Summary of Key Points
The new variety show “Open for Business” stopped filming just 4 days after its launch due to a break in the funding chain, highlighting multiple challenges facing the current variety industry: the market has entered a period of decline, with established IPs (such as the “Comprehensive N-generation” series) monopolizing resources; it’s difficult for mid-to-lower-tier new shows to attract investors and their finances are unstable; brand advertising is increasingly concentrated on top-tier shows, shifting budgets towards short videos; there is a lack of content innovation, making it hard for new programs to stand out; as a result, the industry’s space for growth is being squeezed, and the environment for innovation is deteriorating.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Financial Dilemma of New Variety Shows
The cancellation of “Open for Business” is not an isolated case. Many shows start with financial issues: artists agree to film without receiving their salaries, and when the partners fail to pay on time, it leads to the departure of staff and the removal of equipment, effectively bringing the show to a halt. This reflects a common phenomenon in the industry. Over the past two years, many projects have tried to fund themselves while filming, starting production before securing enough funding, shifting the risks to later stages. However, with slower fundraising by platforms and longer decision-making cycles for brands, new shows struggle to obtain additional funds quickly. Once the initial budget is exhausted, they are forced to stop. It’s like building a house without sufficient funding; if the money runs out halfway, the project fails.
2. Dominance of Established IPs
The current variety market is dominated by well-known shows. By 2025, there will be almost no new programs in the top 20 nationwide; most will be recurring “Comprehensive N-generation” series like “Run, Run!” and “Great Detective.” Why? Platforms prefer established shows because they have proven processes, a loyal audience base, and historical data supporting their success, reducing risks. New shows have to test everything—whether the guests will work well together or whether the content will be popular—and platforms are hesitant to take chances. As a result, established IPs get most of the resources, leaving new shows with limited opportunities to make mistakes and even less chance of being remembered by viewers.
3. The “Siphoning Effect” of Advertising
Advertisers are increasingly focusing their money on a few top-tier variety shows. In 2026, S+ level shows (such as “Dear Inn 2026”) can secure seven sponsors, while many mid-to-lower-tier programs (like “My Friends and I’s Vacation”) have none and must broadcast on their own dime. Moreover, the cost of sponsoring these top-tier shows has decreased—what used to require 50 million now might only need 20 million, or even 10 million will do. However, brands still prefer to invest in platforms like TikTok and REDnote, where they can see direct sales conversions, providing greater control. Without sponsorship, mid-to-lower-tier shows have no budget for quality production or promotion, leading to a vicious cycle of poor performance and further lack of funding.
4. Lack of Innovation
There is a decline in innovation among new variety shows. Less than 15% of the newly planned programs in 2025 feature innovative formats; most follow familiar patterns like “celebrities playing games” or “traveling and falling in love.” Producers are risk-averse, resulting in 59 fewer new shows released compared to last year. New shows have two options: either rely on big stars and platform support to break into the top tier or try to differentiate with low-cost approaches (e.g., niche themes or unique formats) to prove their worth before growing. Otherwise, most are eliminated at the planning, funding, or production stages. The failure of “Open for Business” signals that the conditions for such experimental shows are worsening.
5. A Warning for the Industry
The cancellation of “Open for Business” is not the end; it’s a warning. As funds, traffic, and attention concentrate on a few top-tier projects, the industry’s ability to innovate is being eroded. If this trend continues, more shows may stop at the launch stage. The industry needs to reconsider how to create space for new content to avoid a vicious cycle where established IPs rely on their past success, new shows struggle to emerge, and overall vitality declines.
This analysis breaks down the core issues in the variety industry in simple language, making it understandable even for non-professionals.