Chinese variety shows are wildly popular for their blend of comedy, heart, and cultural insights. In recent years, these programs have explored everything from music and travel to romance and mystery. Whether you enjoy Chinese reality shows that follow celebrities on adventures, hilarious Chinese game shows with outrageous challenges, intense talent competitions, sweet dating programs, or suspenseful mystery-solving games, there’s something for everyone!
A group of celebrity friends (the “divas”) embark on an epic journey along the Silk Road, travelling through countries like Saudi Arabia, Croatia, and Iceland. In this fifth season of the hit travel reality series, seven popular stars experience local cultures, visit iconic landmarks, and face travel challenges together. From desert camping to chasing the Northern Lights, the unscripted interactions lead to plenty of comedic moments and genuine bonding. Viewers love the stunning scenery and the mix of personalities – from seasoned actresses to young idols – as they learn to work as a team on the road. With a Douban rating of 9.3/10, this season became the most acclaimed of the series.
Cast: Qin Hailu, Qin Lan, Xin Zhilei, Dilraba Dilmurat, Zhao Zhaoyi, Wang Anyu, Hu Xianxu
Episodes: 14 (Season 5)
Where to Watch: Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV (streaming)
This adorable reality show pairs celebrity fathers with their young children on overnight trips to rural villages and scenic spots across China. Each episode, the dads and kids face tasks like farming, cooking, or setting up camp – often with hilarious results as the inexperienced fathers cope with active toddlers. The children’s candid reactions and the dads’ doting efforts make for heartwarming and funny moments. Dad, Where Are We Going? became hyper-famous in China for its overdose of cuteness and educational value. As the families explore different locales, viewers also get to see the beautiful Chinese countryside and minority cultures.
Cast: Features rotating celebrity dads (like Lin Zhiying (Jimmy Lin), Guo Tao, Jia Nailiang, etc.) each season with their children (Kimi Lin, Feynman Guo, etc.)
Episodes: 5 seasons (2013 – 2017), ~12 episodes each season
Where to Watch: Hunan TV (original broadcast); select seasons available on YouTube
Also known as The Life We Long For, this slow-paced reality show places a small group of celebrities in a rustic countryside house to live and work like farmers. Each episode, resident hosts Huang Lei and He Jiong (both beloved for their wit and warmth) welcome different star guests to their rural homestead. Together they harvest vegetables, fish, chop wood, cook farm-to-table meals, and complete simple tasks to “earn” ingredients. The charm of Back to Field is in its simplicity – conversations over home-cooked dinners, stars getting muddy in the rice fields, and the peaceful beauty of nature. Expect gentle humour from the celebs’ city-slicker mishaps (chasing chickens, anyone?) and heartwarming teamwork as they experience the “slow life”.
Cast: Huang Lei, He Jiong (hosts), plus regular guests like Peng Yuchang, Zhang Zifeng; new celebrity guests each episode
Episodes: 7 seasons (2017 – 2023), ~12 episodes per season
Where to Watch: Hunan TV; Mango TV and YouTube (select episodes with English subtitles)
See You Again is a unique reality show that follows couples with real-life marital challenges as they embark on an 18-day RV road trip to work on their relationships. In Season 4 (2024), three couples – ranging from a movie star and her businessman husband to influencer couples – travel across the beautiful grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China. Along the journey, they engage in heart-to-heart conversations, guided by relationship counsellors and themed activities, all while sightseeing together. The mix of emotional therapy and travel leads to both tearful breakthroughs and lighthearted moments (imagine spouses attempting Mongolian yurt camping or dancing by a bonfire). The show’s candid look at love and marriage struck a chord with audiences, sparking intense online discussions.
Cast: Huang Shengyi & Yang Zi; Li Hangliang & Mai Lin; Liu Shuang & Ge Xi (Season 4 couples). Psychological experts appear to guide discussions.
Episodes: 4 seasons (2021 – 2024), ~10 episodes per season
Where to Watch: Mango TV
Don’t let the ridiculous name fool you – HAHAHAHAHA is indeed as fun as it sounds. This outdoor reality show drops a cast of popular stars into road-trip adventures filled with spontaneous games and comedic challenges. In Season 4, actors Deng Chao and Chen He, joined by comedian Wang Mian, took the show international for the first time – travelling by train through Laos! The cast ditch their idol images and embrace carefree backpacker life, engaging in everything from impromptu street performances to local cultural experiences. They follow the new China-Laos Railway, stopping in places like Luang Prabang and Vientiane and turning each leg of the journey into an unpredictable romp. The show’s unscripted humour comes from the stars’ genuine reactions – whether they’re sampling bizarre street foods or playing pranks on each other during long train rides. Young viewers especially love HAHAHAHAHA for its laid-back, feel-good vibe that celebrates living in the moment. In 2024, Season 4 racked up over 1 billion online views, ranking it the most-watched variety show on Chinese streaming platforms that year.
Cast: Deng Chao, Chen He, Wang Mian (Season 4 main cast); various guest stars join in different episodes.
