5.7 billion Weibo views for China’s hottest TV show featuring bygone celebrities competing to become a boy band

The show follows a highly successful version from 2020 that featured women celebrities

But it is not without controversy, as one contestant left amid rumours that he was cheating on his ex-girlfriend

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Celebrities compete in the Chinese TV variety show Call Me By Fire, which has become an instant hit. Photo: Baidu

Published: 5:21pm, 24 Aug 2021Updated: 5:36pm, 24 Aug 2021

The hottest television show in China might be Call Me by Fire, which pits 33 male celebrities long past the peak of their careers in a battle to become members of a new boy band group.

The Mango TV show, which premiered on August 12, is reminiscent of last year’s hit show called Sisters Who Make Waves, which follows the same concept but with women celebrities.

Call Me by Fire features musicians, dancers, actors and rappers who train and perform for a studio audience, and the general public votes on who advances to the next round.

Call Me by Fire is similar to a women-only version of the show that was released last year and was also a huge hit. Photo: Baidu

The show has become a go-to topic on Chinese social media since its launch, with various discussions about it being viewed over 5.7 billion times on Weibo.

It is, however, not immune from controversy. One of its contestants, Huo Zun, announced his withdrawal from the show on August 14 after his ex-girlfriend accused him of cheating on her. Also, leaked messages showed he detested the show.