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Knowing Bros korean drama review
Ongoing 130/460
Knowing Bros
6 people found this review helpful
by Michael Tang
Nov 13, 2017
130 of 460 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 3.5
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 3.5
Rewatch Value 3.0
In all honesty it is sort of strange to review a variety show, however, there are an excessive number of people that only watch clips of this show and rate it highly or poorly. I would like to give an in-depth analysis on why I rated this as an average show. And why certain ratings are as such:

Firstly, the strength of this show comes from two people in the cast. Kim Heechul and Lee Soogeum. That is it. Everyone else is relatively a non-factor since the dynamic between all individuals has been decided and the structure of how to treat guests or situations are relatively the same. I am not saying that if Kang Ho Dong was replaced by Yoo Jae Suk it would not make a difference because that would surely changed the entire dynamic of the show. However, the comedy and gags and pace of the show is determined by Kim Heechul interactions with guests and Lee Soogeum's comedic timing and ability. Honestly, if you told me they would replace half the members except these two than new gags would come up and new personalities and relationships would be highlighted.

Secondly, this show is build around Kang Ho Dong's personality which is loud, abrasive and often times insensitive. There are many jokes that are said that on any other show would be contraband such as divorce, gambling, alcoholism. This is refreshing in a sense that it makes everyone more human. However, it also means that the show must play on the fact that its the hosts of the "school" versus the guests that come. This can get boring because picking on female idols over and over for the same thing loses its charm after a while. And disregarding guests becomes disrespectful at times. There are moments where the hosts throw away this system and its image, however, that makes the show lose its meaning if done too frequently.

Thirdly, I will say it again, but Kim Heechul is the sole reason this show is where it is. Because giving Heechul an abrasive platform to make whatever jokes he wanted makes this show fresh. Seeing him talk down to SNSD or tell EXO and Shinee and Infinite to get lost are novel. Similarly, flirting with guests is also novel. However, there is a limit to certain things and certain things get repetitive. Making jokes about smoking is funny, but than it becomes serious after a while when you consider he could do it every episode. It would lose meaning. The main thing saving this show is Heechul's vast connections and his ability to talk and play off of them.

Fourthly, most of this show is boring. This is partly due to the hosts not treating the guests well and sometimes blatantly ignoring them. But there is also the fact that the guests are asked to introduce themselves but can't say anything that is "real." I will be honest, who cares about a spot on Jonghyun's body. I don't even care if its Seolhyun's body. Or how Momo feels about this or that. It's just not that interesting. The only interesting parts are when Heechul or someone else is able to relate and make it more interesting. The most boring parts, however, are the skits or other aspects of the show because to be honest they are not funny and do not play onto the strengths of the show which are the abrasive relationships between members and guests.

Overall, the best moments are when relationships are teased and jokes are made. However, this can get boring very quickly. Is it worth watching entire episodes again? Not really. Is it worth rewatching certain clips? Sure, just go to Youtube and you'll find compilations and categorization. Having people show off their talents is what makes things like this memorable. For example, can anyone tell me what Jonghyun and Irene did when they came? How about Davichi? No idea. Cause it is not memorable.
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