Year-ender: Hit Chinese variety shows in 2024

The King of Stand-up Comedy

The King of Stand-up Comedy debuted on iQIYI on Aug 16, 2024, aiming to provide grassroots comedians with a larger stage to share their humorous observations on life.

Initiated by famed Hong Kong film star and director Stephen Chow, the series brought together more than 40 comedians competing for the title of "King of Comedy". Over six intense rounds in ten episodes, contestants showcased their comedic talents, touching on real-world topics such as generational divides, marriage, workplace struggles and employment challenges.

Champion Fu Hang was known for his unique style, characterized by exaggerated body movements and deliver. His iconic, thunderous cry of "Passion!" became a viral sensation, captivating both online and offline audiences. In the finale, Fu shared his outlook on life, using his own experiences to convey a powerful message: be true to oneself - everyone is the protagonist of their own story.

Each comedian's performance contributed to the show's success, making it one of the most popular comedy programs of 2024. Enlightent data shows that The King of Stand-up Comedy achieved 470 million views on iQIYI in 2024.