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Sports stars join China’s reality TV universe
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CHINESE reality shows have long been dominated by pop idols, heartthrobs and shameless wannabe celebs.
But now, just in time for the Rio Olympic Games, sports stars and athletic competitions are joining the landscape of unscripted television.
One such show is “The Players” on Dragon TV. The program has been a major hit thanks in no small part to its involvement with Kobe Bryant. The former Los Angeles Lakers star is a household name in China, and “The Players” marks his first appearance on a Chinese television show.
The show sees Bryant take on the role of coaching actors Liu Ye and Wang Yanyang, and TV host Charles Chen.
It was filmed over weeks of training and competition by those involved, and documents the stars’ experiences and lives together as a team.
Liu Lei, the show’s producer, says basketball is a sport many associate with youth, dreams, sweat and brotherhood. The show also attempts to convey the spirit of the game.
The show’s cast members had little skill or experience playing basketball. As they developed as players, they also had to adjust to working together as a team around the slogan of “never give up.”
“It was a big surprise to us that Kobe agreed to join the show,” says producer Liu. “He is one of the most important basketball players since the era of Michael Jordan. With his big fan base in China, he is a highlight of the show.”
For his part, Bryant, who retired in April, has expressed a wish that the series can help promote basketball to a larger audience in China.
Bryant’s humor, charisma and undeniable skills on the court make him a natural leader for the show’s celebrity players.
Yuan Wenjun, in his 30s, says he rarely watches reality shows but he’s a big fan of “The Players.”
“Kobe looks so nice and amiable in the show,” says Yuan. “He is patient with the celebrity students who don’t have much experience of basketball. The show will make more people fall in love with the sport.”
Last year, Dragon TV also aired “Yes! Coach,” which saw sports stars train pop idols in swimming, running, football and badminton.
China’s boxing star Zou Shiming and former Olympic diving champion Tian Liang also appeared in the hit reality show “Dad, Where Are We Going?” on Hunan Satellite TV.
During a two-night trip to the countryside, the athletes were shown taking care of their preschool-age children and helping them with their homework.
However, another lighthearted television appearances from one of the country’s sporting greats stirred controversy recently.
Late last month, celebrity hurdler, Olympic medal winner and occasional television guest Liu Xiang shocked many when he appeared on an episode of Shenzhen TV’s “The Amazing Race” dressed as a female character from anime series “Sailor Moon.”
In full cosplay regalia, Liu was seen walking the streets of Japan wearing a blond wig and a tight-fitting sailor costume. Many people voiced disapproval online for the heroic star’s cross-dressing antics.
No laughing matter
Jessica Zhou, a human resources manager, says she’s appreciated past television appearances from Liu, including his recent guest spot on cooking show “Familiar Taste.” But his clownish stunt on “The Amazing Race,” she says, came off as awkward and uncomfortable, especially given Liu’s image as one of the most respected athletes in China.
“No matter how much he’s paid for such shows, a retired champion should always be aware of his public image,” says Zhou.
Others though, such as former Shanghai Media Group TV producer Tyce Li, say controversy is just part of the territory for sporting stars who appear on reality television. Many of these programs, Li explains, attempt to show stars in new ways, which can naturally displease some of their admirers.
Professor Gu Xiaoming, a sociologist from Fudan University, is pleased by the recent rise of sports-themed reality shows.
“Sports idols who demonstrate a never-yielding spirit during spectacular stunts can set good examples, particularly for teenagers,” says Professor Gu. “Sports-celebrity shows can also change the demographics of the reality TV audiences. They have big potential and power to reach and inspire a larger number of audiences.”
However, he warns producers not to turn sports stars into “clowns.”
“It will make such shows superficial and cheap,” Professor Gu adds. “I hope this genre of will not become another type of fast-food production in China. A good show should never forget its social responsibility. It should tell the real human stories of celebrities and display their sports techniques.”
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