International streaming service: TFC.tv (TFC Online) Origins as ABS-CBNnow! (2003–2008) ABS-CBNnow! was launched in 2003 as one of the first Filipino-owned
over-the-top and
video on demand platforms. It primarily catered to
overseas Filipinos, allowing them to stream
ABS-CBN television programs such as
TV Patrol,
Maalaala Mo Kaya,
Wansapanataym, and
The Buzz using a
personal computer with a broadband Internet connection. Users could stream or download DRM-protected content via
Windows Media Player. By 2005, the platform had approximately 23,000 subscribers worldwide, with major markets in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Rebranding to TFCnow! (2008–2011) In the late 2000s, ABS-CBNnow! was rebranded as TFCnow! to align with
The Filipino Channel (TFC)'s international brand identity. The platform expanded its reach globally, offering both on-demand and live streaming of ABS-CBN and TFC programming for overseas subscribers.
Launch of TFC.tv (2011–2020) In 2011, TFCnow! was renamed TFC.tv, also known as TFC Online. It served as ABS-CBN's primary international streaming platform, providing access to ABS-CBN's global content library via desktop browsers, mobile apps, smart TV, and streaming devices. The service operated until its merger with iWant in 2020.
Domestic streaming service: iWant Introduction of iWant TV (2010–2018) Separately from its international counterpart, ABS-CBN launched iWant TV for domestic audiences in the Philippines. The platform offered free and subscription-based access to ABS-CBN programs, along with selected foreign channels such as
National Geographic,
FYI,
History,
Nickelodeon,
E!,
Food Network,
Asian Food Channel,
CNN, and
Cartoon Network. In August 2015, iWant TV premiered its first digital-exclusive film,
Must Date the Playboy, in partnership with
ABS-CBN Mobile. On September 26, 2016, ABS-CBN partnered with
PLDT and
Smart Communications to allow their customers to access iWant TV content through mobile and broadband subscriptions.
Relaunch as iWant (2018–2020) On November 16, 2018, ABS-CBN relaunched iWant TV as iWant, repositioning it as a digital-first streaming platform focused on original Filipino programming, similar to
Netflix,
Viu,
Amazon Prime Video,
Hooq, and
iflix. The relaunch introduced
iWant Originals such as
Spirits: Reawaken, ''
Quezon's Game, Alamat ng Ano
, Glorious
, and MA'', marking ABS-CBN's increased focus on exclusive digital content.
Merger of platforms: iWantTFC (2020–2025) On September 1, 2020, ABS-CBN merged its domestic platform iWant with its international service TFC.tv to form iWantTFC. The merger unified ABS-CBN's global and Philippine streaming operations, combining both on-demand and live content into one service. Subscribers of
TFC IPTV and TFC Direct via cable and satellite gained online access through the "TFC Everywhere" feature. In June 2021, ABS-CBN made iWantTFC's full library free for users in the Philippines. On April 26, 2023, ABS-CBN and
GMA Network announced a partnership to stream GMA's international channels and selected programs on iWantTFC for audiences outside the Philippines.
Return to iWant branding (2025–present) On May 7, 2025, ABS-CBN announced plans to globally rename the service back to "iWant", featuring a redesigned interface, enhanced performance, and an expanded library of Filipino and international titles. Originally scheduled for launch in June 2025, the new version officially went live on July 9, 2025. ==Content==