7.6 / 10 (based on 51 reviews)
A 2018 Chinese male group competition show, premiered on iQIYI. The trainees will have seal-offed training sessions recorded for a period of four months. On April 6, 2018, the nine highest ranked contestants debuted as NINE PERCENT.
Genre: Music, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Yixing Zhang, Ronghao Li, Jackson Wang, Jin Au-Yeung
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Shows Most Like Idol Producer (2018)
Youth with You (2019)
7.4 / 10 (based on 25 reviews)
Youth with You is a Chinese group survival show that premiered on the iQIYI video platform. Originally titled as Idol Producer 2, it is the second edition of the Chinese group survival show ‘Idol Producer’.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Bellamy, Chen Dingding, Ronghao Li, Jolin Tsai
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5 episodes
Ben Pao Ba Xiong Di (2014)
5.4 / 10 (based on 236 reviews)
None
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Chen Li, Ryan Zheng, Angelababy, Chao Deng
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
10 seasons, 121 episodes
Road to Kingdom (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 65 reviews)
Road to Kingdom is a competition in which seven of the South Korean boy groups compete in a comeback battle, where they will all release a new single on the same day to compete on music charts.
Genre: Music, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Lee Da-hee, Sung-kyu Jang, Pentagon, Onf
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 90.0-minute runtime
Chen qing ling (2019)
8.8 / 10 (based on 7188 reviews)
Two talented disciples of respectable magical clans unit during the cultivation training and through many hardships they are together.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Main Cast: Zhan Xiao, Yibo Wang, Zhuocheng Wang, Lu Xuan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 50 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Chuan wen zhong de chen qian qian (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 712 reviews)
Chen Xiao Qian, an unknown screenwriter who’s been single since birth, worked really hard and finally finished a grand drama of a heroine. It was planned to started filming, but stopped because the actor Han Ming Xing questioned a lot about the script. One day, she accidentally got stuck in her own script and turned into the third princess of Huayan city, a city where females dominate. The third princess past self was determined to marry Han Shuo, a crown prince of the enemy city despite being engaged to Pei Heng, a ministry of education. The little support role of Third Princess revises the whole play to survive and eventually develop her relationship between prince Han Shuo and Pei Heng.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Minghao Chen, Yuxi Ding, Peilun Quan, Yinghao Sheng
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
24 episodes
Produce X 101 (2019)
7.2 / 10 (based on 77 reviews)
None
Genre: Music, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Lee Dong-Wook, Yoon-Jeong Bae, Cheetah, Seok-Hoon Lee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Queendom (2019)
8 / 10 (based on 96 reviews)
Queendom is a competition in which six of the top South Korean girl groups compete in a comeback battle, where they will all release a new single on the same day and see who wins on the music charts.
Genre: Music, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Lee Da-hee, Sung-kyu Jang, Mamamoo, AOA
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 90.0-minute runtime
Crush (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 338 reviews)
Sang Wu Yan a college senior, she was an assistance at a radio station she fell in love at first sight after accidentally meeting with Su Nian Qin and later discovers that he is visually impaired.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Evan Lin, Peng Wan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
40.0-minute runtime
Chuang 2020 (2020)
6.3 / 10 (based on 34 reviews)
CHUANG 2020 is a girl group formation competition variety show series, fully dedicated to show girls’ self-confidence, bravery, striving hard work and upward vitality, energy and youth attitude.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Zitao Huang, Han Lu, Buyi Mao, Pornnappan Pornpenpipat
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 19 episodes, 120.0-minute runtime
Dream Knight (2015)
6.8 / 10 (based on 286 reviews)
After meeting her Knight (cute handsome boy played by GOT7’s JB) a girl gets to fulfill her dream of romance after the pain of her mother’s death.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Song Ha-Yoon, J.B., Jackson Wang, Mark Tuan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 13.0-minute runtime
Produce 48 (2018)
7.6 / 10 (based on 106 reviews)
Produce 48 brought together 96 girls from idol groups and entertainment companies in Japan and South Korea to form a 12-person Korean-Japanese group that would promote for two and a half years.
Genre: Music, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Hong-ki Lee, Cheetah, Yoon-Jeong Bae
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
In 2018, the television landscape witnessed the emergence of a show that would capture the hearts of millions, not just in its home country of China but across the globe. “Idol Producer” is not just another entry in the crowded field of talent shows; it’s a phenomenon that has reshaped the way we look at the creation and marketing of pop idols. This article takes a closer look at what made “Idol Producer” stand out, its impact on the entertainment industry, and why it continues to be a subject of discussion and admiration.
The Concept
At its core, “Idol Producer” is a reality TV show that follows the journey of 100 male trainees from various entertainment companies as they compete for a spot in a nine-member boy group. The show is structured around a series of challenges, performances, and eliminations, with the public serving as the ultimate judge through online voting.
What sets “Idol Producer” apart from similar talent shows is not just its scale but its approach to showcasing the trainees’ development. Viewers are given a front-row seat to the blood, sweat, and tears that go into becoming a pop idol. From grueling dance practices to vocal training and personality development, the show leaves no stone unturned.
Breaking the Mold
One of the most refreshing aspects of “Idol Producer” is how it breaks away from the cliches that have long plagued talent shows. Instead of focusing solely on the end product, the show delves into the process, making the journey as important as the destination. This approach not only humanizes the trainees, making them more relatable to the audience, but also demystifies the idol-making process.
The show also eschews the over-dramatization and sensationalism that are common in reality TV. While there are emotional moments and dramatic eliminations, they are not exaggerated for effect. This authenticity is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often relies on manufactured drama.
The Mentors
A key feature of “Idol Producer” is its panel of mentors, which includes established stars from the Chinese entertainment industry. These mentors provide guidance, critique, and support to the trainees throughout the show. Their involvement adds a layer of credibility and insight that enriches the viewing experience.
For instance, the inclusion of Lay Zhang (EXO), Jackson Wang (GOT7), and other well-known figures not only draws in fans of these artists but also ensures that the trainees receive top-notch mentorship. The mentors’ genuine interest in the trainees’ growth and their willingness to share their own experiences add depth to the show.
The Impact
“Idol Producer” has had a significant impact on both the participants and the entertainment industry as a whole. For the trainees, the show offers a platform to showcase their talents to a vast audience, potentially launching their careers. For the industry, it has proven to be a successful model for creating and marketing idol groups.
The show’s influence extends beyond the formation of the winning group, Nine Percent. It has sparked discussions about the idol training system, the role of fan voting, and the sustainability of the idol industry. Furthermore, it has inspired similar shows in China and abroad, highlighting its global appeal.
The Legacy
Despite being a product of 2018, “Idol Producer” has left an enduring legacy. The show’s format, focus on authenticity, and impact on the participants and industry continue to be points of reference and inspiration. It has shown that with the right approach, talent shows can be more than just entertainment; they can be transformative experiences that shape careers and industries.
Moreover, the success of “Idol Producer” and its winning group, Nine Percent, has demonstrated the power of fan engagement in the digital age. The show’s use of online voting and social media to involve the audience has set a new standard for interactive entertainment.
Conclusion
“Idol Producer” is more than just a blip in the history of reality TV. It’s a groundbreaking show that has challenged conventions, sparked discussions, and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. By focusing on the journey, embracing authenticity, and engaging with its audience in innovative ways, it has set a new benchmark for talent shows worldwide.
As we look back on “Idol Producer,” it’s clear that its legacy is not just in the stars it has created but in the conversations it has started. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right approach, reality TV can be both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you’re a fan of pop music, interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry, or simply looking for a show that offers something different, “Idol Producer” is worth your time.