Episodes: 4 seasons (2020 – 2024), ~10 episodes per season
Where to Watch: Tencent Video (WeTV) and iQIYI (co-presented)
Youth Periplous is a cultural-tourism reality show that sends a team of young celebrities on trips across China, combining travel with a healthy dose of games and challenges. In each season, a fixed cast (often including actors, pop idols, and comedians) visits different cities and attractions, where they must complete missions related to local culture, food, or history. For example, they might do a treasure hunt in an ancient town, learn regional dances, or compete in a food-tasting quiz – all while joking around and making a friendly mess of things. The show is known for its vibrant energy and educational twist: as the stars play games, viewers pick up fun facts about each destination. Season 4 highlighted delicious local cuisines and included lots of interactive games, making it a travel, food, and games extravaganza.
Cast: Season 4 featured stars like Fan Chengcheng, Yang Di, Justin Huang, and others as regular members. Guests vary by episode.
Episodes: 4 seasons (2019 – 2022), ~12 episodes per season
Where to Watch: Zhejiang Satellite TV (original), with episodes on YouTube and other streaming sites (fan-subbed).
Who knew farming could be so engaging? Become a Farmer is an agriculture-themed reality series that follows urban young people as they literally get their hands dirty learning to farm. In Season 2 (2024), ten young men lived and worked on a farm for several months, dramatically expanding its output. This show is a mix of feel-good inspiration and unintended comedy as these city youth figure out how to plough fields, plant crops, and raise livestock. Season 2 introduced tech-driven farming methods and even entrepreneurial projects like making chilli sauce and strawberry jam from their harvests. Viewers were hooked by the contestants’ growth from clueless newbies to capable farmers – and by all the mishaps and triumphs along the way (think escapee farm animals or overzealous tractor driving)!
Cast: Season 2 featured 10 contestants (mostly young men from various backgrounds) and occasional guests/mentors in agriculture. Notable participants included TikTok (Douyin) influencers and aspiring farmers.
Episodes: 2 seasons (2023 – 2024); Season 2 ran from Feb to July 2024 (~30 episodes).
Where to Watch: iQIYI
In this reality show, five Chinese celebrities come together to run a pop-up restaurant in a foreign country for 20 days. Their mission: serve authentic Chinese cuisine to locals and promote cultural exchange (while somehow not going broke!). Each season is set in a different locale – past seasons saw the team in Thailand, France, Italy, etc. The cast usually includes big-name stars like actress Zhao Wei (Vicky Zhao), actor Huang Xiaoming, and other actors or pop idols. Expect a delightful mix of cooking chaos, culture clash, and team bonding. From shopping at local markets with limited language skills to dealing with demanding customers, the challenges are real and often hilarious. Yet, amid the comedic kitchen mishaps, genuine moments shine when the food brings people together.
Cast: Varies by season. Notable members have included Zhao Wei, Huang Xiaoming, Zhou Dongyu, Shu Qi, Alec Su, Jackson Wang, etc., depending on the seasons.
Episodes: 5 seasons (2017 – 2021), ~12 episodes each
Where to Watch: Hunan TV (original); many episodes are on YouTube (fan-subbed) and streaming sites.
Keep Running, formerly known as Running Man China (奔跑吧兄弟), is one of China’s biggest game-variety shows. Based on the hit Korean format, it features a fixed cast of celebrities plus guest stars competing in outrageous missions at various landmarks. From iconic “name-tag ripping” chases to obstacle courses and puzzle games, every episode is an adventure filled with laughs and chaos. The show’s charm lies in the cast’s chemistry and comedic personas – they aren’t afraid to get goofy or physical to win a race. Over the years, Keep Running has delivered countless meme-worthy moments (like hilariously intense water fights or cast members sabotaging each other in games). It’s consistently a ratings hit and pop culture phenomenon in China.
Cast: Current cast includes Li Chen, Zheng Kai, Sha Yi, Bai Lu, Zhou Shen, Fan Chengcheng, Yuqi (Song Yuqi), and others. Former members like Deng Chao, Angelababy, Lu Han, Chen He, and Wang Baoqiang contributed greatly to the show’s early success.
Episodes: 13 main seasons (2014 – 2023) with 190+ episodes, plus spin-off specials. Still ongoing.
Where to Watch: Zhejiang TV (original broadcast); officially available on YouTube via Keep Running’s channel and on streaming platforms (with subs).
Dubbed one of the “kings” of Chinese variety, Go Fighting! throws a crew of male celebrities into city-based missions that often parody real-life scenarios. The original cast (nicknamed the “Extreme Men” led by Sun Honglei, Huang Bo, Huang Lei, Show Luo, Wang Xun, and Lay Zhang) became beloved for their prank-filled, brotherly dynamic. What sets this show apart is its loosely structured format – rules are made to be broken, and the members often think outside the box (or outright cheat) to win challenges. One episode, they might be “undercover agents” trying to complete secret tasks in a busy shopping district; another episode, they’re divided into rich vs. poor teams navigating comedic class inequalities in Shanghai. The unscripted interactions with random pedestrians and the cast’s quick wit lead to laugh-out-loud moments. Critically acclaimed for “breaking the rules” of typical game shows, Go Fighting! scored an impressive 8.9/10 and 9.1/10 on Douban for its first two seasons.
Cast: Original MCs (Seasons 1 – 5) – Sun Honglei, Huang Bo, Huang Lei, Show Luo, Wang Xun, and Lay Zhang. Later seasons saw cast changes (new members like Yue Yunpeng, Lei Jiayin, etc.).
