Astro turns 30: New dramas, comedy, music and reality shows on the way

Celebrating its third decade, Astro is unveiling an eclectic roster of new shows for Malaysian audiences between August and December. Spanning Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, the lineup also includes reality and documentary series highlighting stories from across the nation. At the heart of the debut are heartfelt family tales. "Dear Amma," premiering August 25, follows a single mother and a young graduate who forge an unexpected bond after a caregiving job brings them together.

The film's lead, Jaclyn Victor, expressed how the story resonates deeply with her own experiences as a single parent. Comedy takes an unconventional turn with "Bapa Aku Lost His Mind," set to premiere September 4. In this tale, a father suddenly loses his ability to communicate after a mysterious affliction forces him to rely on his estranged family members for support.

The drama delves into themes of communication, family relationships and unresolved emotions. "Rumah Terakhir Abang" premieres September 16, focusing on two brothers who must navigate the challenges of caring for their autistic younger brother following their father's passing. As the brothers confront their grief and the weight of caregiving responsibilities, they are forced to reassess their own priorities and sacrifices for their family.

The Mandarin line-up offers a unique take with "Wolong: The Mastermind," premiering September 6. Starring Mimi Kung and Kevin Chu, this historical drama imagines what would have happened if the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang from ancient China had ended up in modern-day Malaysia as an entry-level employee at a public-listed company.

The series explores how Zhuge Liang adapts to his new life, blending historical intrigue with contemporary Malaysian settings. As the month progresses, "The Final Residence" premieres December 6, starring Xu Bin alongside other notable actors. This mystery drama follows a young doctor's quest to find his sister at a mysterious residence, where he encounters residents grappling with their own regrets, secrets and troubled pasts.

Beyond scripted dramas, Astro's announcement also includes a variety of other shows catering to diverse interests. "Axian's Local Eats with Jason Yeoh" premieres September 5, following the food host as he travels across Malaysia, revisiting familiar flavors while discovering hidden local food gems and their creators. Additionally, the upcoming Tamil-language series "Visham" premieres August 17, focusing on a father's life transformed by a devastating incident.

The drama explores themes of relationship abuse from a man's perspective, offering a nuanced look at why some men choose to suffer in silence. Meanwhile, "Mounam Pesiyadhe," set for September 21, delves into the darker side of marriage, following a couple whose seemingly perfect relationship unravels after one partner discovers the other's affair.

The entertainment lineup also ventures into documentaries and spotlights East Malaysian talents. "TEKAD: Ekspedisi Guthrie Everest" premieres September 13, chronicling the 2026 Everest expedition of two Malaysian high-altitude mountaineers as they prepare for and attempt to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain. Finally, "Borneo Rising," a singing reality competition hosted by Malaysian comedian Sherry Alhadad, premieres September 6, bringing together aspiring singers from across Malaysia with a particular emphasis on the musical identity of Sabah and Sarawak.