According to a report published by the Korean outlet Money Today, "Producer" premiered on May 15 with 10.1 percent of ratings. The KBS docu-drama was highly anticipated due to the star-studded cast, which includes Kim Soo Hyun, Cha Tae Hyun, Gong Hyo and IU. However, audiences have delivered mixed responses to the first episode. One of the strongest points of contention from viewers was that the incorporation of KBS programs such as "Music Bank" and "1 Day, 2 Nights" presented the show as a showcase for their variety shows, rather than delivering a drama.
In a case of art imitating life, "Producer" opens with an examination of variety shows and the factors which impact ratings.
While the series had a strong start, it placed second behind "Law of the Jungle." "Producer" incorporates documentary-style photography, while interspersing variety segments. The series includes one camera shots that are consistent with reality shows but also features comedic elements.
According to the compilation on Netizen Buzz, one of the top trending comments examined if "Producer" could be the first unsuccessful drama starring Kim Soo Hyun. "I think this will be Kim Soo Hyun's first failed work, so boring," said the forum user.
Even though the series is also broadcast by KBS, netizens delivered positive responses to the teen drama "Orange Marmalade." "Orange Marmalade" stars AOA's Seolhyun as Baek Ma Ri, a high school student who struggles to maintain normalcy, while pretending she is not a vampire. The series is set within an alternate universe where vampires function within society but face discrimination and penalties. Yeo Jin Goo portrays a student who is inexplicably drawn to Ma Ri, while CNBLUE's Lee Jong Hyun stars as a vampire who is more feral in nature and fiercely protective of Mar Ri.
"Law of the Jungle," which is currently filming in Indochina, topped the time slot with 11 percent. "Law of the Jungle" currently stars ZE:A's Park Hyung Sik, Seo In Guk and Lee Sung Jae.
The MBC variety show "Three Wheels" or "Quiz to Change the World" placed third with 5 percent.
What are your thoughts on "Producer" or "Orange Marmalade? Did either program meet your expectations?
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, KDramastars, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
