Comedy game shows are a thing of the past.

In recent years, comedy game shows on television have declined significantly, and those that remain have gone largely unnoticed. Could it be that audiences are tired of the same old jokes?

A performance from the Comedy Masterpieces show - Photo: Organizers

Once an integral part of television broadcasting, in recent years these comedy game show Traditional theater is declining significantly, giving way to imported game shows.

Comedy game shows are falling into a rut.

Back then, Hoài Linh, Việt Hương, Xuân Bắc, Tự Long, Chí Tài, Trấn Thành, Trường Giang… dominated television. Viewers could enjoy the comedic performances of these artists from North to South Vietnam simply by sitting at home.

New faces like Ngoc Phuoc, Mac Van Khoa, Le Duong Bao Lam, Vo Tan Phat… all rose to prominence from programs such as Laughing Across Vietnam, Challenge of the Comedians…

But after COVID-19, the number of comedy game shows has dropped significantly. A series of programs that were once huge hits include... Thank God You're Here, Comedy Challenge, Comedy Arena, The reunion of comedians … hasn't seen them return yet.

The rest had to change the format and invite emerging talents to participate.

For example Laughing Across Vietnam (2024) added several extended episodes of team selection to increase interaction, inserted games like candle blowing and blindfolded chicken catching, but these were not enough to attract viewers, inadvertently turning into a variety show.

Good Masterpiece of Comedy (2024), which is currently airing, also hasn't received much attention as the contestants' scripts feel awkward and lack the comedic power to be funny.

Challenging the comedian who has been absent for the past four years - Photo: HTV

Humor doesn't disappear.

However, the "humor" hasn't disappeared; it has shifted from one form to another. Humor has infiltrated or been incorporated into singing game shows. (Brother Says Hi, Brother Overcomes a Thousand Obstacles) , a game show exploring (2 days 1 night ).

Specifically in My brother says hi , Anh Tú Atus's dancing is decent, his singing isn't as good as the other guys, but he still attracts the audience with his "good looks" and the humor he brings.

Audiences laughed heartily at the comedy skits performed by Anh Tú and Quang Trung in episode 1. They even listened... Anh Tú Atus It's kind of fun to brag about our group.

The artists performed humorous skits for two days and one night - Photo: Organizing Committee

Still inside My brother overcame countless obstacles . Tu Long And Tien Luat delivered one surprise after another.

Tu Long, originally a comedian, unexpectedly became incredibly funny, earning him the nickname "people's comedian" from the audience. When he sings and waves a flag, the audience praises his coolness as "top-notch." Meanwhile, Tien Luat doesn't forget to be funny while singing, going viral across the internet.

"The decreasing number of purely comedy game shows is actually a trend. Comedy programs no longer resonate with the majority of viewers, especially young audiences," a media professional shared.

Not to mention that the same few comedians are constantly appearing, making young audiences feel bored, and some once-famous names are no longer suitable for them.

Tien Luat sings "My Love Is an Ocean" in "My Brother Overcomes a Thousand Thorns" - Photo: Organizing Committee

To maintain their appeal, not only comedies but television programs in general need to innovate, keep up with trends, and invest more in content quality.

MSc Nguyen Hoang Vu

According to Master's degree holder Nguyen Hoang Vu, a media professional, "audiences are more discerning when choosing entertainment content, tending to prefer programs that are highly interactive, humorous, and combine other entertainment elements such as music , dance, challenges, and even humanistic stories."

Two prominent imported game shows currently are: My brother overcame countless obstacles. and My brother said hi It features the participation of over 60 male players.

These programs often have dramatic rules, forcing artists to constantly reinvent their image, compete strategically, and collaborate with each other to create a quality performance in order to advance in the competition.

Behind-the-scenes stories are also explored as a way to keep audiences engaged. Through this, the public gains a better understanding of other aspects of the artists they admire.

Humor is always a necessity in life. Game shows incorporate humor to balance elements that attract viewers. But no matter how humor evolves, what audiences most look forward to is lighthearted, healing, and not over-the-top entertainment.

The more difficult and tiring life becomes, the more audiences crave humor.

However, recent comedy game shows have been weak in terms of script, actors, and contestants, making the programs both bland and ridiculous.

That is the main reason why comedy shows are increasingly losing public favor.

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