Looking For Comedy, Adventure, Or Food? Here Are 11 Variety Shows To Check Out For Every Mood
Variety shows are our escape from reality. And with the current landscape of Korean variety shows, there’s just so many different shows with different focuses, it’s super easy to spend a weekend away from our problems, just catching up on these shows. When I’ve had a bad day, I just want to watch something that makes me literally roll on the floor laughing, or if it’s before bedtime, something calming and quiet. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s definitely something out there for you!
Here are some choice recommendations:
When you’re in the mood for some romance:
The K-world was enamored with Ku Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun when they revealed they were dating, and impressed by the many sweet gestures from Ahn Jae Hyun. Their sweet and adorable interactions on the show is enough to make anyone’s heart go a flutter (and maybe even give you a toothache). But like any other couple, they also have their fights and disagreements, which just makes them more accessible as a couple. Basically, watching “Newlywed Diaries” is like watching a romance drama but without all the angst. After all, there’s only that many birth secrets and evil stepmothers we can handle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy77x_7hxYM
When you’re in the mood for nonsensical laughter:
Nonsensical laughter? Yes! Because after watching this, you’ll realize there’s hardly a proper theme or set format to the show. Everyone is just more or less goofing around (or getting themselves in trouble), and the editing by the talented PD Na Young Suk just makes everything 100 times funnier. Whether it’s doing the missions, or when they’re by themselves, or just their ridiculous personalities (I mean that in the best way possible), you’ll find yourself laughing all the way through the show. And after you’re done laughing, you’ll probably ask yourself: “What did I just watch?!”
Catch the first episode of “New Journey to the West Season 4”:
When you’re in the mood to watch boys be boys:
This is the second in the “Wanna One Go” series, and the one I found the most endearing. While the first and third entries are just as entertaining, there’s just something special in watching these hot idols shed their charismatic onstage personas and revert back to their childlike-selves, especially since most members of Wanna One are technically still in boyhood. Their boyish charms and fascination with everything is super adorable, and watching them get to enjoy themselves (consisting mainly of eating, sleeping, and bumming around on repeat) and take a break from their hectic schedules is plain delightful.
Catch the first episode of “Wanna One: Zero Base”:
When you’re in the mood to get hungry:
“Three Meals A Day: Seaside Ranch“
Ever heard of the term slow TV? — Nothing exciting happens, but you just can’t turn your eyes away. “Three Meals A Day” is similar to that concept, where the cast do the same things day in and day out. What do they do? After they wake up in the morning, they prepare breakfast. And after that? They prepare lunch. And after that? It’s time for dinner. Even the cast are amazed that this is basically what they do all the time, not to mention that people actually enjoy watching it. And with the addition of Eric in the latter seasons, the meals have been upgraded substantially. I have learnt to not watch this show before bedtime, ’cause I just know I’m going to be hungry from seeing all the mouth-watering food.
Catch the first episode of “3 Meals A Day: Seaside Ranch”:
A similar show that is just as well-received is “Youn’s Kitchen.” Both of these series are produced by PD Na Young Suk, and both have Lee Seo Jin as part of the cast. But while “Three Meals A Day” has the cast fending for themselves, “Youn’s Kitchen” has them running a restaurant in a foreign country. And because of the different locations, viewers get to experience the wonderful cultures along with the cast, as well as bask in the beautiful scenery and meet delightful foreigners. It’s a cooking and travel show all rolled into one!
Catch the first episode of “Youn’s Kitchen 2”
When you’re in the mood to fall in love with your favorite idols again:
“Idol Room”
“Idol Room” only just started a few weeks ago, but they’ve been on a roll with their guests! From Wanna One, to Shinhwa, to Highlight, and AoA, it’s been week after week of our beloved idols who are a sure hit in the entertainment department. While the major upscaling of the show seems to have made them a bit awkward, and they’re still working out the kinks of their segments, the camaraderie between Donhee and Conhee (not a typo, these are their new nicknames) as well as that of between them and their guests are still as present as ever. My personal favorite segment is when the guests give advice to their just-debuted selves — it’s heartwarming and hilariously self-deprecating at the same time!
And of course, if you’re in the mood for more idols, there’s also the revamped “Weekly Idol.” You might have your reservations, but I guarantee you, watch an episode with a group you adore, and all those reservations will fly out the window. Check out this article if you’re wondering what’s different with the revamped version.
When you’re in the mood to watch celebrities out of their element:
There are two types of people we see on this show — the ones who excel in the wilderness, and the ones who are out of their element, freaking out over bugs and their own shadows. Both are equally entertaining to watch! Needing to survive in the wild brings out the truest form of oneself, shedding away the beautiful packaging of the entertainment industry. And it’s this genuineness and relatability that constantly draws in the viewers, even after so many years. That and the aforementioned bouts of freaking out. Those are always a hoot!
Start watching “Law of the Jungle”:
When you’re in the mood for some adorableness:
C’mon, how can you say no to these super adorable kids? There’s so much to love about this show: the fathers stepping up to take care of the children, the playfulness between siblings, the children growing up right before our eyes, the guests’ precious interactions with the children — it’s basically a show of rainbows and unicorns!
Catch the latest episode of “The Return of Superman”:
When you’re in the mood to learn more about your favorite celebrities:
“Ask Us Anything”
“Ask Us Anything” is still going as strong as ever, with a cast that has created wonderful chemistry together. It’s a show known for its savageness (and not just from Kim Heechul either) directed at each other, the guests, or even themselves, so much so even the cast is sometimes amazed at what makes it to broadcast. And with the large range of guests appearing on the show, from actors, to comedians, to singers and idol groups, the viewers are able to learn something new about someone new each week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVgbl54xmmM&t=16s
When you’re in the mood for an adventure:
“Carefree Travelers”
I started watching “Carefree Travelers” for the specific guests (Cha Tae Hyun, Highlight’s Yoon Doojoon), but I quickly realized the show had a charm of its own. Though each of the cast members are from different fields, their personalities gel wonderfully together, creating a beautiful chemistry and brotherhood. The other travelers that follow them on the package tour are interesting as well, bringing their own charms to the table, and being game to whatever shenanigans the cast are up to. The show also balances the pacing well, showing both the excitement of traveling and discovery, with the more quiet and intimate moments of human bonding.
And honestly, there are soo many good variety shows available, that there really is something to suit your every mood. From the heavy hitters of the likes of “Running Man” and “2 Days & 1 Night,” to more niche shows like “It’s Dangerous Outside The Blankets” and “Hyori’s Homestay,” to idol-centric “SVT Club” and “Super TV,” there’s a whole world out there for you to tune in to! So snuggle in and enjoy!
Which variety shows do you like to watch? Let us know in the comments below!
Belinda_C lives for these variety shows. And her bias groups on these variety shows. Like Shinhwa.
All-time favorite: “Running Man”
Currently watching: “Wanna One Go: X-CON,” “SVT Club” and “Ask Us Anything”
Looking forward to: Shinhwa and Wanna One on “Law of the Jungle”
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