On the 23rd and 24th of August, the original single-comedy competition show, "The King of Comedy: Solo Season," produced by iQiyi, continued with its camp showdown. After the initial performances of 44 solo comedians, topics like Yang Li's comment on the dominance of the program, Fu Shaoyu's humorous take on her ex-husband Liu and Tang Xiangyu's marriage, Yu Xiangyu's philosophical perspective on financial freedom, and more have sparked lively discussions online. The four "Overlords" have had their revival cards taken away by new talents, showcasing the strength and surprise of these newcomers. After two weeks of airing, with its dense punchlines catering to the audience's craving for laughter, the show has been lauded as "premium internet carbohydrates," a title it has earned.
"Flying Solo" Yan Heshang Calls Out Guo Qilin in an Explosive Performance; 44 Acts Complete Their Debut with Varied Styles
Last week, the second half of the camp showdown took place. Yan Heshang, a veteran of crosstalk, brought the house down with his cross-over into single comedy. His entire performance was high-energy, revealing his "flying solo" lifestyle and playfully roasting Guo Qilin, saying, "I'm not here to compete, I'm here to find someone." His jokes were delivered with seamless timing and wit, demonstrating that the comedic techniques of crosstalk still work well on the single comedy stage. Newcomer Yu Xiangyu offered a philosophical take on the struggles of working life, referring to himself as a "camel Xiangzi," saying, "What Aristotle? More work means more gain," and "Financial freedom is real freedom," resonating with many workers. Menqiang, a former HR professional, hilariously criticized the treatment of interns, coining the phrase "appearance is determined by salary" to hit on social issues. Shi Yan, comparing property management to playing football, said, "No special skills needed, just able to withstand criticism," which drew laughter from the introverted crowd.
With the completion of the debut performances by the 44 solo comedians, the diverse backgrounds and styles of the performers have thrilled the audience. Among them are seasoned comedians like Liu Yang, Xiaolu, and Yan Heshang, whose years of stage experience shine through. There are also popular offline comedians like Fu Hang, Liang Yan, and Menqiang, who maintain their appeal online and win over new audiences. Additionally, there are promising newcomers like Liu Rencheng, Qi Qi, Xiao Luo, and Yu Xiangyu, whose potential is evident. These performers come from various professions, including property managers, community workers, HR professionals, delivery drivers, forensic pathologists, rappers, and rock musicians. This diversity enriches the variety of styles and types of solo comedians, gradually revealing the essence of the journey "from little people to kings of comedy," and highlighting iQiyi's sincere commitment to infusing fresh blood into the industry.
"Premium Internet Carbohydrates" Earned Through Laughter and Insight; Newcomers Impressively Take Four Golds
Since the premiere of "The King of Comedy: Solo Season," the show has become a hot topic on social media with its constant stream of punchlines and humorous commentary, rightfully earning the nickname "premium internet carbohydrates." It effectively addresses the audience's hunger for laughter with its dense humor and insightful observations about societal issues, all delivered with a high level of skill. Viewers have commented, "I like the format of the competition, avoiding the elimination of top talents," and "I've always enjoyed single comedy, and now we're having a great year!"
Notably, after the first episode where Zhou Qimo and Pang Bo lost to new talents, Wang Guojian and Yang Li of the "Overlord Challenge" also gave up their revival cards. As Yang Li mentioned in her routine, "For an industry, a program with a monopoly is not always good," indicating that the emergence of new talent is vital for the growth and prosperity of single comedy. iQiyi's dedication to promoting new talent is evident in "The King of Comedy: Solo Season," showcasing the diverse styles and talents of these newcomers, reflecting the company's deep insight and relentless pursuit in the field of single comedy, and bringing vitality and hope to the industry.
On September 1st and 2nd at noon, the second round, "The Challenger's Challenge," will commence, featuring Fan Zhiyi as the atmosphere leader, making the competition between the solo comedians, from 32 to 24, even more intense. Who will stand out, and who will leave with regret, remains a suspenseful question for viewers. Stay tuned for new episodes every Friday and Saturday at noon on iQiyi to uncover more explosive routines and surprising moments.
