KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — Thirty years into its journey, Astro is marking its anniversary by looking ahead, and Malaysian viewers can look forward to a diverse mix of new entertainment productions arriving on television from August through December.
The lineup features productions in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, alongside reality and documentary programmes highlighting talent and stories from across Malaysia.
Family stories take centre stage
The first new title to arrive is telefilm Dear Amma, premiering August 25 and starring Jaclyn Victor, Julia Farhana Marin and Dishaaleny Jack.
The telemovie follows an unexpected relationship between a single mother and a young graduate whose lives become intertwined after a caregiving job brings them together.
Their growing connection explores how people from very different stages of life can form meaningful bonds.
Speaking about her decision to take on the role during Astro’s 30th anniversary launch celebration at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Victor said “It’s a really nice story that kind of resonated with me and my life.”
“I loved the fact that it’s about a single mum, because my mum was a single mum.
“It’s really great to see how, even though you’re a single mother, there is so much you can do to make sure your kids are alright — exactly what my mum did.”
Comedy takes a different direction in Bapa Aku Lost His Mind, premiering September 4.
Datuk Razak Ahmad, Kahoe Hon, Sathiyya Kandhi and Aila Azizul star in the story of a stubborn father who suddenly loses the ability to speak any known language.
His unusual predicament forces him to rely on family members he has kept at a distance for years, turning a strange situation into a story about communication, family ties and unresolved emotions.
Rumah Terakhir Abang, arriving September 16, takes a more emotional approach with Zizan Razak, Alvin Chong and Zairi Aziz playing brothers.
Astro unveils its upcoming series at the launch of Astro 30 Years held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, August 13, 2026. — Picture by Ian Jeremiah Patrick
The story follows Amar and Azhar, who must take responsibility for caring for their autistic younger brother following their father’s death.
As grief gives way to the realities of caregiving, the brothers are forced to confront their own relationship and reconsider what they are willing to sacrifice for their family.
Also premiering September 16, Tok Wan On Duty starring Ropie, Michael Ang, Sathiya, and Datuk Fazley Yaakob follows Osman, a man determined to bring his family closer together.
He sends them to a summer camp, only for the experience to become far more difficult than expected when they find themselves caught up in a robbery investigation.
Mandarin slate takes an unconventional turn
Mandarin-language drama Wolong: The Mastermind brings a historical figure into contemporary Malaysia.
Premiering September 6, the series stars Mimi Kung, Kevin Chu, Chris Tong, Karena Teo, and more.
The story imagines what would happen if Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Three Kingdoms era, suddenly found himself in modern-day Malaysia.
Rather than leading armies, Zhuge Liang begins his new life as an entry-level employee at a public-listed company.
The Mandarin lineup continues in December with The Final Residence, premiering December 6 and starring Singaporean actor Xu Bin alongside Hayden Wong, Ribbon Ooi, Sherlyn Seo, Wilson Lee and others.
The mystery drama follows young doctor Ah Jian as he searches for his sister at a mysterious residence where inside, he encounters residents struggling with their own regrets, secrets and troubled pasts.
“The Final Residence is not just a story of mystery and fantasy.” Ooi shared.
“It’s actually about people and the things people struggle to let go of.
“There are a lot of suspense and supernatural elements but there are also very real emotions people can relate to.”
Food lovers can also follow Axian’s Local Eats with Jason Yeoh, premiering September 5.
Yeoh travels around Malaysia to revisit familiar flavours while discovering local food spots and meeting the people behind them.
Tamil dramas explore love, betrayal and redemption
Tamil-language drama Visham premieres August 17, starring Charles Roberts, Nirmala, Jashmithra, Nuveshaan and Menaga Dolmayan.
The series centres on a father whose life is transformed by a devastating incident.
‘TEKAD: Ekspedisi Guthrie Everest’, documentary set for September release. — Picture courtesy of Astro
Determined to seek justice, he faces tragedy and increasingly difficult circumstances while holding on to his love for his family.
Speaking about the drama, Charles said one of the aspects that sets Visham apart is its exploration of relationship abuse from a man’s perspective, particularly why some men choose to suffer in silence.
“We learn more about the complexity of men,” he said, reflecting on the themes explored in Visham.
Meanwhile, Mounam Pesiyadhe, premiering September 21, explores the darker side of marriage.
James, Kritigah, Dharshamini, Yuvana and Karthik star in the drama, which follows Dr Arjun and Mira, a couple whose seemingly perfect marriage begins to unravel after Mira discovers Arjun’s affair with Divya.
The revelation brings emotional confrontations and long-suppressed tensions to the surface.
Documentaries and spotlight on East Malaysian talents
The entertainment lineup also ventures beyond scripted drama.
TEKAD: Ekspedisi Guthrie Everest, premiering September 13, documents the 2026 Everest expedition of two Malaysian high-altitude mountaineers.
The programme follows their preparation and the physical and mental challenges involved in attempting to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain.
For music fans, Borneo Rising premieres September 6 with Malaysian comedian Sherry Alhadad as host.
The singing reality competition brings together aspiring singers from across Malaysia, with particular attention given to the musical identity of Sabah and Sarawak.
Filmed entirely in East Malaysia, the programme aims to showcase emerging performers and the region’s diverse musical traditions.
With family stories, comedy, romance, mystery, adventure and music all represented, the coming months will offer Malaysian audiences a broad selection of new programmes across languages and genres — a perfect way to celebrate Astro’s 30th anniversary.