Singapore's First Vertical Drama "The Billionaire CEO's Runaway Wife Captivates Global Audiences
South East Asia Entertainment Industry Booming

As traditional TV dramas vie for viewers’ attention, Singapore is making waves with a fresh, ground-breaking genre: micro-dramas. Leading this innovative trend is *The Billionaire CEO’s Runaway Wife*, the first vertical drama produced in Singapore, captivating audiences worldwide with its ultra-short, mobile-friendly format.
Breaking away from conventional long-form content, The Billionaire CEO’s Runaway Wife packs drama into bite-sized, one-to-two-minute episodes. This vertical format perfectly fits today’s fast-paced, mobile-centric lifestyle, allowing viewers to enjoy high-quality storytelling without the need for a long time commitment.
Upcoming Director Sabrina Poon, who took part in Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Equals (2015), took on the challenge with a powerhouse female-led team, alongside director of photography Jolinna Ang and producer Yvonne Lee. Together, they created a series that resonated across global audiences.
Premiering in the U.S. on the short-form streaming app DreameShort, The Billionaire CEO’s Runaway Wife immediately captured viewers’ imaginations, racking up 2 million views in its first week and skyrocketing to 10 million views in just a month before going global. Its rapid success speaks not only to its high production values but also to its ability to engage a broad, diverse audience.
At the heart of this triumph is Mila Troncoso, whose portrayal of Sarah Tomlinson has earned widespread praise. Troncoso brings a unique emotional depth to Sarah, a character who struggles with personal and professional challenges, resonating strongly with viewers — especially women. “I had such a wonderful time with this role,” Troncoso shared. “Sarah faces countless obstacles while balancing others’ expectations with her own ambitions.” With the addition of actresses Mag Wichman and Kristina Pakhomova, The Billionaire CEO’s Runaway Wife gained significant attention. Cameos by Kasimir Poh and influencer Gonzalo Gaston further boosted the show’s visibility.

In addition to its storytelling success, The Billionaire CEO’s Runaway Wife pioneers a new era of experimentation in film-making. The vertical format encourages fresh thinking in lighting, framing, and narrative techniques. With this vertical format, the industry is re-imagining how stories are told, allowing for creative exploration like never before.
As micro-dramas continue to rise in popularity, The Billionaire CEO’s Runaway Wife stands out as a trailblazer, proving that short-form, vertical dramas can deliver engaging, complex narratives without losing their emotional impact. With Singapore at the forefront, this new genre is set to transform the global entertainment industry, offering exciting possibilities for future storytelling.
About the Creator
Anika Falkner
I’m a full-time telenovela enthusiast and a part-time writer


Comments (1)
Awesome show I was in!