Network iWant
ReleaseJuly 11 (2025-07-11) 
August 8, 2025 (2025-08-08)

Love at First Spike is a Philippine sports romantic comedy drama television series directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal. [1] It stars Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, and River Joseph. The series premiered on June 20, 2025 on iWantTFC. [2]

Contents

Synopsis

A former basketball team captain finds himself in a difficult situation when he is compelled to join the school's boys' volleyball varsity team, known for its queer members.

Cast and characters

Main

Supporting

Production

The series was announced on January 31, 2025, through an announcement video uploaded on April 8, 2025. [9] The cast was revealed at the same event, with Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, and River Joseph leading the series. [2]

Episodes

No.TitleOriginal release date
1"Serve & Receive"June 20, 2025 (2025-06-20)
Uno gets kicked out of Brixton High's basketball varsity team after being involved in a brawl during a game. Desperate to save his athlete scholarship, he tries out for the boys' volleyball team led by his estranged friend Jared.
2"Save"June 27, 2025 (2025-06-27)
When the boys' volleyball team faces dissolution, Jared asks his cousin Farrah to help recruit players. Though Uno shows promise, his troubled history with Jared complicates his tryout chances.
3"Monster Block"July 4, 2025 (2025-07-04)
A high school athlete's hostility toward a new teammate creates mounting friction with his coach and fellow players, leading to an explosive showdown.
4"Mine"July 11, 2025 (2025-07-11)
Coach Larry sets up a team-building activity in hopes of easing the tension with Jared and unifying the group. While unresolved issues hang in the air, Uno finds himself in a dilemma between his team's dispute and a stalled connection with Farrah.
5"Unforced Error"July 18, 2025 (2025-07-18)
Uno makes an effort to clear things up between him and Jared as he grows determined to prove himself to be a valuable teammate. Soon, the team engages in a tune-up game where Uno has to overcome his frustrations and insecurities.
6"Crossing the Line"July 25, 2025 (2025-07-25)
Uno struggles as he fears missing the upcoming game in light of his ankle injury. Following Farrah's advice, Uno shows his willingness to change and become a friend to every member of his team, especially Jared.
7"Red Card"August 1, 2025 (2025-08-01)
Jared fears losing Uno after making a reckless action, while Farrah struggles with the guilt of liking the same person that her cousin likes. At the Athlete’s night, an unforeseen situation causes a fight among the boys' volleyball team.
8"Match Point"August 8, 2025 (2025-08-08)
Uno finds himself at a crossroads when he receives an unexpected offer to return to the basketball team. His decision shakes the Brixton High boys' volleyball team as they go on a crucial match against the defending champions, Daneswood High.

Marketing

An official trailer for the show was released on May 8, 2025.

Release

The series was released on iWantTFC on June 20, 2025 consisting of 8 episodes.

Reception

Critical response

The series generally received positive reviews from media outlets. JE CC of LionhearTV remarked that the series "delivers a refreshing and heartfelt narrative that seamlessly blends youthful exuberance, queer representation, and the high stakes of varsity life." [10] NYLON Manila included the series in its NYLON Manila Picks for June 2025, noting that it "has non-cringe writing, engaging plot points, complex characters, and something important to say." [11]

References

  1. "iWant serves coming-of-age sports dramedy 'Love at First Spike'". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Stars of iWantTFC's 'Love At First Spike' revealed | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  3. "Emilio Daez, bibida sa iWant Original series na "Love at First Spike"". abs-cbn.com. April 10, 2025.
  4. Digital, Sun Star Davao (July 11, 2025). "Emilio Daez takes lead in 'Love at First Spike'". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  5. Santos, Rhea Manila (April 27, 2025). "EXCLUSIVE: Reign Parani on being cast in 'Love At First Spike': '2025 is definitely my year'". PUSH.com. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  6. Gillego, Clarence (June 22, 2025). "Sean Tristan on working with 'Love at First Spike' co-stars: 'I couldn't have asked for a better team and a better family'". abs-cbn.com.
  7. 1 2 Castillo, Janella P (July 3, 2025). "Rain Celmar, Drei Sugay Join iWant's Love at First Spike | One Music PH". abs-cbn.com.
  8. Santos, Rhea Manila. "Sky Quizon on playing a gay role in new BL series: 'Totally iba siya from who I am' | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on April 16, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  9. iWantTFC (April 8, 2025). LOVE AT FIRST SPIKE: iWantTFC New Original Series Project Announcement . Retrieved May 15, 2025 via YouTube.
  10. "REVIEW: 'Love At First Spike' – A Vibrant, Queer-Inclusive Sports Drama That Packs a Punch - LionhearTV". June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  11. Manila, NYLON (June 30, 2025). "NYLON Manila Picks: The Media We Recommend This June 2025". nylonmanila.com. Retrieved August 5, 2025.