CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala line-up draws barrage of criticism online
State broadcaster CCTV finally unveiled its line-up for its annual Spring Festival Gala on Tuesday, just two days ahead of one of China’s most hotly anticipated television pageants, ended months of speculation but drawing criticism online from disappointment viewers.
State broadcaster CCTV finally unveiled its line-up for its annual Spring Festival Gala on Tuesday, just two days ahead of one of China’s most hotly anticipated television pageants.
The move ended months of speculation as to the line-up of stars attending the gala but instead managed to draw widespread criticism, with many voicing disappointment online.
French actress Sophie Marceau, martial arts star Jackie Chan, prominent pianist Lang Lang and popular South Korean actor Lee Min Ho will lead dozens of stars from China and abroad through a total of 42 live stage performances, according to a list recently published on popular microblogging site, Sina Weibo.
Of the performances, 28 will feature songs and dancing, five will be stand-up comedy routines, while a host of magic and acrobatic shows and martial arts performances make up the rest of the run-down.
The five-hour TV extravaganza produced by China’s flagship official broadcaster is one of the most popular ways to spend the New Year’s Eve with family members in China and draws the biggest viewership of any show on the planet. Last year, the gala recorded 750 million viewers in China alone – more than six times the US Super Bowl’s audience.
Given its popularity, the show has generated much heated online discussion and speculation about the line-up of stars attending months ahead of the broadcast.