For students at the mysterious Hell University, education is free, but the price of admission is surviving a nightly 10-hour period where all crime, including murder, is completely legal. This terrifying premise forms the core of the new Filipino thriller series, Hell University, which premiered on February 5, 2026. The show, based on a massively popular Wattpad novel, follows a group of friends whose curiosity leads them into a trap from which there may be no escape.
Directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr. and produced by Studio Viva and Webtoon Productions, the series blends horror, mystery, and dark academia into a survival story that asks how far someone will go to protect their friends. It marks the first major leading roles for rising stars Heart Ryan and Zeke Polina, who headline a large ensemble cast. New episodes of the nine-part series release weekly.
Hell University Release Schedule For Global Audiences
Hell University is streaming exclusively on the Filipino platform Viva One. The first episode became available on Wednesday, February 5, 2026. Following a weekly release pattern, new episodes drop every Wednesday.
The series is planned for a total of nine episodes, with the finale scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2026. For international viewers, specific streaming availability outside the Philippines is currently being determined. Global audiences should check their local streaming services for potential licensing announcements.
For clarity across different time zones, the release schedule for all episodes is as follows:
- Episode 1: Released on February 5, 2026
- Episode 2: Scheduled for February 12, 2026
- Episode 3: Scheduled for February 19, 2026
- Episode 4: Scheduled for February 26, 2026
- Episode 5: Scheduled for March 5, 2026
- Episode 6: Scheduled for March 12, 2026
- Episode 7: Scheduled for March 19, 2026
- Episode 8: Scheduled for March 26, 2026
- Episode 9: Scheduled for April 2, 2026
The Complete Hell University Cast And Character Guide
The series features a large ensemble of characters, from the core group of trapped friends to the dangerous student leaders who rule the university’s chaotic landscape.
At the center of the story is Zein Shion, played by Heart Ryan. Zein is a brave and adventurous student who becomes the determined protector of her friends after they become trapped. Her character finds a complex ally and love interest in Ace Craige, portrayed by Zeke Polina. Ace is the quiet but dangerously powerful “Supremo,” or President, of the university’s Supreme Student Council.
They are joined by Zein’s group of friends, each with distinct personalities:
- Andre Yllana as Matthew “Matt” Hart, a friend who secretly cares for Zein.
- Jastine Lim as Vanessa Savagge, a girly girl with hidden depths.
- Jac Abellana as Jerome Marquez, the group’s jokester.
- Gabbi Ejercito as Mia Mendez, a sweet and kind friend.
- Derrick Ong as Davies “Dave” Silver, who acts as the emotional support for the group.
The university is controlled by formidable student gangs and officials. Lance Carr plays Raze Silvenia, the intelligent leader of the “Devil God Warrior” gang. Aubrey Caraan plays Samantha, a rebellious former student who knows secrets about the school’s past. Andrea Del Rosario takes on the role of the primary villain, Madam Violet.
Other key figures include Ashanti Gorospe as the popular “mean girl” Roxane Allister, and the members of the unhinged Black Blood Gang: Keagan de Jesus as leader Nazzer Lumia, Jemima Rivera as the deadly Nicky Colt, and Alas Alvarez as Luke. Jao Canlas and Bree Barrameda play Onel Ty and Fritzy Saldivar, who serve as Ace’s vice president and secretary, respectively.
What Is The Story Of Hell University?
The story begins with Zein Shion and her tight-knit group of friends. Driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity about local rumors, they set out to find the fabled Hell University, which they believe to be an abandoned school. Once they step inside, they discover the horrifying truth: the university is operational, and there is no way to leave.
They are forced to enroll as students in a institution that operates outside normal laws. While tuition, food, and board are free, the campus operates under one brutal rule: the “Bloody Night.” Every single night, from 7:00 PM until 5:00 AM, all crime is permitted. Murder, assault, and every other violent act become completely legal on campus grounds.
“As fear threatens to break them apart, Zein fights to keep her friends alive while uncovering a system designed to make no one leave,” states the official synopsis.
Trapped in this lawless environment, Zein and her friends must navigate threats from ruthless student gangs that control different parts of the campus. The series explores their struggle to survive, the erosion of trust under extreme pressure, and Zein’s growing mission to not only stay alive but to uncover the dark mysteries of the university itself and find a way to stop its horrors. The original Wattpad story, which has over 182 million reads, asks a central question about Zein’s choice: “Will she choose to uncover the mysteries of Hell University and put the monstrosities to a stop? Or will she play it safe and try to keep her and her friends alive?”.
Behind The Scenes And Production Of The Series
Hell University is an adaptation of the hit Wattpad novel of the same name by author KnightInBlack (Raymond Velasco). The book drew inspiration from dystopian horror, particularly the concept of the Purge film franchise, and found a massive online audience.
The project was first announced to the public by Viva One at the Vivarkada: The Ultimate Fancon and Grand Concert event in August 2025. The full cast was officially presented during the Hell University Story Conference and Cast Reveal in November 2025. Marketing for the series ramped up in January 2026 with the release of two teasers and an official trailer. The first teaser, released on January 16, 2026, reportedly gained over 5 million views across various social media platforms.
Filming took place in a real abandoned building, which the production design team transformed to create the show’s distinctive Art Deco-style school setting. The series also features a dedicated soundtrack, with songs from Filipino boy band ALAMAT and artist Rob Deniel.
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