Episodes: 7 seasons (2015 – 2021) + ongoing new seasons, ~10 – 12 episodes each.|
Where to Watch: Dragon TV (Shanghai) for broadcast; episodes available on YouTube and Viki (some seasons) with English subs.
Ace vs Ace is a star-studded variety show that pits two teams of celebrities against each other in themed games and talent competitions. Each episode centres on a theme – often nostalgic, like classic TV shows, famous films, or eras of music – and the “Ace” family (the regular cast) will compete with a guest team related to that theme. Expect a mix of skits, trivia quizzes, charades, relay races, singing or acting face-offs – basically any game that showcases the participants’ talents and makes the audience laugh. With its interactive challenges and feel-good vibes, Ace vs Ace is often heartwarming and humorous, delivering family-friendly fun every week. It’s a great introduction to Chinese game shows, as it features a variety of game types and lots of famous guests (from actors to sports stars) joining the fun.
Cast: Shen Teng, Guan Xiaotong, Hua Chenyu, Song Yaxuan are the core “Ace Family” in recent seasons. Jia Ling was a main cast member in Seasons 1 – 6. Hosts Shen Tao and Yang Di appear regularly as well.
Episodes: 8 seasons (2016 – 2023), approx. 12 episodes each (Season 8 aired 2023 – 2024).
Where to Watch: Zhejiang Satellite TV; episodes and clips are on YouTube (ZJSTV channel) and Viu with subtitles.
Hello Saturday is the current flagship variety show of Hunan TV, launched in 2022 to fill the shoes of the iconic Happy Camp (which ran for 24 years). Each episode features popular stars (actors, idol groups, etc.) promoting their latest works by participating in comedy sketches, playing party games on stage, and interacting with the hosts. Fans enjoy the show’s lighthearted, interactive segments – from improv comedy bits to creative challenges that often go viral. While Hello Saturday is relatively new, it’s essentially a rebranded continuation of China’s longest-running variety show legacy. Expect a casual, upbeat tone and plenty of laughs as the hosts and guests create meme-worthy moments (He Jiong’s quick wit never fails to entertain!). If you miss Happy Camp’s jovial atmosphere, Hello Saturday brings that familiar weekend joy with a fresh coat of paint.
Cast: He Jiong (main host), Ada Choi, Bridge (Zhang Chengcheng), Qin Xiaoxian, Dylan Wang, and others as regular host squad. Frequent idol guest hosts include members of INTO1, etc.
Episodes: Debuted in 2022, ongoing weekly. (As of 2025, over 100 episodes aired across 2+ seasons)
Where to Watch: Hunan Satellite TV (every Saturday 8pm); online on Mango TV app and YouTube (select segments on the “MangoTV Official” channel).
One of China’s most famous entertainment programs, Day Day Up combines talk show elements with game show fun, all while promoting positive culture. Airing since 2008, the show is hosted by Wang Han (and previously Wang Yibo and others) and often features themes that introduce aspects of Chinese or global culture in a humorous way. In a typical episode, the hosts might invite expats or experts to discuss their lives or a cultural topic, followed by interactive games or performances related to that theme. For example, they might have a “food night” with foreign guests showcasing cuisine, mixed with quiz games about food trivia. Or an episode on traditional handicrafts where hosts try the craft themselves with comedic outcomes. The show’s name implies improving day by day, and indeed, it aims to be both informative and funny.
Cast: Veteran host Wang Han leads. Former co-hosts include Ouyang Haha, Qian Feng, and international host Tian Yuan. Idol Wang Yibo was a regular host from 2016 to 2021, boosting the show’s popularity with younger fans.
Episodes: Ongoing weekly since 2008; over 700 episodes across 15+ years.
Where to Watch: Hunan TV (Friday nights); segments and full episodes on YouTube (Hunan TV Official channel).
This hilariously wholesome game show divides its celebrity cast by generation: “Brothers” over age 30 vs. “Youth” under 30. Each episode, the two teams compete in a series of playful games of agility, memory, and skill – often with a nostalgic or childlike twist. Imagine hide-and-seek in a shopping mall, human whack-a-mole, or obstacle courses inspired by schoolyard games. The producers get super inventive with game design, bringing a “nice childish spirit” to each challenge. The cast’s infectious energy and camaraderie make it a joy to watch; older actors like Wang Yaoqing or Allen Deng relive their youth, while younger idols like Yang Yang or Dylan Wang try to prove themselves to their seniors. The result is plenty of comedy, from good-natured teasing about the age gap to genuinely impressive feats (the older bros can be surprisingly competitive!).
Cast: Season 1 main players included actor Yang Yang, actor Wang Yanlin, singer-actor Justin Huang (younger team), versus actor Winston Chao, actor Julian Cheung, etc. Season 2 featured Dylan Wang, Chen Linong, and more. Teams change slightly each season, but keep the age-group format.
Episodes: 2 seasons (2020 & 2021), 12 episodes each.
Where to Watch: Hunan TV; select episodes available on YouTube (MangoTV channel) with English subtitles.
