Summary of Key Points
After the finale of "Dear Inn 4," Wang Hedi's comment, "I really felt uncomfortable," unexpectedly became a hot topic, giving rise to what we might call "Uncomfortable Studies." This incident reflects a broader set of issues in the variety show industry: the overgrowth of "variety show studies" (which have shifted from meaningful discussions to mere entertainment), the crisis of trust in the concept of "group image studies" (where artificially created positivity is questioned by viewers), and the lack of leaders or figures who can maintain order within the shows. In fact, audiences have long been uncomfortable with these phenomena.
1. How Did "Uncomfortable Studies" Come About?
The popularity of Wang Hedi's statement is a prime example of the "post-fermentation" strategy in variety show topics:
- The Incident: After the finale, he suddenly mentioned feeling uncomfortable during the show, giving the otherwise mundane program a sense of drama. Fans began to delve into various moments from the show, such as Wu Zelin being criticized for cooking rice poorly despite working tirelessly in the kitchen, leading them to question whether Wang Hedi was the real victim. More details were uncovered, further fueling the discussion.
- Traffic Boost: Data from Maoyan shows that the program's popularity increased even after the episode was released, indicating that a single comment from a popular celebrity can easily spark conversation.
- Continuing a Trend: This is in line with previous examples like Huang Lei's "poor bean sprouts" incident in "Aspirations of Life" and the "embarrassing nine minutes" in "Peach Blossom Grove 2," where celebrities' actions, coupled with fans' scrutiny and edited footage, created widespread discussion. However, Wang Hedi's case seems more like a post-facto complaint, lacking any real value in resolving the issue.
2. The Overgrowth of "Variety Show Studies": From Meaningful Discussions to Entertainment
Early forms of "variety show studies" were more substantial:
- Classic Examples: "Peach Blossom Grove 2's" "embarrassing nine minutes" was successful because it realistically depicted the conflict between older and younger participants, prompting valuable discussions about how to reject unreasonable demands, earning the show a high rating of 8.2.
- The Current Trend: Nowadays, many shows focus on creating drama rather than conveying meaningful messages. For instance, "Goodbye Lover 4" featured exaggerated criticisms of Yang Ziyi's parenting style and Ma Lin's lack of emotional intelligence, focusing solely on highlighting celebrities' flaws without providing any insight.
3. The Rise and Crisis of "Group Image Studies": Audiences No Longer Believe in Artificial Positivity
"Group image studies" were once a refreshing aspect of variety shows, featuring groups working together harmoniously:
- Successful Cases: "Farm It!" and "Set Off Now" gained popularity for their authentic group dynamics and humor, even generating commercial value.
- The Current Trend: However, these efforts have often failed. For example, in "Run Men," fans exposed issues like bullying among early members and a loss of the show's original spirit. In "5 Ha," the frequent episodes led to the exploitation of a supposed "brotherly bond," which seemed staged. Audiences no longer buy into such fabricated positivity.
4. What Variety Shows Lack: Leaders Who Can Maintain Order
The key to successful variety shows is a central figure who can manage the situation and resolve conflicts:
- The Role of a Leader: A strong leader can control the show's direction and handle disagreements effectively. For example, Song Dandan in "Peach Blossom Grove 2" was able to compromise and defuse tensions, while Huang Xiaoming in "Chinese Restaurant" managed his image despite negative stereotypes.
5. Audiences Are Already Uncomfortable: A Crisis of Trust in the Industry
The proliferation of superficial content has worn down viewers' patience:
- What Audiences Want: They want to see genuine interactions and how celebrities resolve conflicts.
- Current Shows: Many rely on edited footage or scripted scenarios, making audiences feel deceived.
- Wang Hedi's incident serves as a reminder that the industry's value is declining, and viewers' trust is slipping.
In conclusion, for variety shows to be enjoyable, they need to be more authentic, accepting real conflicts and resolving them rather than avoiding them or creating artificial harmony.