Expectations and pressures for innovation in the 2025 Tet Comedy Show.

Originally a television program produced in the genre of political drama, the Táo Quân show has become popular and carries high expectations.

Images from Táo Quân 2025. Photo: Producer

Expected

Standing in front of the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace on the evening of January 16th, Ms. Hong hurriedly inquired about the black market ticket prices from the groups of ticket scalpers scouring the spacious grounds. Ms. Hong wanted to buy a pair of tickets to take her parents to watch the Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods) recording session, as her parents are big fans of the show.

“I work for a partner company of VTV, so I was given a ticket to watch the recording on the evening of January 16th. I want to buy two more tickets to take my parents to see it. My whole family are fans of Táo Quân (the annual New Year's Eve comedy show). My parents like it because of how the program addresses hot issues in government ministries, and I like it because it brings back childhood and youth memories. Ticket prices are quite high right now, but I'll wait until after 8 PM, when the recording starts, and the prices will drop. This is a pattern I've learned after many years of watching Táo Quân,” said Ms. Hồng.

Hong's mother stood inside the lobby waiting for her daughter. At nearly 70 years old, she still expressed her joy and excitement at braving the cold wind to watch the live recording of the Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods) show. She shared with the reporter, "I really like Táo Quân. I've been watching it for many years. They create insightful scripts, weaving in humor messages about pressing issues like corruption, bribery, traffic, education , and healthcare – all of which are of great concern to the people. Watching it live like this is much more impressive than watching it on TV on New Year's Eve."

Táo Quân originated as a television drama program, airing from 2003 to the present day, and is considered a brand with a record-breaking lifespan.

Táo Quân, with its script offering an overview and summary of the past year, highlights shortcomings and unresolved issues in various ministries and departments. For many years, Táo Quân has generated satirical humor, criticizing hot topics such as corruption, bribery, traffic congestion, stalled projects, and ineffective education reforms. These relatable, everyday issues, which are of great interest to a wide audience, when conveyed through a humorous lens, have created immense appeal for the program.

Because of this, the Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods) show carries high expectations. As Meritorious Artist Chí Trung said, “After many years on air, Táo Quân has suddenly become an anti-corruption program. Táo Quân has to wear a coat that's too big for it. We – the producers – only want to create a program that brings laughter and joy, reflects on the past year, and looks forward to the coming year. We don't have any expectations; we don't think that after Táo Quân, traffic will improve or corruption will disappear. That's an impossible task. We hope viewers will watch Táo Quân with the mindset of watching a television program, with moments to laugh at, and also details to think about… that's all.”

Táo Quân 2025 What is there?

After years of facing controversies surrounding its outdated script, cast, and message, Táo Quân has struggled to innovate but has failed to regain its former appeal.

Táo Quân 2025 returns with a familiar cast of artists who have been on air for 20 years, along with many new faces. The veteran artists playing the roles of the Traffic God, Health God, and Economy God face challenges as the Heavenly Court reorganizes the "Táo garden," merging gods and streamlining personnel.

Many comical and dramatic situations arise as the veteran cast of the "Táo" show, still wanting to "hold onto their seats" and "keep their positions," frantically search for ways to avoid... retirement.

The script for the 2025 Tet Comedy Show is considered to have plenty of material for staging. Maintaining its strength in satire and criticism, the 2025 Tet Comedy Show script has highlights, biting humor, and stories for reflection.

Speaking to a reporter from Lao Dong newspaper, Meritorious Artist Chi Trung said: “We have faced controversy and pressure for many years, so we know it's very difficult to please all viewers. Some viewers will demand more innovation, while others will insist on keeping the same cast... In reality, before the audience finds it outdated, we ourselves have already realized we are outdated. Before the audience demands innovation, we ourselves have longed for innovation year after year. The production team, in every department, from scriptwriting and directing to the cast, has worked for months, rehearsing day and night, revising the script little by little, and updating it daily... Indeed, we always strive and do our best for Tao Quan; the rest belongs to the audience. I hope that Tao Quan 2025 will bring laughter and reflection to the audience tonight.” "New Year's Eve is a time for us to reflect and look forward to a better new year."

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