Blending talk show and game show, Informal Talks is a cult-favorite variety where a panel of expatriates (“foreign representatives”) living in China debate interesting topics in Mandarin. Think of it as a humorous United Nations roundtable, with young people from different countries discussing cultural customs, social issues, and quirky hypothetical questions. The twist? It’s all done with a lot of jokes, fun mini-games, and surprisingly wholesome insights. Three Chinese hosts moderate the discussions and often throw challenges at the panel, like tasting each other’s national snacks or guessing slang from different languages. The show offers tons of laughs from cultural misunderstandings and the witty banter among the reps (who have become real-life friends), but it’s also informative. Viewers learn about global perspectives while being entertained. Informal Talks has been critically acclaimed – its Seasons 1 and 2 are rated 9.3 and 8.9 on Douban, respectively – for being smart, funny, and heartfelt.
Cast: The panel rotates slightly by season, but notable members have included representatives from the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Italy, etc. (e.g. Byron from the USA, OO from Japan, etc.). Chinese hosts have included actor/host Da Zuo and musician Hao Yun.
Episodes: 7 seasons (2015 – 2022, with a hiatus), ~12 – 15 episodes each.
Where to Watch: Originally on Hubei TV; later seasons on Mango TV. Many episodes (with English fansubs) are on YouTube.
Singer (formerly known as I Am a Singer) is a prestigious music competition where professional singers (both Chinese and international) compete week after week with show-stopping live performances. Think of it as a high-stakes vocal showdown: each week, contestants deliver powerful renditions of songs, and live audiences vote, with eliminations and surprise challengers entering as the season progresses. The 2024 edition, after a four-year hiatus, was especially buzzworthy for its all-live format – unlike most Chinese TV shows, nothing was pre-taped or auto-tuned, which fans loved. The show dominated social media; over 14,400 hashtags related to Singer 2024 trended, and every episode topped ratings in its time slot. Singer combines the thrill of competition with truly top-tier music – one week you’ll hear a Mandarin pop classic, the next an English rock anthem. The emotional investment is real, but so is the entertainment, as these divas and rockers sometimes step out of their comfort zones (leading to surprises, good and bad!).
Notable Contestants: Over the years: Jessie J (who won in 2018), Dimash Kudaibergen (Kazakh singer), Tia Ray, GEM, Hua Chenyu, etc. In Singer 2024: Na Ying, Chante Moore, Faouzia, Tan Weiwei, Sun Nan, among others.
Episodes: 9 seasons (2013 – 2020 as I Am a Singer; revival as Singer 2024). Singer 2024 had 12 episodes (plus finale).
Where to Watch: Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV (streaming). Many performances are on YouTube; full episodes on MangoTV app (some with subs).
A music reality show with a twist – Infinity and Beyond (Season 4 aired in late 2024) is all about celebrating Cantonese pop music heritage. Ten groups of singers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao come together to perform iconic Cantonese songs, both classics and modern hits. It’s part competition, part tribute concert. Beyond just singing, the show takes viewers on a cultural journey: episodes include segments where artists visit famous Hong Kong and Macao landmarks and reflect on the history behind the music. For example, one standout performance had stars like Joey Yung and Fiona Sit leading the audience in a nostalgic singalong of “The Bund”, a classic Cantonese tune – a moment that went viral on Douyin (China’s TikTok) as fans were hit with waves of nostalgia. Infinity and Beyond is a feast for music lovers, especially those who appreciate Cantopop legends.
Cast/Artists: Season 4 featured Joey Yung, Janice Vidal, Fiona Sit (from Hong Kong), alongside mainland singers like Li Jian, Hacken Lee, etc. The lineup changes each season, but always includes a mix of veteran Cantopop singers and younger artists.
Episodes: 4 seasons (2022–2024). Season 4 had around 12 episodes, airing weekly.
Where to Watch: Mango TV (streaming) and Hunan TV. Some performances are on YouTube via MangoTV Official.
The Chinese adaptation of the global “Voice” franchise, The Voice of China is a blockbuster singing competition where unknown vocal talents audition for celebrity coaches with their backs turned. When it premiered in 2012, it shattered ratings records and became the most popular show of the year. The format is familiar: blind auditions (if a coach likes the voice, they hit a button to turn around), battle rounds, and live finals. What made Voice of China special was its ability to captivate millions of viewers each season with emotional backstories and truly impressive voices. It turned ordinary people into stars overnight. At its peak, the finale filled stadiums, and the show achieved a national viewership share unprecedented for a talent show. Coaches like Na Ying, Jay Chou, Wang Feng, and Li Ronghao have lent star power and often humorous banter to the series. For a mix of touching moments and thrilling vocal battles, The Voice of China remains a classic.
Coaches: Over the years – Na Ying, Harlem Yu, Yang Kun, Wang Feng, Jay Chou, Eason Chan, Li Ronghao, Nicholas Tse, etc. Coaches change each season, usually four to five big names.
Episodes: 6 main seasons as “Voice of China” (2012 – 2017), then continued as “China’s New Voice” or other names through the 2020s. Each season ~12 – 15 episodes (including finale).
Where to Watch: Zhejiang TV; episodes and highlights are widely available online (YouTube, etc., some unofficial). Early seasons have English-subbed clips circulating.
