KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — As Astro marks its 30th anniversary and announces a new line-up of Malay, Mandarin and Tamil content, two familiar titles that many Malaysians grew up watching are returning to the screen.
First to return is Gitu Gitu Apek, the much-loved comedy title associated with comedian Saiful Apek.
Gitu-Gitu Apek was known for its light-hearted, spontaneous brand of Malay comedy, slapstick humour, quirky characters, and catchphrases.
It started from the 2006 telemovie Gitu-Gitu Apek Aidilfitri before becoming a comedy and variety-style programme on Astro Ria, rather than a conventional sitcom, around the same period.
Now, almost two decades later, Gitu Gitu Apek Return will bring the familiar characters and faces back together in a telefilm premiering on August 30.
Saiful will return joined by Syanie, Yassin, Cik B and Ellie Suriyati.
The plot will follow Saiful as a loving grandfather to Ciput, who has opened an ayam gepuk restaurant to compete with his former boss.
Speaking at Astro’s 30th anniversary launch at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Saiful reflected on the significance of revisiting a comedy title that has remained familiar to audiences for so many years.
“It has been 20 years since Gitu Gitu Apek first appeared and now Gitu Gitu Apek Return is back with all the familiar faces.
“This is a legacy that we have to continue.”
‘Tom Tom Bak’ returns for a new generation
Fans who grew up watching Astro Ceria may remember Tom Tom Bak, the popular children’s talent show hosted by Datuk Aznil Haji Nawawi, better known as Pak Nil.
The programme first began in 2004 as a segment on Macam Macam Aznil before eventually becoming a full-fledged show on Astro Ceria.
The program is known for its cute antics, funny moments, and unique talents of children under 16 years old—ranging from singing and acting to chatting and performing.
After several seasons, Tom Tom Bak ended its original run in 2011 before returning in 2019.
Now, the children’s variety show is making another comeback, with the new season premiering on September 25.
Keeping the spirit of the original, the 2026 edition will be 60 minutes long and comprise eight episodes, with Aznil returning as host.
The new season will feature five high-energy segments showcasing children through talent performances, comedy sketches, role-play, interviews and throwback moments.
The format will also leave room for plenty of spontaneous moments, with each episode combining structured segments with candid interactions between the young participants, special guests and viral young personalities.
For Aznil, the return has already generated plenty of excitement, particularly after the strong response to the auditions in Penang.
“Tom Tom Bak will return for a new season.
“I’m very happy that the turnout for the audition in Penang was very good,” he said at Astro’s 30th anniversary launch at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
“Tom Tom Bak is coming back stronger than ever.”
He also revealed that one of the contestants’ audition videos had already reached millions of views, saying this was a good sign for the show’s return.
Aznil touched on the moment how some children auditioning today are the children of former Tom Tom Bak participants, adding another layer of nostalgia to the show’s return.
A celebration of Astro’s past and present shows
Alongside the returning programmes, Astro’s upcoming line-up will also include new titles such as The Final Residence, Visham and telemovies including Dear Amma and Bapa Aku Lost His Mind.
With Gitu Gitu Apek returning with its familiar personalities and humour, while Tom Tom Bak introduces a new generation of young performers, the two programmes mark the return of familiar formats from different periods of Malaysian television.