Old entertainment programs struggle to regain their former glory.

Some old entertainment programs are unexpectedly making a comeback. Despite being backed by their previous success, these programs face numerous challenges.

Instead of just performing skits as before, "Meeting at the Weekend" in 2025 (which aired on March 1st on VTV3) combines various genres such as news, documentaries, and skits.

"Old bottle, new wine"

Besides "Weekend Meeting," several previously discontinued entertainment programs have recently made a surprising comeback. While still backed by their established values, the return of these programs faces numerous challenges. In a context where entertainment habits and target audiences have changed, these programs are struggling to find ways to survive.

The "Weekend Meeting" program has returned after nearly 20 years of hiatus. (Photo provided by the producer)

Launched in 2000, "Meeting at the Weekend" was once a favorite among viewers for its refreshing laughter and sharp satirical skits. "Meeting at the Weekend" also served as a launching pad, bringing fame to artists such as Minh Vuong, Pham Bang, Van Hiep, Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh, People's Artist Xuan Bac, People's Artist Cong Ly, People's Artist Tu Long, and Van Dung… For many viewers, this program is an indispensable highlight of Vietnam Television.

"Meeting at the Weekend" in 2025 features many improvements. The first episode's content revolves around stories about cultural festivals in villages, especially superstition and the tricks used to extort money under the guise of religious activities. The program interacts directly with the audience in the studio; it closely follows current trends by "catching up" on the "blind bag tearing" game, pickleball, baby three, or using phrases like "Red Child" and "Bull Demon King"... Parody songs, a "specialty" in VTV's comedy programs, continue to appear on the "Meeting at the Weekend" stage.

• 

  Why are "older brother" shows packed with viewers while "beautiful older sister" shows are struggling? READ NOW

According to insiders, the 2025 version of "Meeting at the Weekend" will still be widely received by viewers. Its humor and ability to reflect current social trends have become the program's unique selling points, keeping television viewers engaged.

However, despite the praise, many viewers feel that "Meeting at the Weekend" is still too drawn out and lacks focus; many segments fail to provide genuine laughter. The connection between the different parts of the program is disjointed, some details are awkward, and the show is still excessively noisy…

Not as expected

Previously, the media and audiences were very excited about the return of "Dancing with the Stars" or "Vietnam Idol" after a period of hiatus.

In the 2010s, "Dancing with the Stars" was a highly popular television program about artistic ballroom dancing. The show paired Vietnamese celebrities with international dancers, who trained together, created, and delivered impressive performances for the audience.

Over its seven seasons, "Dancing with the Stars" has contributed significantly to the rise to stardom of artists such as Ngo Thanh Van, Doan Trang, Thu Minh, Yen Trang, Thu Thuy, Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, Chi Pu, Diep Lam Anh, Huong Giang, ST Son Thach, and many others. The show's stage has witnessed numerous masterful transformations by these artists, turning seemingly impossible ideas into reality.

After 8 years, "Dancing with the Stars" returned in 2024, but with a different look that was expected to be explosive. However, the show failed to make the impact it hoped for. The winner was quickly forgotten. Following the efforts of the 2024 season, the producers announced the cancellation of the 2025 season, citing "losses exceeding 10 billion VND".

"Previously, due to limited choices, entertainment programs easily attracted audiences. Today, audiences have too many choices and are intelligent enough to select programs that suit them," experts commented. To survive, the challenge for producers of older programs is how to make them as relatable as possible to today's audience.

• 

  Fans are once again going crazy trying to get tickets for the "Brother Who Overcame a Thousand Obstacles" concert . READ NOW

Returning to producing older programs, producers have focused on current events, trends, interactivity, and leveraging the power of social media, as today's audience is primarily young. Most programs utilize social media platforms to reach viewers directly. Some programs employ young actors with modern acting styles that resonate with Generation Z, and even invite foreign stars (such as Korean actors) to participate... but it seems these efforts are still insufficient.

Another reason why older shows struggle to maintain their popularity upon their return is the increasing number of new and more appealing programs being launched. If last year was the year of "Brother Says Hi" or "Brother Overcomes a Thousand Obstacles," then in 2025, "Show It All"—a popular Chinese show whose rights have been purchased for production in Vietnam—is predicted to be "unrivaled."

Many believe that the 2025 "Weekend Meeting" program has overused artificial intelligence (AI) in illustrating festivals and rural life, resulting in images that lack emotion and impact for the audience.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chuong-trinh-giai-tri-cu-kho-tim-lai-hao-quang-196250313205215697.htm