In 2017, The Rap of China exploded onto the scene and propelled the underground Chinese hip-hop culture into the limelight. This iQIYI-produced reality show is a rap competition loosely akin to Korea’s “Show Me the Money.” Aspiring rappers from all over China (and beyond) audition with original verses, and those who pass face various rap battles and production challenges, judged by superstar rap mentors like Kris Wu, Wilber Pan, and Hotdog. The show skyrocketed in popularity, drawing 1.3 billion online views in just over a month during its first season. For many Chinese viewers, it was their first exposure to real hip-hop music and street culture. Iconic moments (and memes) were born, from catchphrases like “Can you freestyle?” to the rise of champions PG One and GAI. By making rap a hot topic, the show spawned a new generation of rap fans and brought slang like “skr skr” into everyday conversation.
Judges/Mentors: Season 1 – Kris Wu, MC Hotdog, Zhang Zhenyue, and潘玮柏 (Wilber Pan). Later seasons saw Jessey (GAI), JJ Lin, Chris Lee (Li Yuchun), etc.
Episodes: 5 seasons (2017–2020 under various titles), around 10–14 episodes each.
Where to Watch: iQIYI
This thrilling competition showcases some of the best street dancers from China and around the world. Four celebrity “captains” (often popular idol-actors known for dance, like Yibo, Jackson Yee, Han Geng, Lay Zhang, etc.) each recruit a team of skilled dancers. These crews then battle through jaw-dropping dance performances – from hip-hop and popping to breaking and waacking – all striving to be the last team (and dancer) standing. Street Dance of China is lauded as one of the best shows in Mandarin by fans because it not only delivers incredible dance routines but also dives into dance subcultures and even regional styles (like incorporating Chinese ethnic dance elements). The captains’ interactions are a show in themselves – they hype up their teams, engage in friendly rivalries, and sometimes even join the performances. With high production value, each battle feels like a concert-meets-dance film.
Captains: Season 1 (2018): Yi Yangqianxi (Jackson Yee), Han Geng, Huang Zitao, Show Luo. Later seasons included Wang Yibo, Lay Zhang (Zhang Yixing), Jackson Wang, etc.
Episodes: 5 seasons (2018 – 2022), around 10 – 12 episodes each.
Where to Watch: Youku
This sensational show takes around 30 female celebrities – all over 30 years old, from actresses to singers – and has them undergo a pop idol survival competition to debut in a new girl group. It’s a refreshing twist on the youth-obsessed idol format, giving established stars (some of whom were huge in their heyday) a second shot at the spotlight. Throughout the show, these women train, form temporary groups, and perform elaborate song-and-dance numbers. They’re judged by a panel and live audience votes, with periodic eliminations until a final “debut” group of 5 – 7 “sisters” is formed. Sisters Who Make Waves became a cultural phenomenon in China when Season 1 aired in 2020 – it was empowering, dramatic, and highly entertaining. You’d be thrilled to see talented icons like Ning Jing, Na Ying, and Cyndi Wang prove that age is just a number as they mastered new choreography and styles.
Cast (Season 1 example): Ning Jing, Wan Qian, Meng Jia, Li Sidani, Zhang Yuqi, etc. (Season 1 final group: Xilinna Yi, Meng Jia, etc.). Seasons 2 and 3 featured names like Na Ying, Rainie Yang, Twins (Gillian & Sa), Cyndi Wang (who went viral again in S3), Jessica Jung, etc.
Episodes: 4 seasons (2020–2023), ~12 episodes each (plus finals).
Where to Watch: Mango TV
Essentially the male counterpart of Sisters Who Make Waves, this show gathers a large group of male celebrities (age 30 and above, from singers to actors and even sports stars) to form a new “boy band.” Over the course of the show, these brothers collaborate in units to deliver musical stage performances – ranging from rock band sets to dance pop numbers – and get evaluated by audience votes and judges. The competition gradually eliminates members until a final “fire” group debuts. Call Me By Fire has a similar structure of training and performances, but the dynamics differ: you’ll see bromance, mid-life self-discovery, and sometimes very humorous mid-career crises moments (like guys playfully lamenting having to re-learn tough choreography at their age!). What makes it compelling is the mix of personalities: you might have 90s Hong Kong superstars sharing a stage with 2000s Taiwanese idols and mainland rockers, all learning from each other. The show often trends on social media for rekindling fans’ love for these “brothers” and for the surprisingly high-production stages.
Cast (Season 1 example): Jerry Yan, Jordan Chan, Nick Cheung, Lee Seung-hyun (Korean star), Ayunga, Hu Haiquan, etc. (33 men participated). Season 2 included Ren Xianqi, Su Youpeng, Wilber Pan, etc.
Episodes: 3 seasons (2021–2023), about 13 episodes each season.
Where to Watch: Mango TV
This is a reality competition for stand-up comedians, produced by Tencent Video, that became a breakout hit in 2024. Imagine a comedy festival turned into a reality show: over 50 comedians – a mix of well-known pros and up-and-coming jokers – compete with their best stand-up sets in themed rounds. It’s laughter galore as each episode features multiple short stand-up routines, judged by audience laughter and panel feedback, until a champion is crowned. Stand-up Comedy and Friends (a special season of the series known as Rock & Roast) delighted audiences by introducing many new comic voices. Notably, the season brought in newcomers like the Manzai Brothers (Xu Haolun & Tan Xiangwen), a duo who ended up winning the championship with their absurd, rapid-fire two-man act (manzai). Veterans like Xu Zhisheng and Hu Lan – already popular from previous comedy competitions – also returned, ensuring high-quality laughs.
