Vietnamese reality show lacks creativity
In 2024 to 2025, many reality shows have returned after a temporary hiatus. These shows at the time of their debut received great attention from the public. However, at the present time, the return of these shows seems to no longer create attraction for the audience.
Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 is a typical case. Although it was noticed by outstanding fashion judges such as Thanh Hang, Do Manh Cuong, Nam Trung and Ha Do, when episode 1 aired on August 3, many viewers criticized this reality show for being old and no longer having surprising elements.
Many audiences believe that after 15 years since the first season of Vietnam's Next Top Model, the program has not been creative, even the challenges, costumes, and way of making the program have been criticized as the 2010 - 2011 season.
The judges' expertise was commented by the audience as "not convincing enough", lacking unique identity. Throughout many broadcast seasons, judges Nam Trung were still harsh, attitude towards contestants instead of giving comments and making appropriate adjustments for young models.
The program "2 days 1 night" also showed signs of slowing down and cooling down. Although it used to be a popular show, in the 2024 - 2025 season, the program is considered to follow the brand rather than innovate content.
The audience believes that the playing style, punishment, survival games in this game show... are still repeated through the seasons. Viewers can easily predict situations such as eating, sleeping, splitting teams, playing games, teasing each other according to familiar recipes.
Although the cast of stars such as Truong Giang, Kieu Minh Tuan, HIEUTHUHAI... still has a stable number of fans, the familiarity on the show leads to boredom if there are no new factors.
Sister Who Makes Wave season 2 is also less attractive than season 1 despite having many prominent names such as Thieu Bao Tram, Toc Tien, Minh Hang... Not only that, music is considered a lack of breakthroughs, not having a great spread.
Why are many Vietnamese game shows becoming less attractive?
One of the leading reasons why Vietnamese reality shows are in a state of "unstoppable decline" is the abuse of old formulas. In addition, the lack of shows with new formats created by Vietnamese people makes the market too dependent on foreign copyright or continue to mix old formats, leading to a situation of content saturatation.
Modern audiences, especially the younger generation, are tending to prioritize shows with novelty, interest and natural situations.
With pressure from sponsors and fierce ratings, many producers choose to use drama, controversy or invite famous faces but are less professional to attract attention.
Typically, in some recent game shows, instead of focusing on talent, contestants often wander deep into behind-the-scenes stories, love relationships, and even cause controversy to create effects. This may help increase views temporarily, but in the long run, the quality of the program and the trust of the audience are eroded.
Behind a successful program, there are always new directions, but currently many Vietnamese shows still operate according to the traditional mindset: "Having a formula - just do it again", instead of taking risks with breakthrough ideas.
Meanwhile, countries such as Korea, Thailand or China are continuously launching exclusive reality shows, in line with indigenous cultures and causing a fever throughout Asia. Vietnam has almost no original format strong enough to export abroad. In addition, the rise of digital entertainment platforms such as TikTok, YouTube... has caused TV game shows to increasingly fall behind.
Television game shows are often limited by the duration, broadcast time frame and lack of interactivity. To regain position, manufacturers need to seriously invest in original ideas, close, realistic scenarios and multi-platform development orientations.
