MBC's iconic long-running variety shows are entering a hiatus. 'Mystery TV Surprise' and 'King of Mask Singer,' both beloved by audiences for years, have announced a period of reorganization, sparking interest in whether this decision will serve as a positive turning point.
On the 26th, MBC's 'Surprise' marked a pause in its long journey, 23 years after its first broadcast in April 2002. Known for its dramatized reconstructions of real-life mysteries and historical events, 'Surprise' has become a Sunday morning staple. The production team announced plans to return with a new format early next year, stating, "We ask for your anticipation as we take a break to come back better."
Another MBC staple, 'King of Mask Singer,' is also taking a break after 10 years. Since its debut in April 2015, the show has gained popularity with its unique concept of masked contestants competing solely on vocal talent. The show, which allowed anyone to become a star, drew participants from various professions, creating buzz. However, the long-running format has led to viewer fatigue, with some expressing weariness over exaggerated reactions. MBC clarified, "'King of Mask Singer' is not ending but preparing for a seasonal format," promising a return with new elements and stages.
The simultaneous revamp of these two flagship shows has elicited mixed reactions from viewers. Some lament the interruption of the programs' history, while others welcome the change, citing the need for a fresh approach after years of the same format. 'King of Mask Singer' has particularly faced criticism for its lack of new faces due to the sheer number of past participants.
Industry insiders suggest that "the evolving media landscape and viewing habits have prompted this pause," noting that the trend towards shorter video content necessitates new directions for long-standing variety shows.
A similar case is SBS's 'Capture the Moment, How Is That Possible?' which took a break after 26 years for a revamp. Although its hiatus was met with disappointment, it returned five months later under a new title, 'Wow! Really? How Is That Possible?' Despite initial mixed reactions to the format change, it successfully relaunched with a steady 2-3% viewership rating.
However, the departure of long-time hosts Park Sung-hoon and Park So-hyun during the revamp sparked controversy, highlighting the complexity of renewing long-running shows. Balancing 'identity preservation and change' is a challenging task that must be addressed.
MBC faces a similar crossroads. Whether the hiatus for 'Surprise' and 'King of Mask Singer' will be a simple pause or a significant transformation remains uncertain. Broadcasting insiders emphasize the need for bold reorganization while preserving the emotional legacy cherished by long-time viewers. The break could signal a positive new chapter for MBC's variety programming.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr