‘Divas Hit the Road’ Ditches the Drama, and Fans Love It

The latest season of Chinese travel reality show ‘Divas Hit the Road’ is proving that uplifting, feel-good entertainment is back in vogue.

After a six-year hiatus, the smash-hit show recently returned for its fifth season. The new season features seven Chinese celebrities — actresses Dilraba Dilmurat, Qin Lan, Qin Hailu, Xin Zhilei, and Zhao Zhaoyi, and actors Wang Anyu and Hu Xianxu — journeying to exotic locales including Saudi Arabia, Croatia, and Iceland.

In a departure from past seasons, which often focused on manufacturing drama and conflict, this time ‘Divas’ is taking a more lighthearted, collaborative approach. The first episode’s humor and camaraderie surprised viewers who expected more of the same tense dynamics.

Fans have enthusiastically embraced the change, already propelling the show to over 437 million views, according to data tracker Dengta. It’s 2023’s most talked-about show on Instagram-like app Xiaohongshu, where the hashtag racked up 10,000 posts in record time.

“[Divas Hit the Road Season 5] is the variety show I’m most obsessed with this year,” gushed one fan.

“This season is so funny. All the cast members have good vibes and are entertaining,” one user posted on Weibo. “They’re all outspoken, open-hearted, and effective communicators. This season feels like you’re traveling with a small group of friends. Minor conflicts and challenges are to be expected, but are swiftly resolved.”

Centered around a ‘study tour’ theme, this season blends travel and education as the stars immerse themselves in local cultures along China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Some fans felt the geopolitical elements diluted the laid-back travel vibe.

“You can have this kind of big-picture content, but if it’s in every episode then I might as well watch a documentary,” reads one comment.

“I watch variety shows to relax, not for classes,” another user wrote.

Still, others saw the show as an opportunity for ‘cloud tourism’ — a term for films and TV shows which revolve around travel and nature scenery.

A soft and cozy viewing experience away from the burdens of day-to-day life may be just what viewers are craving. Recent hit dramas ‘Romance on the Farm’ and ‘Meet Yourself’ struck similar chords, with their eye-catching visuals and relaxed depictions of idyllic rural life.

All images via Weibo