Tucao Dahui (Photo : TencentVideo/YouTube)
More online TV program producers in China are discovering that vulgar shows are attracting millions of Chinese viewers. One example is “Tucao Dahui,” which took off from the “Comedy Central Roast” specials in the U.S.
Two weeks after the show debuted, it had garnered 150 million clicks, Shanghai Daily reported. Other online TV shows that get high viewership are “Hello Goddess” and “The Battle of the Singles” which critics described as dumb and vulgar.
Bad Taste Shows Get Viewers
China has 632 million Internet users, and to get a bigger slice of the online TV audience, some producers observed that it is shows with bad taste that get the most online viewers. Although many netizens admit most of the online TV show content are meaningless, they still nevertheless watch the programs to while away time or watch while doing other things such as doing the homework or reading a book.
When “Tucao Dahui” aired its pilot episode in June 2016, a middle-aged actress who is known for mother roles in Chinese films made a lot of lewd remarks and images. As a result, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television ordered the show pulled out. However, “Tucao Dahui” was allowed to go back on air but the content was toned down which turned off some viewers.
Another popular show is “The Battle of the Singles.” It is a reality show in which 100 unmarried men and 100 single women seek true love by participating in competitive games. Participants are known for showing suggestive behavior and forming an alliance so they can stay longer and have higher chances of winning 100,000 yuan and a participant.
24/7 Contestants
In late June, “Hello Goddess” premiered as a live streaming show hosted by Wang Sicong, the son of Wang Jianlin, the richest man in China and founder of the Dalian Wanda Group. As headmaster, Wang Sicong trains female contestants who live under the camera 24/7 to become goddesses, MSN reported. There is audience participation since the viewers could pay for the daily needs of the contestants or trigger weapons such as clipping beds or guns filled with cream.
The target of the online TV shows is the 16- to 28-year-old age group who are always seeking new content.
