Controversy 1: Super Gold Digger Returns Again
In the show "Love Rushes Forward", the female guest, Lou Yao, immediately made a shocking statement as soon as she stepped on stage: "Unless you are wealthy, don't bother me." However, when she saw "Leopard Brother," who claimed to earn a million yuan per month and brought along a diamond ring, property certificate, Lamborghini car key, and bachelorhood proof, her attitude completely changed. Not only did she suddenly become very interested in Leopard Brother, but she also accepted his proposal of a trial marriage and testing sexual abilities without any hesitation. Consequently, she was labeled by netizens as a "Super Gold Digger."
Controversy 2: "Experts" Also Make Shocking Statements
Since its broadcast on May 28th, the program "Love Rushes Forward" has faced criticism for its rough details. The biggest controversy revolves around Wan Feng, known as the "Radio Angry Man." As the psychological expert of this show, Wan Feng often appears with an angry expression, using sharp language that doesn't provide substantial help. Additionally, the host struggles to control the remarks of the guests on-site, leading to frequent shocking statements from both guests and experts.
Controversy 3: Are Popular Guests Used as Plants?
Despite Zhejiang TV's repeated emphasis that none of the guests on "Love Rushes Forward" are plants, doubts about their authenticity resurfaced when Luo Lei, a popular guest from "If You Are the One," appeared again on this show's stage.
[Response] "Too Refined Means Faking, We Want Raw Ecology"
A relevant person in charge of Zhejiang TV's editorial department stated that the genuine performances of the guests on-site are exactly what the program needs. Regarding the unfiltered comments from the guests, this person helplessly remarked that it is not something the production team can fully control. "As long as their words do not violate the law or current broadcasting regulations, the program cannot be responsible for anything else. If we were to refine everything, it would mean arrangements and fakery; we want raw ecology."
Regarding the audience's belief that the show follows trends, the person reiterated, "The biggest difference between this program and other matchmaking shows is its direct focus on marriage. Therefore, the hosts and guests discuss marriage-related topics extensively, making it very realistic." The person denied hiring plants to boost ratings and emphasized that Luo Lei registered to participate voluntarily, not arranged by the production team. "He actually desires a family, and our team wouldn't exclude someone just because they have participated in similar programs on other channels."
After Jiangsu Satellite TV's "If You Are the One" set a record-breaking "miracle" in viewership, similar programs quickly sprouted across various satellite channels, but their competitiveness remained limited. On May 28th, Zhejiang TV dropped a "bomb" by replacing prime-time dramas with continuous broadcasts of the matchmaking show "Love Rushes Forward" for 13 days starting from that day until June 9th. More exaggeratedly, this show aired at 21:21 and was rebroadcast after 23:00. Such a bold move naturally had its confidence, as Zhejiang TV invited Wan Feng, famous for his sharp words in the Yangtze River Delta region, as a secret weapon. This might be the last ace to save the gradually weakening ratings of matchmaking programs. In the first few episodes, Wan Feng proved he still had it by scolding a wealth-showing woman named Sheng Lingyun to tears, allowing everyone to relive his fierce and satisfying style of reprimanding people.
Starting on May 28th, Zhejiang TV's dating show "Love Rushes Forward" officially launched an attack against Jiangsu TV's "If You Are the One": announcing that it would air consecutively for 13 days, starting from 21:21 in the evening and followed by a rebroadcast after 23:00.
Zhejiang TV's bombarding broadcast method not only pioneered a precedent for consecutive broadcasts of television variety shows but also demonstrated the powerful momentum of "Love Rushes Forward." According to CCTV-Sofres viewership surveys, it climbed to the top spot in its time slot after just one day. Meanwhile, its market share skyrocketed, defeating all competing dramas during the same period.
Although "Love Rushes Forward" lags behind "If You Are the One" in terms of viewership, considering Zhejiang TV's ambitious goals and aggressive strategies, it will not stop "rushing forward" until it surpasses "If You Are the One"! Next, there will be more exciting developments!