Contestants: Over 50 comedians participated. Famous names: Xu Zhisheng, Hu Lan, Pang Bo, etc. New faces: Manzai Brothers duo, “Doctor” Xiaoyu (a med student-turned-comedian)
Episodes: 1 season (2024) – 10 episodes in the “Friends” edition. (Previous Rock & Roast seasons 1 -5 from 2017 – 2022 set the stage for this special season.)
Where to Watch: Tencent Video
This 2024 competition was a treat for comedy fans, as it was initiated by none other than Stephen Chow, Hong Kong’s comedy film legend. The King of Stand-up Comedy gathers over 40 comedians, particularly grassroots stand-up comics and sketch performers, to battle for the title of “King of Comedy.” Spanning ten episodes, contestants went through six intense rounds of performances, touching on relatable real-life topics like generational gaps, marriage woes, and workplace stress. What makes this show stand out is the variety of comedic styles: from traditional stand-up monologues to skits with exaggerated physical comedy.
Contestants: Fu Hang (Champion), plus comedians like Qiu Rui, Li Xin, and many others from comedy clubs across China.
Episodes: 1 season (2024), 10 episodes (with multiple rounds in each)chinadaily.com.cn.
Where to Watch: iQIYI
This entry represents the wave of Chinese idol survival shows that took the internet by storm in the late 2010s. Hundreds of young trainees (mostly teens and early 20s, male or female depending on the season) compete over several months to debut in a new pop idol group. They sing, dance, rap, and undergo rigorous training, while viewers vote for their favourites. The two biggest series were iQIYI’s Idol Producer (2018) followed by Youth With You (2019–2021) for boy and girl groups, and Tencent’s Produce 101 China/Produce Camp (创造营) in parallel. These shows are less about established stars and more about witnessing raw newcomers grow, which brings its own kind of comedy and charm. You’ll see awkward moments (off-key singing, forgotten choreography) turn into impressive final stages as the trainees improve. There’s also plenty of meme-able content: funny dormitory interactions, trainees doing absurd challenges in variety segments, and the sometimes brutally honest critiques from celebrity mentors (like Lisa from BLACKPINK on Youth With You 2). By the end, the winners debut in hit groups (e.g., Nine Percent, THE9, INTO1) – but honestly, many fans tune in more for the journey than the destination.
Notable Trainees: Cai Xukun (centre of Nine Percent from Idol Producer 2018), the members of UNINE, THE9 (from Youth With You 2 – Liu Yuxin, Yu Shuxin, etc.), the international mix of INTO1 (from Produce Camp 2021 – including Thailand’s Nine, Japan’s Santa).
Episodes: Each season ~12 episodes plus finale. Idol Producer (2018) 1 season; Youth With You had 3 seasons (2019, 2020, 2021); Produce Camp had 4 seasons (2018 – 2021).
Where to Watch: iQIYI (for Idol Producer/Youth) and Tencent/WeTV (for Produce Camp).
Adapted from the “Got Talent” franchise, this show features ordinary people showcasing extraordinary (or sometimes bizarre) talents. Singers, dancers, magicians, acrobats, comedians, and more take the stage to impress a panel of celebrity judges and the live audience. China’s Got Talent was most active in the early 2010s and produced some viral acts – like a 7-year-old girl doing Michael Jackson moves or a disabled pianist who moved the nation. It’s not specifically a comedy show, but plenty of novelty acts bring laughter (think grandparents doing hip-hop, or a man solving a Rubik’s cube while balancing on a unicycle). The charm is in the unpredictability: you truly never know what talent (or lack thereof) will come out when a contestant walks on. While the format is familiar globally, seeing local Chinese acts (including ethnic minority performers, kung fu kids, etc.) gives it a unique flavour.
Judges/Hosts: Varies by season. Past judges include Zhou Libo, Zhao Benshan, Taiwanese singer Annie Yi, actress Liu Yan, Jay Chou (guest), etc. Hosts have included Cheng Lei and others.
Episodes: 7 seasons (2010 – 2013 on Dragon TV, revived later on Jiangsu TV).
Where to Watch: Dragon TV and Jiangsu TV archives; various acts available on YouTube and Youku.
This is China’s take on the hit Masked Singer format. Celebrities (singers, actors, hosts, etc.) perform hit songs on stage while wearing elaborate head-to-toe costumes and masks to conceal their identity. A panel of celebrity detectives and the audience try to guess “Who is the singer under the mask?” based on voice and clues. The fun lies in the outrageous disguises and the guessing game – you might have a singer dressed as a giant pineapple belting out a classic ballad, leaving everyone guessing if it’s a rock star or a comedian in there. The Chinese version is titled 蒙面唱将猜猜猜 (“Masked Singer, Guess Guess Guess”) to emphasise the guessing aspect. It led to lots of online chatter each week with viewers forming “detective teams” on Weibo to share clues.
Notable Identities: Some revealed singers across seasons include: Wang Leehom (as “King of Mask Singer”), Angela Zhang, Joker Xue, Gao Xiaosong (who disguised his non-singer voice well), and even some non-singers like TV host Sa Beining in a surprise turn.
