Big endings and grand premieres are in store for TV viewers in the next few weeks, heating up the ratings’ game even more.

First on the list is GMA-7’s adaptation of the hit Koreanovela, “Stairway to Heaven,” which debuted on the primetime block on Sept. 14 with an AGB Nielsen overnight rating of 33.5 percent. A very slim margin separated it from its closest timeslot rival, ABS-CBN’s, “Tayong Dalawa,” a consistent toprater that will wrap up on the 25th.

“Stairway to Heaven” tells the story of Cholo and Jodi and how their love for each other overcomes the tests of time, illness and meddling relatives.

The people behind the Philippine version hope that the production will capture the hearts of televiewers just like the original did. They are on the right track with the choice of newcomers Joshua Dionisio and Barbie Forteza to play the young Cholo and Jodi in the premiere telecast and the next few episodes.

Joshua, clean-cut and smart-looking but down-to-earth, clearly defines Cholo’s upper-class background and sensitive personality while Barbie effortlessly gives life to the charming and good-natured Jodi. Joana Mari Tan, on the other hand, is villainous but not ‘caricaturish’ as Eunice, Jodi’s stepsister and tormentor.

“Stairway to Heaven” is expected to improve its rating when lead stars Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos enter the picture within the week to play the grownup Cholo and Jodi while Eunice (played by Glaiza de Castro) and her mother Maita (Jean Garcia) continue to make life hell for the star-crossed lovers.

However, it faces stiff competition from “Tayong Dalawa” that prepares for a grand finale, starting with the death of the well-loved Lola Gets (Gina Pareno) and eventually ending with the choice of Audrey (Kim Chiu) between JR (Gerald Anderson) and Dave (Jake Cuenca).

This will pave the way for “Lovers in Paris,” ABS-CBN’s version of the hit Korean romantic-comedy series starring KC Concepcion (as Vivian), Piolo Pascual (as Carlo) and Zanjoe Marudo (as Martin) that will say bonjour to televiewers on Sept. 28.

GMA-7 will have not just one but three new drama series before the month ends: “Ikaw na Sana,” “Tinik sa Dibdib” and “Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit.”

“Ikaw na Sana,” which banks on the resurrected love team of Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado, takes over the early primetime slot of “All My Love” beginning on Sept. 21. It faces strong competition in Channel 2’s “Katorse,” with Erich Gonzales in the lead role originated by Dina Bonnevie.

“Tinik sa Dibdib” and “Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit” will premiere on Sept. 28 replacing “Ngayon at Kailanman” and “Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin” of the “Sinenovela” block that recreates past movie blockbusters on television.