When was Network released in the Philippines?

TMDB lists a limited theatrical release in the Philippines on June 19, 1977, with a note referencing Davao. The film's world release was November 27, 1976.

Where can I watch Network in the Philippines?

You can rent or buy Network on the Apple TV Store and Amazon Video in the Philippines. A subscription streaming option is not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of 2026-10-24.

Who is in the cast of Network?

Faye Dunaway plays Diana Christensen, William Holden plays Max Schumacher, Peter Finch plays Howard Beale and Robert Duvall plays Frank Hackett. They are joined by Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty, Arthur Burghardt and others.

What is the plot of Network?

A long-serving TV news anchor makes a startling on-air announcement after being let go because of his age. His outburst sends the ratings up, and network executives start to see him as a business opportunity. The film is a satire of television news and corporate media.

Network runs for 122 minutes. It was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky.

Network (1976): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch in PH

Network plot: what the story is about

Howard Beale (Peter Finch) has been the face of his network’s evening news for a quarter of a century. When the company decides that his age makes him expendable and lets him go, Beale uses his remaining airtime to make a shocking promise to viewers. It should have ended his career for good. Instead, audiences tune in, ratings climb, and the network suddenly sees value in the anchor it had just pushed aside.

That surge catches the eye of Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway), an ambitious programming executive who reads Beale’s fury as a business opportunity. Max Schumacher (William Holden), a veteran newsman and Beale’s longtime friend, grows uneasy as the line between journalism and spectacle starts to blur. Meanwhile, Frank Hackett (Robert Duvall) represents a corporate side that measures every decision against profit.

Set in New York City, Network is a sharp satire about television, ratings and the people willing to sell almost anything to win an audience. Its tagline, “Television will never be the same,” sums up the film’s view of a news business turning into a ratings machine.

Network — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Network review guide: what makes it notable

Director: Sidney Lumet directed the film, a New York–set drama that moves between newsroom pressure and boardroom politics.
Writer: The screenplay is by Paddy Chayefsky. His script drives the film’s biting satire of TV news, corporate power and audience anger.
Cast: The ensemble includes Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch and Robert Duvall. Wesley Addy plays Nelson Chaney, Ned Beatty plays Arthur Jensen and Arthur Burghardt plays the Great Ahmed Kahn.
Genre and themes: It is classified as a drama, but its edge comes from political and media satire. It takes on TV ratings, corruption, the pursuit of profit and the way rage can be packaged as entertainment.
Origin: It is an American production from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, made in English, with a runtime of 122 minutes.
Context: The film first opened on November 27, 1976. Its questions about who controls the news and what sells on screen still apply to today’s media landscape.

Who will enjoy Network

Viewers interested in journalism, broadcasting and how newsrooms really operate
Fans of sharp, dialogue-driven satire and political drama
Film lovers exploring classic 1970s American cinema and the work of Sidney Lumet
Anyone curious about how media, ratings and corporate interests collide
Admirers of strong ensemble performances from Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch and Robert Duvall

Release date in the Philippines & where to watch

Network had its world release on November 27, 1976. In the Philippines, TMDB lists a limited theatrical release on June 19, 1977, with a note referencing Davao.

If you want to watch it in the Philippines today, the film is available to rent or buy digitally on the Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. A subscription streaming option is not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of 2026-10-24, so renting or buying is the listed way to watch for now. A trailer is available if you’d like a preview before you watch.

Trailer

Cast

Faye Dunawayas Diana Christensen
William Holdenas Max Schumacher
Peter Finchas Howard Beale
Robert Duvallas Frank Hackett
Wesley Addyas Nelson Chaney
Ned Beattyas Arthur Jensen
Arthur Burghardtas Great Ahmed Kahn
Bill Burrowsas TV Director

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Network released in the Philippines?: TMDB lists a limited theatrical release in the Philippines on June 19, 1977, with a note referencing Davao. The film's world release was November 27, 1976.
Where can I watch Network in the Philippines?: You can rent or buy Network on the Apple TV Store and Amazon Video in the Philippines. A subscription streaming option is not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of 2026-10-24.
Who is in the cast of Network?: Faye Dunaway plays Diana Christensen, William Holden plays Max Schumacher, Peter Finch plays Howard Beale and Robert Duvall plays Frank Hackett. They are joined by Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty, Arthur Burghardt and others.
What is the plot of Network?: A long-serving TV news anchor makes a startling on-air announcement after being let go because of his age. His outburst sends the ratings up, and network executives start to see him as a business opportunity. The film is a satire of television news and corporate media.
How long is Network?: Network runs for 122 minutes. It was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky.

Sources

Viewer comments

Loading comments…