Episodes: 5 seasons (2015 – 2019) on Jiangsu TV, ~10 episodes each.|
Where to Watch: Jiangsu TV; many performances and reveals on YouTube (often labelled “Masked Singer China” by fans).
One of China’s most unique competition shows, Super Brain gathers geniuses and prodigies to tackle spectacular mental challenges. Contestants include math whizzes, memory masters, puzzle solvers, and other “brain athletes.” They face tasks like memorising hundreds of faces, doing lightning-fast mental arithmetic, solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, or even more eccentric feats (like distinguishing classical music pieces by a single note). The show gamifies intelligence, making typically nerdy skills into edge-of-your-seat entertainment. It’s fascinating to watch, and the producers cleverly present each challenge with visual flair and dramatic build-up. There’s definitely humour in how Super Brain is staged: the intense sports-like commentary on someone calculating pi, or the quirky personalities of contestants (some are adorably bookish, others surprisingly charismatic showmen). Judges and guest stars (like Jay Chou in early seasons) add commentary and occasionally attempt challenges for fun (usually failing comically, to viewers’ delight). The show even pits China’s team against international teams in later seasons, creating a World Cup of brains.
Cast: Not fixed – features different contestants every episode/season. Host Jiang Changjian anchors the show. Judges have included scientists and celebrities like pianist Li Yundi or actress Zhang Ziyi (who was on a celebrity special).
Episodes: 8 seasons (2014 – 2021) on Jiangsu TV. Each season ~10 episodes, including tryouts and finals.
Where to Watch: Jiangsu TV
This 2022 show put a spotlight on China’s vibrant street dance scene, focusing on all-female dance teams. Think Street Dance of China meets Girl Group vibes: dozens of talented women dancers formed crews under celebrity mentors (like former Miss A member Wang Feifei and singer Cheng Xiao) and battled in dance-offs each week. The crews had to choreograph performances across styles – hip-hop, waacking, jazz, urban choreography – often with creative themes and props. Great Dance Crew delivered on intense dance action, but it also had the reality element of showing how these dancers train and bond (or sometimes clash). This show also stood out for its empowering portrayal of female dancers as both fierce and supportive – a lot of sisterhood and mutual hype in the practice room segments, contrasted with fiery competition on stage.
Cast: Dance mentors: Wang Feifei, Cheng Xiao, Kyulkyung (Zhou Jieqiong), and Lu Keran. Contestants: around 100 female dancers from various crews and schools, whittled down through the show to a final crew.
Episodes: 1 season (2022), 10 episodes.
Where to Watch: iQIYI
Rounding off our list with more laughter, Top Funny Comedian is a competition for sketch comedy troupes and comic actors. Each week, competing teams (or individuals) perform original comedy skits, ranging from slapstick and farce to satire and parody. It’s essentially a laugh factory – if you enjoy Saturday Night Live or variety show skits, this is similar, but in a contest format. Many of China’s well-known comedians have participated in or emerged from this show. Contestants are often professional xiangsheng (crosstalk) comedians, sitcom actors, or apprentices of famous comedy masters. The acts can be pretty wild: one might be a period-costume parody of Game of Thrones set in ancient China; another a modern office comedy with absurd twists. Judges and live audiences vote, eliminating acts until a “King of Comedy” is crowned for the season. The program has delivered classic sketches that went viral on Chinese social media for their wit and hilarity. It’s also known for emotional moments when veteran comedians talk about keeping the art of comedy alive. But mostly, it’s a belly-laugh marathon – with different styles like musical comedy, prop comedy, and even clowning featured.
Contestants: Various famous comedy troupes (e.g., Happy Twist team, Liaoning Folk Art Troupe members) and solo comedians like Song Xiaobao, Jia Ling, Shen Teng (who won Season 1) have graced the stage.
Episodes: 7 seasons (2015 – 2021) on Dragon TV, around 12 episodes each.
Where to Watch: Dragon TV; many iconic sketches can be found on YouTube/Bilibili.
This is China’s most famous dating show, known for its brutally honest and often hilarious interactions. On each episode, a single male contestant faces a panel of 24 single women. Through a series of introductions, Q&As, and sometimes quirky talent demonstrations, the women decide whether to keep their lights on (interested) or turn them off (not interested) for the ma. The goal is for the man to end up with one woman willing to date him – otherwise, he “leaves alone.” What makes If You Are The One so entertaining is the frank commentary: the female participants do not hold back with their opinions, sometimes delivering savage one-liners about the guy’s job, looks, or habits. Likewise, the men’s pickup lines or personal revelations can be unintentionally comical. Host Meng Fei anchors the show with deadpan humour and famous catchphrases. At its peak, this show was a cultural phenomenon with up to 50 million viewers per episode, making it one of the most-watched shows in China.
Host: Meng Fei (with his signature bald head and witty moderating). He’s joined by expert commentators (earlier by Le Jia and Huang Han, who provided psychological insight, later by others).
Episodes: Running since 2010, with 1000+ episodes. The format has seen minor changes, but the core concept remains.
Where to Watch: Jiangsu TV (weekly). It’s also aired with English subtitles in Australia on SBS due to its popularity. Many subtitled clips are on YouTube.
