How a crime drama became the first American series filmed entirely in the Philippines
In short: Almost Paradise broke new ground as the first American television series produced exclusively in the Philippines. Created by Dean Devlin, the show follows a retired DEA agent navigating life in Mactan. While it achieved significant success, the production faced unexpected challenges, including a race against pandemic-related travel restrictions and budget constraints.
The series centers on Alex Walker, a former DEA agent portrayed by Christian Kane, who seeks a quiet life managing a gift shop at a resort hotel in Mactan. His retirement is interrupted by his persistent involvement in local law enforcement cases alongside Mactan Police detective Kai Mendoza and her partner Ernesto Alamares. The show blends high-stakes crime investigation with the personal dynamics of the island's residents, including hotel manager Cory Santos and shop assistant Rita Cordero.
Creator Dean Devlin, inspired by a story he encountered in Hawaii, chose to set the series in the Philippines to honor his heritage. He aimed to present a narrative where Filipino culture is integrated seamlessly into an American show, avoiding stereotypes and focusing on a shared community. The production of the first season, a partnership with ABS-CBN Studios, began in November 2019 at Bigfoot Studios in Cebu. The team famously wrapped filming just 18 hours before COVID-19 travel restrictions were implemented, a feat Devlin likened to a desperate evacuation.
Despite its success, the series faced a complex path to sustainability. After WGN America declined to renew it, Amazon acquired the first season and later ordered a second. However, production hurdles emerged during the second season, including budget overruns and high costs for local filming, equipment, and crews. Producer Francis dela Torre noted that tax rebates for international co-productions in the Philippines were capped at US$200,000, unlike uncapped incentives in neighboring countries like Thailand. Although US$8 million was injected into the local economy during the first season, these financial inefficiencies led Amazon to cancel the series in April 2025. Devlin remains optimistic, intending to pitch the show to other broadcasters.
The show's cultural impact extended to its home country, where it aired in a Filipino-dubbed version on local networks. While the series navigated the difficulties of international production, it remains a notable example of an American project attempting to bridge cultural gaps through authentic storytelling, even as it ultimately struggled against the economic realities of global television production.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Almost Paradise (TV series)
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