The presence of comedians leading variety shows has significantly decreased, and actors are increasingly taking their place. A look at tvN’s recent programming clearly reflects this change. The network has launched a series of actor-focused observational shows, favoring a calm and stable viewing experience over risqué or experimental humor.
A representative example currently on air is The village barberstarring Park Bo Gum, Kwak Dong-yeon and Lee Sang-yi. The show follows the actors who run a hair salon, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. Rather than relying on over-the-top reactions or loud comedy, it unfolds in a relaxed, natural tone.
A similar approach can be seen in After school with Taeriled by Kim Tae-ri, together with Choi Hyun-wook, Kangnam and Code Kunst. The mere fact of Kim Tae-ri appearing on a variety show has generated considerable buzz even before its premiere.
Next program Gugi-dong friends follows the same trend. Aside from comedian Jang Do-yeon, the cast is largely made up of actors including Lee Da-hee, Jang Keun-suk, Choi Daniel, Ahn Jae-hyun and Kyung Soo-jin. The show centers on celebrities of the same age who live together and share their daily routines in an observational reality format.
All three programs share clear similarities: actor-focused casting, storytelling rooted in everyday life and relationships, and a calm, understated tone. Rather than aiming for big laughs, these shows highlight the charm and chemistry of the cast. In essence, they can be described as “actor-watching content”.
This trend is also in line with changing viewing habits. With the advent of OTT platforms, audiences are increasingly attracted to content that is easy and convenient to watch, rather than highly thought-provoking or comedic. Casting only famous actors can generate buzz, and compared to comedians, actors can pose a lower risk of controversy, making them a safer choice for producers.
Indeed, when actors who rarely appear in variety shows reveal new sides of themselves through such programs, they naturally attract the interest of viewers. From a production perspective, this is a reliable, low-risk strategy.
However, as this “safe variety” formula becomes more common, the spontaneity and tension that the once-defined variety exhibits may gradually fade. If the format continued to rely on everyday observations, gentle conversations and natural chemistry, the wit and unpredictable humor that characterize the traditional variety might diminish. Eventually, the focus may shift from how entertaining a show is to simply which actors are featured.
While actor-led observation shows are clearly a stable choice that fits current viewing trends, there are fears that if this becomes the dominant format, tvN could lose the distinct variety identity it once boasted. Whether these casting-based programs can continue to capture public interest remains an open question.
Sources: Daum