Cui Yongyuan once said, "Viewership ratings are the source of all evil." This insight has become a well-known saying! However, insights cannot change the current situation, and famous sayings do not alter the rules of the game. Once a TV program goes wild, it becomes obsessed, willing to do anything for higher ratings. A program is celebrated if it has high ratings and criticized if it does not. The cancellation of "Lies and Truth" and Cui Yongyuan's depression are perfect examples of this. Similarly, to compete for ratings, Zhejiang TV is determined to take down "If You Are the One"! Although Zhejiang TV's spirit is commendable, I am genuinely worried that it might "rush forward" beyond acceptable limits!
First, plagiarism and copying have reached their peak. Since the beginning of this year, Jiangsu TV has "risked everything" to chase ratings, disregarding accusations of "infringement," and cloned Hunan TV's dating show "Let's Date." With great effort, it quickly surpassed others, becoming the national leader in viewership and the top program in its category. However, due to repeatedly crossing boundaries, it has faced criticism and skepticism. This time, Zhejiang TV continues down Jiangsu TV's old path, following in its footsteps. Despite different names, the format is identical to Jiangsu TV's "If You Are the One," pushing the trend of copying TV programs to new heights. Zhejiang TV's disregard for production ethics will lead to more homogenization among provincial satellite channel variety shows, increasing superficiality and impatience while entirely losing creativity. It may also result in fatal consequences for newly emerged, distinctive Chinese reality show formats, shortening their lifespan.
Second, dating shows have become more vulgarized. After the Spring Festival this year, various TV stations rushed to launch dating programs, leading to questions about performance and the use of plants. Viewers and netizens expressed anger towards some participants' materialism and hypocrisy. Global Times' latest survey revealed that over 90% of netizens believe such programs mislead matrimonial views. Some genuinely seek partners, some use the platform to promote products, and others aim for fame... The screens before and behind the dating shows are filled with intrigue. Various "odd characters" appear on stage, turning dating events into "show stages." "Love Rushes Forward" takes this even further. In the first episode, there was a wealthy woman named Sheng Lingyun claiming to own two Ferraris and a villa, intending to "marry" a man; a post-90s sister named Yiwei aspiring to be a full-time housewife; a "neutral woman" named Nana seeking men with large chest muscles; and He Yingming, boasting her writing skills surpass Zhang Ailing and her beauty outshines Fan Bingbing, etc., each more outrageous than the last! Moreover, the channel invited Wan Feng, known for his sharp-tongued commentary, as a guest commentator, making the dating show even more vulgarized and resembling a farce!
Third, TV programs have become soap operas. If Zhejiang TV's "Love Rushes Forward" has any "innovation," it lies in transforming dating shows into soap operas. One episode airs daily, followed by a repeat broadcast, bombarding viewers relentlessly, captivating them until late at night. Furthermore, it airs daily for thirteen consecutive days. Is this still a variety show? It's entirely a dating soap opera now! Is this still serving the public? It's almost forcing you to watch, whether you like it or not! Every night at 9:30, it's "Love Rushes Forward," continuing until midnight for thirteen days straight, daring you not to watch! Zhejiang TV's "innovation" not only breaks the bottom line of TV production but also sets a bad example. If other satellite channels follow suit, every TV station will be airing dating shows in the evenings. Such uniform, copied programs will harm the "Gods" (the audience)!
Dating shows should not be purely entertainment; even the most appealing ones must have limits. Judging from Zhejiang TV's "Love Rushes Forward," it seems to prioritize ratings over genuine matchmaking intentions, repeating stories like "preferring to cry in a BMW rather than laugh on the back of a bicycle" and "only letting my boyfriend hold my hand, anyone else must pay 200,000 yuan." There is no hint of sincere dating, purely "hanging a sheep's head to sell dog meat." What significance does achieving the highest national viewership have for such a program?
Alas, I wonder what Zhejiang TV is thinking?
Last night was the first episode of Zhejiang TV's revamped dating show "Love Rushes Forward." Invited to watch it at a hotel, I finished the episode without commenting.
This morning, I saw Professor Bai Yunfeng's post on Weibo expressing his personal feelings after watching last night: "Zhejiang TV also has a matching program, but it made me want to smash the TV. It's utterly vulgar! Is this really an era of ugliness? Deliberately harsh, vulgar questioning, ridiculous lowbrow inquiries and comments, even the emotional guidance expert spouts profanity. This makes me miss 'Super Girl' and 'Happy Boy,' which seem healthier in comparison. The State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television should intervene. I'm not rigid, but I worry about what children with weak discernment might absorb?"
I couldn't help but reply to Teacher Bai's post: "Last night, I watched it too, and I agree with your sentiments. The difference between a good program and an ordinary one lies in whether it can provoke thought and discussion effectively. When the world's dating shows emphasize money and wealth standards, if Zhejiang TV could focus on discussing whether there is still a place for love above all in today's values, it would become extraordinarily unique and leading."
Being a guest of Zhejiang TV invited to participate in another program, I must objectively and fairly state that the biggest problem with this program isn't the form, the hosts, or the shocking content—it's the lack of clear value benchmarks. I share Teacher Bai's view on this point, but I go beyond surface observations!
I believe that for the newly revamped "Love Rushes Forward" to succeed long-term, it must address three issues:
1. Clarify the position of contemporary unmarried young people's marital and romantic values, ensuring the program conveys these clearly.
2. Use forms to enhance the atmosphere, not as the main course. Focus on exchanging values between men and women during the dating process, avoiding sensationalism.
3. Stand out uniquely to establish a distinct positioning and style different from "If You Are the One" and "Let's Date."
Just as Sichuan cuisine and Hunan cuisine have their respective audiences, if Hangzhou chefs merely mimic their tastes, the results are predictable.
Perhaps someone will counter: "It's easy for you to criticize from the sidelines."
Let's discuss how to differentiate using the third point as an example.
For instance, "If You Are the One" encompasses prevalent societal values and attracts attention, thought, and debate. In the past few months, many female guests have highlighted money, wealth, and personal status as decisive factors for self-worth and marriage, resulting in Hunan TV unconsciously following suit. If you analyze and present different values weekly, you can stand out immediately.
If Zhejiang TV uses five live broadcasts a week and establishes weekly themes: the first week discusses "whether there are still people who prioritize love in today's money-driven society," selecting 18 emotion-prioritizing female guests. What happens then? The second week focuses on "matching social statuses or gender complementarity," inviting 18 recognized successful women to choose their spouses... and so on. After five days, if no matches are made, it naturally concludes.
Each week's theme can be selected through online surveys and netizen contributions, choosing the top three most concerned topics. Simultaneously, nationwide recruitment for the most representative guests ensures the safety of subjective themes set by the program team. During the recruitment process, the program can explore various perspectives related to the theme, providing time for expert advisors to think and validate.
Moreover, "If You Are the One" features a single guest commentator, while "Let's Date" combines hosting and guest commentary by He Jiong. Why limit yourself to just Wan Feng, whose comments are more reckless, intense, and furious, resembling a public official teaching relationship education rather than a matchmaker? Why not create a panel of two or three commentators, akin to a sub-stage of "Talk Show"?
When dating, do we only consult one person and receive one education? Why do we introduce our boyfriends/girlfriends to our elders/parents? Why do we discuss with our close friends? Why do we talk to colleagues? It's to avoid making rash decisions about lifelong commitments based on one-sided opinions. We chat with people of different age groups, horizons, and experiences to gather reference opinions.
Therefore, "Love Rushes Forward" has a great opportunity to differentiate itself from "If You Are the One" and "Let's Date" by establishing a unique guest seat. Originally, Le Jia was the biggest weakness of "If You Are the One," so why mimic him with Wan Feng?
"If You Are the One" initially found the crux of discussing societal values through dating shows, leading to its success today. To create a dating show, you cannot escape this direction, but is the entire road occupied? Absolutely not!
