Old program, new challenges

Besides new programs, the Vietnamese entertainment market is witnessing the return of a series of game shows and television programs that were once hugely popular, such as "Meeting at the Weekend," "Dancing with the Stars," and "Solo with Bolero"... However, the appeal of these programs has not met expectations.

After nearly 20 years, "Meeting at the Weekend" unexpectedly announced its return starting in March 2025, airing every Saturday evening. This once-popular program was associated with the names of artists such as Tu Long, Xuan Bac, Quang Thang, Van Dung, Huong Tuoi… This return, alongside familiar faces, also brings together young actors like Do Duy Nam, Duy Hung… aiming to offer viewers a fresh perspective.

The return of "Weekend Meeting" shows an effort to innovate and meet audience tastes. In particular, the program has increased interaction with viewers on digital platforms, allowing people to submit their situations and stories for the production team to adapt into skits. However, this "old formula" has failed to create a buzz, and many have even reacted negatively due to limitations such as exaggerated acting, a drawn-out script, and unengaging themes…

The Dancing with the Stars competition has attempted innovation but has yet to achieve widespread success.

PHOTO: MANUFACTURER

We're in the same situation. Even after an 8-year hiatus , Dancing with the Stars couldn't create a breakthrough in the current game show market. In this comeback, the organizers made several changes to the format to increase competition among the contestants, while also exploring the stories behind each performance, including touching details and disagreements between female artists and their partners. Furthermore, the organizers went to great lengths to invite a group of beautiful Korean women to compete, but unfortunately, this couldn't "save" the show against the competition from other popular game shows .

Solo with Bolero also faced a similar situation when it reunited with its audience after a two-year hiatus. The program, which had made a name for artists like Lam Ngoc Hoa, Thu Hang, To My, Ngoc Phung, etc., could not maintain its appeal upon its return, despite gathering famous faces on the judging panel such as renowned singers Phuong Dung, Ngoc Son, and Quang Le.

Meanwhile, even after persuading My Tam to be a judge, Vietnam Idol has failed to generate significant attention since its return. The show has even faced numerous controversies regarding its results, and the winner hasn't achieved a breakthrough a year after leaving the music competition.

Opportunities come with challenges.

Media expert Le Anh Tu believes that many "once-popular" programs are making a comeback because producers see the program's impact in the audience's memory. However, innovation is necessary because, according to him: "Old programs have inherent vitality, but there must be a touch of innovation; they can't just remain the same. From the production team and staging to the comedic elements, everything must be renewed to attract viewers."

The Weekend Meet-Up show hasn't really satisfied viewers since its return.

PHOTO: MANUFACTURER

With his experience in producing television programs, director Vu Thanh Vinh believes that audience tastes are constantly changing, and if producers only follow old, familiar paths, it will be difficult to create something new and appealing for a program that viewers are already very familiar with.

Mr. Le Anh Tu assessed that the advantage of the old program is that it already has a large audience, making it easy to create appeal when it returns if done well. However, along with that, producers also face many challenges in retaining old viewers while expanding to a new audience. "For example, with young viewers, we have to figure out how to persuade them when their method of receiving information is no longer traditional television," Mr. Tu stated.

Human resources remain a key area for producers to focus on when reviving old game shows. The appeal of the judges is undeniable, but they are not the sole determining factor in a show's success. Instead, contestants who are diverse and know how to make an impression will contribute significantly to bringing the game show to viewers.

Discussing this issue, director Vu Thanh Vinh commented: "Some programs stop because they lack contestants and also need to take a break to create something new. For example, with 'Laughing Through Vietnam ,' I had to pause for a while to find good talent, because if things aren't stable, the quality will decline."

According to expert Le Anh Tu, the competition among television programs today is considerable. "For producers of older programs, it's necessary to balance and consider whether to target the existing audience or take risks to reach new viewers. We need innovation, a format that harmonizes the old with the new, trending elements, highlights new phenomena, and has marketing campaigns to spread awareness," he shared.

Source: https://archive.vietnam.vn/chuong-trinh-cu-thach-thuc-moi/