The Kapatid Network claims that the pilot episode of Willing Willie last Saturday was no. 1 on its timeslot.

Willie Revillame is back! Last Saturday,”Willing Willie,” his much talked about new show on TV5, went on air for the first time and instantly became the #1 show on its timeslot. The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement (Megamanila Individuals) overnight ratings showed that with Willie’s new show, TV5 won 33.8%, followed by ABS-CBN with 30.4% and GMA with 26.0%.

Gathering over 250 performers on a multi-million peso new set, the pilot episode of “Willing Willie” caused quite a stir last Saturday. The show became a worldwide trending topic on social networking site, Twitter. And the opening was greeted with such a big turnout of fans that traffic along Quirino Highway in Novaliches was at a standstill.

Willie is thankful for the continuous support of throngs of fans and supporters all across the country and in different parts of the world, who strongly voiced their clamor for the popular TV host’s much-awaited comeback. “We wouldn’t have made it to No.1 if not for the fans and the people who believe that we have to continue what we started, to keep helping people, make a difference in their lives, and bring quality entertainment to Filipinos all over the world,” Willie said, adding that the Filipino viewers deserve to be No. 1.

“We are ecstatic with the very strong rating of Willing Willie and this is indubitable proof that Willie Revillame, contrary to recent propaganda, is and remains a well-loved host with a large base of loyal followers. We are confident that Willing Willie will also deliver strong ratings during weekdays and provide further lift to the ratings of our weekday shows,” shared Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, TV5 President and CEO.

With its impressive launch, “Willing Willie” completes a new trio of #1 shows on TV5’s Saturday lineup. Earlier in October, Vic Sotto‘s “L.O.L. (Laugh or Lose)” also became the #1 show on its timeslot during its first episode. And TV5’s original ‘Weekend Winner’, “Talentadong Pinoy” hosted by Ryan Agoncillo, has been consistently ranked the #1 show on its timeslot and has become such a huge hit that it set a trend in talent shows on rival networks.

Because of the success of its shows, in less than a year, the newly-launched TV5 under the leadership of Manny Pangilinan is now the #1 network on Saturday primetime. The same Nielsen report showed that from 5pm-10pm last Saturday, TV5 got an audience share of 31.9% compared to ABS-CBN’s 29.1% and GMA’s 27.9%.

“TV5 has already begun winning weekends, especially on Saturdays with L.O.L. and Talentadong Pinoy. The addition of Willing Willie makes TV5 truly the network to watch. It’s any programmers dream to have Vic Sotto, Ryan Agoncillo and Willie Revillame in one network and on one night. And yet, despite having such big name hosts, the great thing about our Saturday lineup is that the three shows are also focused on the audience, the shows all shine the spotlight on the people,” said TV5 EVP and COO Roberto “Bobby” V. Barreiro.

“Willing Willie” airs at 5pm on Saturdays, and 6:30pm from Monday to Friday.