In China, actors from Duanju become entertainment stars

Duanju videos have become a phenomenon that Chinese television can no longer ignore. Their explosion on mobile devices has given rise to a new generation of players, followed by millions of viewers, to the point that they are now invited onto mainstream entertainment programs. This visibility marks a key milestone: duanju videos are no longer a peripheral format.

The show "Kai Bo! Duanju Season" was the first to place micro-fiction at the heart of a real television set. Conceived as a hybrid of competition, variety show, and mini-series, it featured duanju actors who reenacted clips, improvised, participated in challenges, and reacted live to filmed scenes. The program transformed the format into a fast-paced, collective performance designed for a family audience. This transposition of duanju to entertainment television revealed its power to appeal to a wide audience.

The behind-the-scenes aspects of the show also play a role in the creation of these new stars. Widely broadcast and discussed backstage footage shows the actors preparing, rehearsing, or interacting with the crew. This contributes to their transformation into full-fledged media figures: not just performers of characters, but followed and recognizable personalities. This increased exposure reinforces the status of duanju as a breeding ground for talent.

The show reached 62 million households and garnered nearly 100 million online views, figures usually reserved for major entertainment programs in China. It also features 26 performances inspired by popular films and series, a strategic choice that appeals not only to duanju enthusiasts but also to a wider audience already familiar with these works. By drawing on well-known references, the show creates an immediate sense of recognition and expands its audience beyond the typical viewers of micro-fiction.

Source :

• China Daily, January 20, 2025.