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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-09-09 08:38:26
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- A trend of reality TV shows set in rural areas, which showcase peaceful countryside living, is continuing to captivate audiences.
These programs, often centered on cooking with seasonal ingredients or documenting city dwellers adapting to rural life, have become a beloved genre. After the success of the Three Meals a Day series, producers have found ways to refresh the format with new faces and slight variations, ensuring their enduring popularity.
According to the industry on the 8th, TV shows such as Fresh off the Sea and Country Life of Gen-Z are recent examples that have caught viewers’ attention. These shows focus on various aspects of rural life, from harvesting and cooking local produce to the unfamiliar experiences of young celebrities in remote villages.
Fresh off the Sea, which airs every Thursday, has topped cable and general programming channels in the coveted 20-49 demographic for eight consecutive weeks since its premiere. On streaming platforms like TVing, the show frequently ranks first in daily viewership. The show, led by actress Yum Jung-ah and featuring Park Joon-myeon, Ahn Eun-jin, and Dex, follows the cast as they harvest seasonal ingredients from the sea and cook meals in a coastal village. The program has received praise for its focus on local ingredients and the unique journey they take from farm to table.
Meanwhile, Country Life of Gen-Z, which premieres on ENA, is another show capturing attention for its fresh approach. It documents the rural adventures of a younger cast, with most of its members born in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The presence of younger stars such as Jung Dong-won and Miyeon of (G)I-DLE gives the show a new dynamic, distinguishing it from other rural-themed programs, which typically feature older, more seasoned actors.
Another highly anticipated series is Three Meals a Day Light, set to air later this month. This show marks the 10th anniversary of the original Three Meals a Day and features fan-favorites Cha Seung-won and Yoo Hae-jin, with new guest appearances from actors like Kim Go-eun and singer Lim Young-woong. The nostalgia of the original cast combined with fresh faces aims to appeal to long-time fans while attracting new viewers.
MBC is also set to debut Country Life of Lee Jang-woo in November, adding to the growing list of rural-themed shows. With Lee Jang-woo known for his culinary skills from previous variety shows, this upcoming series is expected to focus on a blend of cooking and rustic living.
These countryside reality shows, which began with the success of Three Meals a Day in 2014, continue to draw audiences seeking an escape from urban stress. The show’s first season recorded a high rating of 8.9%, with subsequent seasons frequently surpassing 10%. Though the format may not deliver constant laughter, it resonates with viewers through its comforting and soothing portrayal of slow-paced rural life, offering a sense of tranquility and small joys.
Producers continue to innovate within this genre, introducing new formats and personalities to keep the content fresh while maintaining its core appeal of healing and simplicity.
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