Hit Chinese variety shows in 2023

7. Go For Happiness, Season 2

Go For Happiness, a reality show that took the online world by storm in 2022, has continued its success with the much-anticipated Season 2, broadcasted on Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV from December 2022 to March 2023.

The show brought together six singers: Chen Chusheng, Lu Hu, Su Xing, Wang Yuexin, Wang Zhengliang and Zhang Yuan. They embarked on a journey to places like Northeast China's Heilongjiang and South China's Hainan, immersing themselves in local life and culture and seeking inspiration for songwriting.

These singers met and became friends during the 2007 singing competition Super Boy on Hunan TV. They rose to stardom overnight. Yet they experienced the highs and lows of life over the past 15 years. Despite facing challenges, such as taking on side jobs to make ends meet, they joke about themselves as "once jobless singers who are re-employed" in this reality TV show.

The show infused humor into every aspect, from the guests to the content, resonating well with netizens. Unlike some scripted reality TV shows, Go For Happiness showcased spontaneous interactions among the participants, showcasing how their deep familiarity with one another allows them to create jokes unique to them. Chen Chusheng once said that Go For Happiness is "not a reality show, it's our real lives".