SBS's 'Anytime, Anywhere' Concludes Season 4 with Stellar Ratings and Heartfelt Moments

SBS's popular variety show 'Anytime, Anywhere,' featuring Yoo Jae-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee Kwang-soo, and Park Bo-young, wrapped up its fourth season with a successful completion of its 'gap missions.' Despite Yoo Jae-suk's extensive contributions to various shows like 'Running Man,' 'Hangout with Yoo,' and 'Excuse Go,' he was notably absent from the nominations for the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, sparking some disappointment and controversy.

The episode aired on Tuesday, the 14th, achieved a peak rating of 6.9% per minute, with household ratings at 4.7% and the 2049 demographic at 1.7%, marking an increase from the previous week. It ranked first among all Tuesday variety shows, with the 2049 demographic consistently leading its time slot throughout Season 4, maintaining its dominance for 15 consecutive weeks in both variety and drama categories, according to Nielsen Korea's metropolitan area data.

The final episode of Season 4 featured hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, along with 'gap friends' actors Lee Kwang-soo and Park Bo-young, enjoying a fulfilling and heartwarming time with the principal of Guri Topyeong Middle School and a badminton coach couple.

During the episode, Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok shared joyful moments with Lee Kwang-soo, who has been with the show since its inception, and his close friend Park Bo-young. The chemistry among the four, who know each other well, added to the entertainment. Yoo Jae-suk humorously teased Lee Kwang-soo about his 'love marketing' after spotting him on a date, prompting a lively defense from Lee. Park Bo-young shared her experiences of Lee's brotherly guidance, to which Yoo Jae-suk admitted, "He learned it all from us," drawing a hearty agreement from Lee.

The first 'gap mission' was led by the principal of Topyeong Middle School, involving a 'relay cooperation air' challenge. Park Bo-young's dramatic success in the first stage was followed by Lee Kwang-soo emerging as an unexpected ace in the subsequent stages, securing a snack truck gift for the school. Lee expressed his delight, saying, "I've never experienced anything like this before."

The final 'gap mission' of the season involved a badminton coach couple, expecting their first child, who charmed everyone with their five-year marriage. The mission, 'Shuttlecock Knockdown,' required participants to hit targets with a shuttlecock using a badminton racket. As the challenge proved difficult, it was revealed that the 'gap owner' was a badminton expert, changing the dynamics entirely. With Park Bo-young securing two bonus coupons, the expert stepped in to clear both stages, thrilling the audience. Yoo Jae-suk exclaimed, "This is the first time in 'Anytime, Anywhere' history that a client has cleared the mission. Jelly Mom did it!"

As Season 4 concluded, Yoo Yeon-seok expressed his anticipation for the next season, saying, "I can't wait for the next season. Please don't forget us until then." Yoo Jae-suk conveyed his gratitude, "Thank you to all the viewers, gap owners, and gap friends who made time for us."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr