Filipino nurses get the spotlight in iWant series 'Nurse the Dead'

A supernatural workplace comedy about Filipino nurses in the US titled "Nurse the Dead" will debut on ABS-CBN's premium streaming platform iWant beginning June 12. It makes history as the first Filipino-studio series filmed in Hollywood.

A comedy about nurses, family, grief, love, humor, and healing, the series is led by creator-showrunner Mark Labella, with Anthony Jennings, director Wesley Villarica of Parallax Studio, Marvin Aritrangco of Birns & Sawyer Studios Canada, and Jolly Estaris, Head of iWant.

During an interview at Ayala Heights in Quezon City on May 12, Labella emphasized that the series draws heavily from the authentic experiences of Filipino healthcare workers.

“The series isn’t just bilingual—we showcase multiple languages. I speak Spanish and Visayan, and those are included, reflecting the reality of today’s diverse US landscape. It’s important for viewers to see the value of multilingualism," Labella said.

Labella also said, "Korean storytelling proved that audiences are willing to embrace stories in different languages and from different cultures. Filipino artists are just as incredible, and our time is coming too."

Villarica revealed the series will consist of eight episodes, with one episode dedicated to inclusivity. “It’s a multicultural show,” he said.

Estaris, head of iWant and ABS-CBN Integrated Digital Sales, believes it is long overdue for a series to focus on Filipino nurses.

“We often see stories about doctors, but not about nurses—especially Filipino nurses. It’s time to highlight the sacrifices of our kababayans. This is a new frontier for us to share our unique stories,” Estaris said.

Labella shared that it took three years to finish writing the screenplay. “The pandemic was incredibly tough. Many of us processed it in stages, and its impact resonated deeply. I wanted to channel my grief and experiences onto paper to capture what we endured.”

In an interview with Variety, Labella noted that Filipino nurses account for about 4% of the US nursing workforce, yet they were disproportionately affected by COVID-era nurse deaths. “That reality stuck with me. We’re using supernatural elements and workplace chaos to explore grief, resilience, and legacy—with bite, humor, and heart.”

"Nurse the Dead" also stars Jelynn Malone as Noa Reyes, alongside Gigette Reyes, Johari Johnson, Tootsie Guevarra, Ruby Rodriguez, and Princess Punzalan.

Featuring the theme song performed by Asia’s Jewel, Jade Riccio, an award-winning soprano, crossover artist, and founder of RMA Studio Academy. For Jade, the song carried an even deeper meaning after her father survived a debilitating stroke, making the performance deeply personal.

Villarica explained that the production went through an extensive casting process. “Several names were considered, but we ultimately chose people who shared our passion. Despite a limited budget, we prioritized getting the best performances from every actor and crew member.” Drea Castro also directed some episodes.

The team praised Punzalan for her dedication, noting that she initially declined the invitation to join the project but ultimately accepted.

Guests gather at Ayala Heights in Quezon City for a party showcasing the teaser for the iWant series 'Nurse the Dead' set to premiere on June 12.

Labella recounted that Punzalan first declined the role due to scheduling conflicts. However, three weeks before filming, he called her again and assured her she was the only choice for the part. This time, she agreed.

He also shared, “Princess (Punzalan) is a registered nurse. She would come to set after finishing her 6 a.m. shift and immediately get into character. Despite her role being diva-like, Punzalan never complained—she remained calm and collected even when everyone else was exhausted.”

Villarica described Punzalan as a true professional: “She always knows what to do.”

When asked how she managed to stay awake, Punzalan replied, “Sanay na ako rito. I can handle it,” referencing the grueling schedules common in the Philippines, according to Labella

Jennings also noted the generosity of Punzalan on set, sharing, “She offered me plenty of advice and suggestions, often talking to me off-camera.”

Labella believes that completing the series—without major Hollywood studio support and on a tight budget—was the project’s greatest challenge.

The official poster of the iWant series 'Nurse the Dead'

“In the US, producing a single episode can easily cost at least a million dollars,” he noted.

Labella expressed pride in the recognition Filipino nurses receive for their dedication in the US. “Once, while we were out walking, an Armenian woman asked if we were Filipino and thanked us—her life had been saved by a Filipino nurse. Everyone in the cast knew and loved a Filipino nurse.”

Villarica expressed gratitude to the cast and crew for their cooperation and support, saying, “Everything was made out of love.”

Labella added, “Every single person on that set believed in what we were building. Not even a single PA (production assistant) was there just for the money.

"People showed up because they understood we were laying the groundwork for Filipino stories, Filipino artists, and Filipino nurses to be seen at this level," he also said.

Main picture credit. From left: showrunner, creator, writer, and director Mark Labella, Asia's Jewel Jade Riccio; Jolly Estaris, Head of iWant; Marvin Aritrangco, of Birns & Sawyer Studios Canada; director Wesley Villarica; and actor Anthony Jennings.