"If You Are the One's" greatest weakness is its inability to turn the ship around. Perhaps it initially aimed to explore diverse societal values but was disrupted by eye-catching figures like Ma Na, Zhu Zhenfang, Yan Fengjiao, and Ma Yimi. While gaining fame, it also left a scar—"money above all, materialism supreme"—leading viewers to perceive it as a right-leaning dating show. Even if they attempt to reverse, viewers may not buy it quickly.
This is their Achilles' heel.
Now, "Love Rushes Forward" aims to reform. If you've waited five months to start chasing, why not pivot left to attract viewers' attention?
They aren't "materialistic," are they? But are all 1.3 billion Chinese people like that? Definitely not! Some prioritize money, but others definitely prioritize emotions. While the nation argues about materialism, half are already repulsed. Why not explore whether "emotion-prioritizing individuals have their own space under the backdrop of monetary excess? Can they gain widespread recognition? Can they find compatible partners?" Do you need to shout loudly? Just stick to it, and naturally, you'll differ from "If You Are the One."
However, if you choose to pursue this, you must push the "emotion-prioritizing ideology" to its extreme, leaving a deep impression on viewers, to compete with rivals.
"Why do we date?" hasn't defeated "If You Are the One" because it wavers. You, "Love Rushes Forward," don't need to hesitate. Regardless of directions, concentrate your punches on one idea per week, hitting discussions to break through points, sharing the pie with "If You Are the One"!
Some lament the decline of moral standards, everywhere ugly people prevail, and shocking statements abound. Has it really come to an era of ugliness where too many find joy in eating excrement?
Not necessarily!
In the information explosion era, everyone drowns in an ocean of information. Ugly things float easily, often attracting attention more readily than beautiful ones. So everyone uses the ugly to attract attention before presenting the beautiful. The question is, can the attention drawn by the ugly smoothly transition to appreciating the beautiful? This is the biggest issue!
"If You Are the One" isn't solely about ugliness. Alongside controversial figures like Ms. Ma and Ms. Yan, there are also value-aligned female guests. However, their weight and presence are too light, overshadowed by the deliberate amplification of fiery, outspoken, and bold women.
This has spurred a large group advocating correct societal values to protest, with increasingly concentrated and powerful voices. Will "Love Rushes Forward" seize this opportunity?
Zhuge Liang once said, "All great endeavors begin when all hope seems lost."
I never criticize merely for the sake of criticizing. Criticism should inspire reflection on the right direction to have true value and meaning! If Zhejiang TV invests so much effort into making "Love Rushes Forward" work long-term, it must treat the program as a modern matchmaker with flesh and blood, able to see through and understand the matrimonial values and life senses of today's unmarried youth and their families, finding differences from other programs.
Last night, I watched an entire episode of Zhejiang TV's revamped dating show "Love Rushes Forward." My overall feeling was that it's similar to Jiangsu's "If You Are the One Part II," even bolder and sharper. Zhejiang TV targeted the booming dating show market. After "If You Are the One" went off track and became too big to maneuver, they seized the opportunity to broadcast 13 episodes of the revamped "Love Rushes Forward" during prime time. Their goal was to shake or even replace the top dating show position, aiming to create a distinctive dating show. However, I was quite disappointed that there was no original or innovative element, just mimicking Jiangsu. This approach is detrimental to the program's brand building, so evaluating it now holds little significance.
Viewership ratings alone cannot explain all issues. I once told a director that many program types used to be like small coal mines, rarely capturing national attention. But now, dating shows are like a gold mine suddenly discovered. Jiangsu uses trucks, Hunan uses cloth bags, and Zhejiang uses hands to grab. Thus, "We Date" and "Love Rushes Forward" shouldn't rest on their laurels with decent viewership ratings and rankings. They can do much better, as numerous problems exist. Jiangsu was the first to expand the dating show market this year, and Hunan and Zhejiang merely shared a portion passively gaining some attention. Since dating shows are a goldmine, there should be the determination, courage, and capability to move the entire mountain.
Below, I will analyze and express my personal opinions on the three most representative and different types of provincial satellite channel dating shows: Jiangsu's "If You Are the One," Hunan's "We Date," and Zhejiang's "Love Rushes Forward."
