Chinese Varieties Worth Watching

Although its predecessor "Sisters Who Makes Waves" demonstrated the unique allure, talent, and charisma from veteran Jie Jies, the Ge Ges in "Call Me By Fire" has better overall stages and the show has a greater focus on the relationships between the Ge Ges as they all live in one building.

In today's society, divorce rates are at an all time high.  In order to curb impulsive divorces, China recently established a "Cooling Off Period" where a couple filing for divorce needs to wait a period of 30 days before their papers are finalized. This show looks into the lives of 3 couples: one couple considering a divorce; another currently in their Cooling Off Period; and another pair that has divorced for a year. They travel together in XinJiang for 18 days as they contemplate their relationships and their futures. Very unique and heartfelt. Bring tissues.

Currently has 6 aired seasons and counting. The premise is a murder mystery with role-playing components. One "player" acts as the detective, another as the murder, and the others as innocent characters. Only the murder can lie. 

Currently has 3 seasons and counting. Each episode has a different theme but revolves around the cast escaping a building. Think escape rooms but bigger, often with NPCs, and sometimes (most times) scary. Some of the cast are just terrible with the scary which makes it more fun.

A refreshing alternative to normal dating shows. This group of young university graduates are on their graduation trip. They are looking to have fun, make memories, and maybe find love. But first comes friendship.

Zhang Han and Hua Hua, the little brothers, acts as tour guide and assistant on a trip to Italy and Spain with 5 older sisters. A down-to-earth and truthful reality show. There is no drama. Everyone gets along even with their drastically different personalities which makes for interesting interactions. Season 2 and 3 have a younger cast.

Currently has 9 aired seasons and counting. One of the cementing variety shows that brought interest in the genre into the Chinese market. Adapted from the Korean variety show "Running Man".

Currently 7 aired seasons and counting. The cast doesn't care for their image as they give it their all to become the winner of the episode. All things go in life and you make your own rules. Poor Lay having to learn the ways of life from the older, more experienced, and more shrewd older brothers. One of the shows I would truly believe is unscripted because no writer would dare to write some stuff that happens in this show.

The OG variety show everyone grew up with. The MCs are household names and the guests that go on the show are considered to have "made it" in the entertainment circle. 

Currently 4 seasons and counting. Many different types of dancers (not just street dance) gets separated into different camps led by Captains and face off with each other in battles. Recent seasons also bring in international dancers from around the world, demonstrating that dance is an expression that transcends languages.

The girl group version of Idol Producer. No evil editing and the drama/selling-point is the girls getting along too well. Lots of talent and lots of good memorable stages.

Currently 5 seasons and counting. The cast escape from the city and live in the country side where they take part in farming and daily work. Each episode has different guests with varying requests.

The show that started the craze for domestic idols (rather than Korean). Some of the trainees have now become more popular than some of the mentors.

Currently 4 aired seasons and 1 spin-off and counting. The show to demonstrate the rising hip-hop and underground rap scene in China. Based off of Korean show "Show Me The Money"