Tanglin is a Singaporean drama produced by Mediacorp.[1] Tanglin premiered on 30 June 2015[2] and was broadcast on Mediacorp Channel 5 at 8:30pm every weekday with a repeat at 12am and 1.30pm the next day. The series finale aired on 28 September 2018. The repeat telecast was aired every weekday at 2pm from 8 Feb 2021 and now airs at 4pm starting 23 May 2022.

Tanglin
GenreSocio-drama
Dramedy
Family
Coffeshop
Written byTan Wei Lyn
Prasad
Joanne Teo
Lynette Chiu
Sam Lee
Timothy Teoh
Directed byOng Kuo Sin
S. Deakarajen
Alex Tan
J Cheung Pui Chung
Don Aravind
Christopher Lim
StarringWee Soon Hui
Darryl Yong
Jae Liew
James Seah
Laurence Pang
Charlie Goh
Mathialagan M
Eswari Gunasagar
James Kumar
Yuvina Malathi Ram
Richard Low
Margaret Lim
Constance Song
Nat Ho
Eden Ang
Valere Ng
Rahman Rahim
Masura Ahmed
Syirah Jusni
Fauzie Laily
Opening themeSeason 1 : Shine A Light by Jack & Rai
Season 2 & 3  : Opening Title by Lydia Lee & Ray Ong
Country of originSingapore
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes823
Production
Production locationsInfinite Studios
Mediacorp Studios
Running timeapprox. 20-22 minutes per episode
Original release
NetworkMediacorp Channel 5
Release30 June 2015 (2015-06-30) –
28 September 2018 (2018-09-28)
Related

The series have started special guest appearances have been made by local celebrities like Kimberly Chia, Taufik Batisah,[3] and second generation radio disc jockey Mike Kasem.[4]

Plot

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Tanglin is a daily drama that centres on the lives of multiracial and multigenerational families – mainly the Tongs, Bhaskars, Rahmans, and Lims – residents of a middle-income neighbourhood in the Holland Village, Tanglin, and Commonwealth areas; their lives reflect the joys, trials and tribulations of everyday Singaporeans. In 2016, the families are entering a new chapter of their lives – from the teens moving on to National Service and University, the arrival of Norleena and Vanessa's babies, to Kwong San's life post-retirement from KS Foods. New romances blossom, while old relationships are put to the test as various fresh faces enter the lives of the Tanglin community.

Cast

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The Lims

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Actor Role
Richard Low Kwong San, a traditional businessman, is the head of the Lim family, though some might argue it is actually his wife Bee Li. He always wanted his son Jun Kai to succeed him despite protests from his daughter Xue Ling.
Margaret Lim Toh Bee Li, Wife of successful businessman Kwong San, Bee Li plays the role of the supportive spouse and devoted mother to Jun Kai and Xue Ling. A loose cannon, her words are often deemed as harsh and uncaring.
Constance Song Lim Xue Ling, Despite her aptitude for business, Xue Ling is overlooked as the successor of the family business because she is a woman. She is strict with Michael and Melissa as opposed to Adam's ‘nice-guy' approach.
Nat Ho Lim Jun Kai (Jay Lim), Reluctant successor to the KS Foods legacy, Jun Kai is the son of Kwong San. He returns from overseas after many years, and through a run-in with Diana, ends up being an integral part of the Tongs.
Amirah Yahya Wati, maid of the Lims' family. She has a good heart but often bungles up simple instructions much to Bee Li's annoyance.

The Tongs

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Actor Role
Laurence Pang Tong Ah Biao, Ordinary senior citizen Ah Biao adores his daughter-in-law Li Yan and the grandchildren. He is fiercely independent, because he doesn't want to be seen as a burden to the family. He stays active by working as a taxi driver.
Wee Soon Hui Tong Li Yan nee Au-Yeong, Li Yan, the matriarch of the Tongs, took over the care of Robert's four children and his father Ah Biao when Robert died. Despite this, she remains resilient and optimistic. She runs the popular Tanglin Coffee House.
Adam Chen Adam Tong, Husband to Xue Ling and eldest son of the Tong household, Adam chose to be a househusband to focus on his children, but earned the ire of his in-laws. He has a temper and uses MMA as an outlet to de-stress.
Darryl Yong Ben Tong, Ben is a good-humoured, sensitive new age guy who avoids confrontations and hurting people's feelings. He gave up his studies to help Li Yan run the coffee house. A lifetime Liverpool F.C. supporter, he enjoys playing football during his free time.
James Seah Chris Tong, Older twin to Diana, Chris is a bright but unrealistic chancer with a strong sense of entitlement. He is always looking for ways to make a quick buck. He was in a long term relationship with girlfriend Suzanne, whom he eventually marries.
Jae Liew Diana Tong, Younger twin to Chris, Diana is a kick-ass tomboy with a down-to-earth personality. She went full-time into business to help with the family's financial load. She is caring and selfless, and cares deeply for Li Yan.
Charlie Goh Eddie Tong, Li Yan's only biological child. Eddie is the youngest in the Tong household. He is spoiled by grandfather Ah Biao, who tries to make up for his lack of father figure.
Eden Ang/Royston Ong Jun Xiong Michael Tong, Calm headed and mature. Michael is the son of Xue Ling and Adam, and the only grandson of the Lim family.
Valere Ng Melissa Tong, Melissa is the daughter of Xue Ling and Adam. Intelligent and bubbly, she likes to annoy her brother Michael by telling on him. She feels pressured to perform well in school like Michael did.

