Kim Tae-ho's New Variety Show Struggles with Low Ratings Despite Star-Studded Cast

Kim Tae-ho's new variety show, featuring a star-studded lineup, has been struggling with ratings, recording a disappointing 1% viewership for four consecutive weeks. Despite the participation of high-profile stars like Dex, Jennie, Go Yoon-jung, and Jung Hae-in, the show has failed to meet expectations in both ratings and buzz.

The new MBC variety show 'Manito Club' is an undercover real variety show with a concept of a gathering of people who know how to share. It aims to deliver a warm message through the process of the cast exchanging gifts, branding itself as a healing variety show.

Despite its healing concept, which contrasts with the typical dopamine-driven shows, the ratings have not met expectations. The first episode started with a 2.1% viewership, but it has remained in the 1% range for four weeks, which is considered disappointing given the star casting and Kim Tae-ho's reputation.

'Manito Club' reportedly originated from an idea by cast member Jennie. Kim Tae-ho explained during production that "Jennie wanted to create content that would be a gift to viewers or fans during the year-end and New Year."

The lineup alone was enough to generate anticipation, with stars like Dex, Jennie, Go Yoon-jung, Kim Do-hoon, Park Bo-young, and Cha Tae-hyun, who are active in both variety shows and dramas. However, the show's buzz has not matched the cast's recognition, according to prevailing opinions.

In addition to ratings and buzz, viewer reactions have not been favorable. Some viewers commented, "It feels like watching a celebrity social gathering on TV," and questioned the necessity of broadcasting wealthy celebrities exchanging gifts.

The fact that most of the cast members are not well-acquainted with each other also detracts from the show's engagement. Many viewers feel that the concept of exchanging gifts without established relationships fails to showcase natural chemistry.

However, some appreciate the attempt to offer a healing variety show amidst a landscape filled with stimulating content. There are viewers who prefer this type of show over dopamine-driven entertainment.

The show's time slot also presents a challenge, as it airs on Sundays at 6 PM, competing with SBS's long-running variety show 'Running Man,' which maintains a steady viewership in the 3% range, widening the gap between the two shows.

Despite the glamorous star casting, the program format has been criticized as somewhat simplistic. The structure of exchanging gifts alone has been deemed insufficient to fully showcase the cast's charm and entertainment skills. The upcoming third season will feature appearances by Hwang Kwang-hee and Cha Tae-hyun, who are frequent faces in variety shows, sparking interest in whether they can bring a change to the show's atmosphere. However, based on the current trend, it seems unlikely that such changes alone will reverse the show's fortunes.

By Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr