The presence of comedians leading variety shows has noticeably declined, with actors increasingly taking their place. A look at recent programming on tvN clearly reflects this shift. The network has been rolling out a series of actor-centered observational shows, favoring a calm and stable viewing experience over bold or experimental humor.
One representative example currently airing is The Village Barber, featuring Park Bo Gum, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Lee Sang-yi. The show follows the actors running a hair salon, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. Rather than relying on exaggerated reactions or loud comedy, it unfolds in a relaxed and natural tone.
A similar approach can be seen in After School with Taeri, led by Kim Tae-ri, alongside Choi Hyun-wook, Kangnam, and Code Kunst. The mere fact that Kim Tae-ri is appearing on a variety show generated significant buzz even before its premiere.
Upcoming 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 same-age celebrities living together and sharing their everyday routines in an observational reality format.
All three programs share clear similarities: actor-focused casting, storytelling rooted in daily 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 “content that observes actors.”
This trend also aligns with changing viewing habits. With the rise of OTT platforms, audiences are increasingly drawn to content that is easy and comfortable to watch, rather than highly stimulating or comedic. Casting popular actors alone can generate buzz, and compared to comedians, actors may carry a lower risk of controversy making them a safer choice for producers.
In fact, when actors who rarely appear on variety shows reveal new sides of themselves through such programs, it naturally draws viewer interest. From a production standpoint, this makes for a reliable and low-risk strategy.
However, as this “safe variety” formula becomes more common, the spontaneity and tension that once defined variety shows may gradually fade. If the format continues to rely on everyday observations, soft conversations, and natural chemistry, the quick wit and unpredictable humor that characterize traditional variety could diminish. Ultimately, the focus may shift from how entertaining a show is to simply which actors are featured.
While actor-led observational shows are clearly a stable choice that fits current viewing trends, there are concerns that if this becomes the dominant format, tvN could lose the distinct variety identity it once prided itself on. Whether these casting-driven programs can continue to capture public interest remains an open question.
Sources: Daum