The Bhaskars

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Actor Role
Mathialagan M Bhaskar Ram, A caring, dedicated doctor and a dutiful responsible father, Bhaskar is a good son who married the woman of his parents' choice. He lives life according to the rules.
Yuvina Malathi Ram Meera Bhaskar nee Prakash, The perfect doctor's wife and sophisticated hostess, her ambition is deftly hidden beneath the veneer of gentility and grace. She lives vicariously through her children and goes to great lengths to ensure their well-being and success.
Eswari Gunasagar Shruti Bhaskar, Pretty and popular, Shruti is a celebrity blogger. Her experience with online bullies made her realise who her real friends are – nerdy Michael and oddball Eddie – who have stuck with her through thick and thin. Former mean girl Pam has also proven to be a good friend.
James Kumar Arjun Bhaskar, Accomplished, cocky and confident bordering on arrogant, Arjun has led a very charmed life. Training to be a paediatrician, his world is turned upside down when he develops feelings for Diana.
Grace Kalaiselvi Lathika, The Bhaskars' family maid. Coming from a small village in India, she was married off at the age of eighteen and kicked out of the family when her husband died in a road accident. She moved to Singapore to work as a maid to support her siblings and ageing parents.

The Rahmans

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Actor Role
Mastura Ahmad Salmah Samsudin, Happy-go-lucky Salmah has suffered personal tragedy, having lost both her husband and son. She still counts her blessings every day as she settles into a new role as grandmother to Rayyan, and a potential new career in nursing.
Syirah Jusni Norleena Abdul Rahman, The younger daughter of Salmah. Married to Sulaiman, she has always hoped to fulfil her ambition to be a full-time housewife. She constantly feels outshone by her academically brilliant sister Nadiah.
Fauzie Laily[5] Sulaiman Hassan, Sulaiman is a duty-bound man who works as a Fire and Rescue Special with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). He is easy-going and patient with Norleena's constant demands while managing Salmah's expectations.
Muhamad Zayyan Iffat Rayyan, Norleena and Sulaiman's son. The bundle of joy in the Rahmans household.
Elfaeza Ul Haq Nadiah Abdul Rahman, The elder daughter of Salmah. Being career focused, she puts her job first and does not want to get married until she has properly settled down with enough earnings. (EP 1 - 200)

Additional cast

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Actor Role
Mainly associated with Lim family
Tay Ping Hui Peter Tay
Kimberly Chia / Kimberly Wang Lauren Chong
Kayly Loh Felicia Ng
Gordon Choy Han Xiong
Mainly associated with Tong family
Rahman Rahim Zulkifli "Abang Zul" Salim
Bridget Fernandez Mrs Pereira
Rosalind Pho Vanessa Kwok
Shwen Lee Grace Kwok
Silver Ang Gina Lee
Eleanor Tan Vivian Lee
Gayle Nerva Suzanne Monteiro
Mainly associated with Rahman family
Hatta Said Wafiq Fayad
Mujahid Mahamood Amir Johan
Siti Nur A’isha Binte Mahmood Arianna Johan
Aleeyah Nabilah / Hannah Alya Tan Kalila Wafiq
Jasmani Basri Hassan Jamal
Aishah Ahmad Atiqah Azman
Muhammad Danial Faisal Hassan
Sarah Aulia Fatimah Hassan
Mainly associated with Bhaskar family
Krissy Jesudason Tanya Clarke
Christina Kydoniefs Joy Clarke
Mike Kasem Jamie Clarke
Sherly Devonne Ng Pamela Poh
Paul Nagaoka Jared Toh
Alan M Wong Shawn Chee
Fadhli Abdullah Firdaus
Other friends and antagonists
Teddy Tang Alex
Suhaimi Yusof Chef Adnan Salim
Lydia Asyiqin Izzy Rasdin
Taufik Batisah Khairul Anuar
Louis C Hillyard Mark De Cruz
Wallace Ang Wayne Teo
Jade Rasif Sheila Oh

Accolades

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Asian Television Award

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Asian Television Awards – Acting Awards
Year Category Nominated work / Nominees Result
Asian Television Awards 2017 Best Drama Serial Nominated
Best Actress In Supporting Role Krissy Jesudason Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Tanglin: The show you never knew people loved is coming to an end". CNA Lifestyle. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
  2. ^ Chan, Boon (8 July 2015). "Familiar plotlines cannot keep viewers hooked". The Straits Times. p. 8. Retrieved 4 January 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
  3. ^ Yip, Wai Yee (15 December 2016). "Taufik to join Tanglin cast". The Straits Times. p. 10. Retrieved 5 January 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
  4. ^ Yip, Wai Yee. "New Channel 5 series Tanglin has 199 episodes". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
  5. ^ Noor, Ashikin Abdul Rahman (11 November 2015). "Tanglin actor Fauzie Laily's star is rising". The New Paper. p. 14. Retrieved 5 January 2024 – via NewspaperSG.