Inspired by a Korean show of the same name, Heart Signal places a group of single young men and women in a swanky house together for a month. They live, cook, and go on dates – with one big rule: they can’t directly confess their feelings to each other during the show. Instead, each night they send an anonymous “heart signal” text to someone they’re interested in. A panel of celebrity “love observers” (including actors, pop stars, and a psychologist) watches the house footage and tries to predict who will text whom and which couples will form. The fun lies in the guessing game and the panel’s commentary – they joke, swoon, and sometimes hilariously over-analyse every glance and gesture of the housemates. Heart Signal became the standard-bearer of modern Chinese dating shows, especially for the urban Gen-Z audience, thanks to its polished production and relatable cast. There’s plenty of charming, awkward, and heart-fluttering moments as the housemates navigate love triangles or shy crushes. It’s more about emotional suspense than outright comedy, but the panel (often featuring funny personalities like Rainie Yang or Du Haitao) provides lighthearted humour with their reactions and friendly banter.
Panellists: Different each season. Notables include Victoria Song, Rainie Yang, Jerry Yan, Angelababy, Du Haitao, etc., plus relationship experts.
Housemates: Every season has 8 to 12 participants (equal men and women), generally attractive professionals in their 20s. No “cast” continuity between seasons.
Episodes: 7 seasons (2018 – 2024), ~10 episodes each, plus reunion.
Where to Watch: Tencent Video (WeTV)
A Chinese adaptation of Korea’s We Got Married, this show pairs up celebrities to act as “virtual couples” going on dates and experiencing relationship milestones. Essentially, you get to watch famous stars in sweet, scripted-but-spontaneous dating scenarios – from cooking together to travelling – and pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend for the season. Each couple has its own storyline per episode, and their interactions range from genuinely touching to adorably awkward (since many have never met before being “married” on the show). A panel of hosts provides humorous commentary while watching a couple of segments, teasing out any romantic tension or funny moments. We Are In Love gained popularity with headline-making pairings: for instance, Korean actor Choi Siwon was matched with Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, which drew huge interest across Asia. Another season saw actress Song Ji-hyo with actor Chen Bolin, bringing a cross-cultural fanbase.
Couples: Season 1 (2015) featured Liu Wen & Siwon, actor Kimi Qiao & actress Xu Lu, singer Jing Boran & actress Ni Ni. Season 2 (2016) had Song Ji-hyo & Chen Bolin, etc.
Episodes: 3 seasons (2015 – 2017), around 12 episodes each.
Where to Watch: Jiangsu TV
A group of celebrity detectives enters a fully themed “crime scene” each episode – complete with actors, clues, and a backstory – to solve a fictitious murder case. Each star plays a character (with costumes and all), and one of them is secretly the “murderer.” Through investigating evidence, interrogating each other, and role-playing, they must deduce the culprit by the episode’s end. Who’s the Murderer is an ingenious blend of Clue-like mystery, escape room puzzles, and improv comedy from the cast. It’s wildly popular among young audiences, known for its intricate case plots and the hilarious interactions between players. Since its first season in 2016, Who’s the Murderer has consistently scored high ratings (Season 1 holds 9.3/10 on Douban with over 110k reviews) and has been credited with sparking China’s boom in LARP (live-action role-play) murder mystery games.
Cast: Rotational. Regular players include He Jiong, Sa Beining (TV host with sharp logic), Zhang Ruoyun, Yang Mi, Wei Daxun, Bai Jingting, etc. Guests vary by case.
Episodes: 8 seasons (2016 – 2022), ~12 cases per season.
Where to Watch: Mango TV
This thrilling reality game traps a team of celebrities in elaborate escape-room scenarios where they must find clues, solve puzzles, and “escape” within a time limit. Each room is like a mini movie set – Season 5, for example, took players through a series of immersive escape rooms with themes ranging from haunted hotels to ancient tombs. The cast (which often includes big names like Yang Mi, Deng Lun, Justin Huang, etc.) must work together under pressure, which leads to moments both tense and hilarious. You’ll see them crawling through tunnels, screaming at jump scares, or facepalming at each other for overlooking a clue. The Great Escape is as close as you get to a real-life adventure video game on TV. It’s entertaining to watch clever members shine with logic and goofy members accidentally trip secret doors by clumsiness. The production spares no effort: special effects, actors in costume as “NPCs” that interact with the players, and storylines that progress across episodes. Viewers love the show for its suspense and the genuine reactions of the stars (some keep remarkably cool, others totally panic – all in good fun).
Cast: Core players have included Yang Mi, Allen Deng (Deng Lun), Wowkie Zhang, Justin Huang, Zhang Guowei, and more – varying by season. They typically keep a stable team through a season to build chemistry.
Episodes: 6 seasons (2019 – 2024). Season 5 in 2023 had 13 episodes.
Where to Watch: Mango TV (select seasons on iQIYI internationally)
Chinese variety shows offer a rich mix of entertainment that suits every mood – from hilarious game segments to heartfelt stories and thrilling talent battles. Their real appeal lies in the genuine emotions and vibrant personalities that bring each show to life, making you laugh, cheer, and connect with modern Chinese culture in a fun way. If you’re craving more, dive into the best Chinese dramas for captivating stories, explore unique Chinese perfume brands to experience cultural elegance, or snack on the best Chinese snacks to complete your entertainment night.
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