Over 10 musical talent shows have occupied TV's prime timeslots in China this summer, and on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, you have more than one to choose from.

Last year's top rated show, The Voice of China on Zhejiang TV, is still way out in front with 3.62 percent - a new record for a season premiere ever. At one point during the show, viewership reached 4.63 percent according to CSM Media Research. Another musical talent show, Super Boy on Hunan TV, was a distant second at 1.282 percent.

To prevent the homogeneous development of TV programs and to provide audiences with diversified choices, a restriction was announced on July 24.

A news release from The State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television to Xinhua stated, "Satellite broadcasters should stop investing in any new singing competition shows; shows that have already been produced, but have not yet aired, should not be aired until after the summer vacation; and the series currently being aired should be aligned with different schedules."

According to an investigation by China Youth Daily and sohu.com in May this year, although 58.3 percent of those surveyed enjoyed the singing programs, 64.7 percent thought there are too many programs of this type. Furthermore, 44 percent showed their dissatisfaction about the homogenization of the TV programs.

Catch the wave or wipe out

After seeing the great commercial success of The Voice of China last year, Chinese television producers are trying to catch the wave of singing competition programs in 2013. At least three talent shows are scheduled for Friday night with another three set for Sunday night. Other singing talent shows can be seen on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

In response to the restrictions, Qinghai TV posted a statement saying it was canceling plans to produce the talent show Blossoming Flowers, which was originally to be shown late this year.