1. Program Positioning
The focus of "If You Are the One" is on its topical nature, disguising a debate show about the marriage and life views of eligible youth as a dating show. Strictly speaking, it's essentially a debate competition, contradicting its theme of "No sincerity, no dating." Therefore, the ultra-high viewership of "If You Are the One" is unrelated to dating but repeatedly claims that guests come to date, offering encounters but not arranging marriages. I feel this misleads the audience. Television media is a scarce resource, and its core competitiveness lies in its broad dissemination and timeliness. If dating shows merely provide encounters, what's the difference from regular gatherings of young people in real life? Why bother meeting on TV?
However, if you don't say people come for dating encounters, what's the purpose of merely holding a marriage view debate? Why would the public care? Clearly, the program knows that without the goal of dating to drive and stimulate public emotions, the transmission value is minimal. Dating and encounters thus become the cover.
"We Date" positions itself as a genuine dating show, with host He Jiong acting like a TV matchmaker, focusing on pairing guests, making it very mundane. Television transmission must be representative. If TV programs merely provide a dating platform designed for limited on-stage guests, I believe their value and significance are minimal. Can you compete with the internet? Dating websites have advantages in massive resources and strong single-direction interactivity. TV dating should allow us to see representatives of certain popular social phenomena through the screen, reflecting the marriage and life views of certain groups, representing various voices. Through them, viewers find resonance or points of contention, eventually converging toward mainstream transmission value, making society more inclusive and humane, stimulating more humanitarian concern. This is the social responsibility TV media should possess and the social significance and value of TV programs.
Strictly speaking, current popular dating shows cannot achieve real dating in ten minutes of TV appearance. But if you don't claim to be dating (Jiangsu says encountering, Hunan says dating, Zhejiang says befriending), it's like a tree without roots, making the content pale and unconvincing. Without the responsibility of finding a spouse, what you say can be irresponsible, just for excitement, and anyone can talk nonsense. This is the contradiction. Additionally, guests come from different cities with fixed social circles and working environments, making long-distance dating unrealistic. If done locally, it would be too regional, how to ensure ratings and attention? This is another contradiction.
Therefore, I always believed that the positioning of dating shows should be love at first sight. Everyone has their ideal Snow White or Prince Charming, and TV provides a chance for a fleeting encounter. Based on feelings, guests can roughly judge whether the type suits their preferences. People can disguise themselves, especially on TV when looking for a partner, so simple conversations cannot reveal each other's true inner selves and compatibility. These must be experienced and judged in real-life interactions. Love at first sight is not confined to appearance, body, or temperament but includes depth of conversation, ways of thinking, and understanding and opinions about things. Whether love at first sight leads to lovers or marriage is beyond the scope of TV platforms, left to life. Therefore, TV should focus on presenting favorite types and initial impressions rather than dating itself. Remember, many viewers watch these guests off-screen, and finding a partner offline is most likely. This gives a logical and realistic explanation of what we're doing, making other forms like topic discussion, drama, and interaction understandable and acceptable.
My feeling about "Love Rushes Forward" is similar to "If You Are the One." Both are still exploring, throwing punches randomly, with unclear positioning, lacking a system. Still virgins, they need to find their pulse, absorb the strengths of "If You Are the One" and "We Date," add their innovations, avoid extremes, neither too loose nor too tight, forming their own program concepts quickly. Surpassing them shouldn't be difficult.
2. Guest Selection
All three programs fall into a trap in guest selection, mostly limiting themselves to actors, singers, models, cultural, and media fields. They inherently perform on stage, reducing the authenticity and reality show elements of the program. You might say they have the right to date as long as they're single, but in the public subconscious, they seem to be acting, easily misunderstood as showmanship or plants. Remember, in TV, seeming real is more important than being real. But dating shows must have topics, with some dramatic and entertaining clashes in guest viewpoints for transmission needs. Any program design and planning without considering transmission cannot gain widespread social attention. I fully understand the planners of "If You Are the One."
I once said that at least a third of the female guests on "If You Are the One" exaggerate their performances, wildly act out, and make illogical and immoral