Promotional material for Gold Medal Comedy Class Photo: Courtesy of Yu Wang

Promotional material for Gold Medal Comedy Class Photo: Courtesy of Yu Wang

Laughter is a necessity for many people, especially during a time when people are staying home and turning to the internet to entertain themselves amid the epidemic. A new comedy variety show from China's state TV station, China Central Television (CCTV), has grabbed the attention of audiences and sparked online discussions on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo since its first episode aired on Saturday night. 

The hashtag for Gold Medal Comedy Class quickly began trending on Sina Weibo with more than 600 million views about China's first comedy inheritance variety show produced by the Culture Program Center at the China Media Group. 

From short sketches to China's traditional crosstalk, comedic performances have always found a home on TV in China. However, due to the hardships of training as well as fierce competition, it has become more difficult than ever to discover young talents and witness their growth into hit figures on the stage. 

Netizens have praised the show and its three tutors: veteran comedian Chen Peisi, comedian and producer Ying Da and Guo Degang, one of China's most popular crosstalk performers. "It is so much fun watching the show" and "finally a show with very experienced comedy professionals" read just some of the comments from netizens.  

Beside traditional crosstalk and short sketches, the show also involves modern comedic performances such as musicals and puppet shows. 

The 40 participants on the show need to pass a four-phase test to reach the final stage, a graduation performance. Tutors will give lectures and guide them throughout each phase as they gain experience and seek out new inspiration. 

While comedy takes up a small percentage of overseas talent shows, due to the tradition of crosstalk, there has always been room for more comedy in China. Since 2014, a number of talent shows focusing on comedy have taken TV by storm, but how to pass on comedy tradition to the next generation is a question that Gold Medal Comedy Class is the first to explore.