Gặp nhau cuối năm (lit.'Year-end reunion') is a Vietnamese annual satiricalcomedy that is broadcast across all channels of the Vietnamese national broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) on Tết Nguyên Đán, and has been produced by the Vietnam Television Film Center (VFC) since 2003. Known for its comedic take on the socio-political and economic issues of the year in Vietnam, the show is widely popular in the country and is considered a television staple of the Vietnamese New Year holiday. It features some of the biggest names of Vietnamese comedy, including Quốc Khánh, Vân Dung, Quang Thắng, Tự Long, Công Lý, and Xuân Bắc.
History
Gặp nhau cuối năm has been produced by the Vietnam Television Film Center since 2003. The show was originally produced as a special Lunar New Year episode of VTV's former comedy show Gặp nhau cuối tuần ("Weekend gathering"). Gặp nhau cuối năm became a separate program in 2006.
On 22 November 2019, VTV and VFC confirmed that they would put the Táo Quân version of Gặp nhau cuối năm on hold.[1] The 2020 edition of Gặp nhau cuối năm, loosely based on the 1982 film Làng Vũ Đại ngày ấy and features characters from famous Vietnamese literary works, was not well received by the public, who expressed the desire for the Táo Quân version to return.[2]
On 11 January 2021, VTV and VFC announced the return of the Táo Quân version of Gặp nhau cuối năm, starting in 2021.[3]
Premise
The show is mainly set in Heaven, where Ngọc Hoàng rules. He has two assistants, the gods Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu (named after the two star constellations Crux and Big Dipper) who helps him manage affairs of the earthly kingdom. There are a few other characters off-handedly mentioned, but usually only Thiên Lôi (God of Thunder) is on-screen and often has to run Heaven's errands.
Every year, Ngọc Hoàng assembles the Táo Quân(s) (Kitchen Gods) to Heaven to report the affairs in Vietnam throughout the year to him. Unlike the original legend, there could be multiple Táo(s), each in charge of one aspect of the country's society (such as transportation, economy, education, culture or tourism, but no politics, military or defense). The Táo(s) are typically named after the division they are in charge of, although in 2015 they are named after the Five Elementals (Wuxing).
Táo(s) report directly to Ngọc Hoàng with the presence of Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu, who often find faults in their reports and run into arguments. Ngọc Hoàng typically hears the stories and makes comments, but can be sarcastic and show unexpected talents and remarks. Although the majority of reports are done by prose, sometimes the reports can be told by other forms, such as dancing, singing or short plays. The reports highlight the socio-political and economic issues of the past year in Vietnam, often interpreted in a more comedic and light-hearted manner.
At the end of the assembly, all of the Táo(s) gather, and Ngọc Hoàng reads the final remarks. The show ends with the cast and presenter Thảo Vân (absent in 2022) wishing audiences a happy new year.
Starting from 2009, in addition to the main plot, the show also includes an accompanying theme and scenario.
In 2009, the Táo Quân(s) presented Hoa Táo, a parody of the beauty competition Miss Vietnam.
In 2011, the show was named Táo Idol with the format based on Vietnam Idol.
In 2013, the show was based on the format of The Voice of Vietnam. In addition, Ngọc Hoàng, Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu switched bodies by order, unbeknownst to the Táo Quân(s).
In 2014, Ngọc Hoàng had a sore throat and could not attend the assembly. Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu was forced to find a lookalike, Tèo (also played by Quốc Khánh) and trained him to act as a temporary replacement for Ngọc Hoàng.
In 2015, the later part of the show featured a competition where Ngọc Hoàng requested to find a third sidekick in the zenith for him, alongside Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu. This part was based on the television game shows Ai là triệu phú (the Vietnamese adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?) and Ơn giời cậu đây rồi [vi] (the Vietnamese adaptation of Thank God You're Here).
In 2016, the later part of the show featured a wheel from Chiếc nón kỳ diệu [vi] (the Vietnamese adaptation of Wheel of Fortune) to find out which Táo is responsible for corruption.
In 2018, the show marked its 15th anniversary, but the reporting part was removed. Instead, this year's show featured a catwalk runway and a competition to win the title of "the first quintessence Táo".
In 2023, the show marked its 20th anniversary. This year's programme does not have a reporting section of the Táo(s), with them instead participating in a contest called "Táo bạo", a parody of Miss Vietnam.
Musical performances
The show frequently features music and dance performances throughout. Although the settings and costumes are based on the imperial era, the singers (and at times the actors themselves) can change to a more contemporary look, if necessary. The show also frequently parodies Vietnamese and foreign songs, by rewriting the lyrics for storytelling purposes. Many performances later become Internet memes in Vietnam. The incomplete list includes:
The cast of Táo Quân is composed of numerous comedians and actors from northern Vietnam. For most of the show's run, Quốc Khánh (as Ngọc Hoàng), Xuân Bắc (as Nam Tào) and Công Lý (as Bắc Đẩu) are the regulars. The remaining Táo roles are played by various actors and actresses.
Regular roles
Quốc Khánh as Ngọc Hoàng (2004–present): ruler of Heaven. Every year, he listens to reports from the Táo Quân(s) on matters down on Earth (Vietnam). He cares for the common people and is focused on proposing ways to improve their life and well-being. He sometimes can be childish or flirtatious.
Công Lý as Bắc Đẩu (2003–2021, 2023): Ngọc Hoàng's assistant alongside Nam Tào. They have a softer personality than Nam Tào, although on reporting matters they can be sharp and critical. They often quarrel with Nam Tào on various issues; however, both Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu generally work well with each other. They respect Ngọc Hoàng, but sometimes speak ill behind his back. Công Lý exited the show as a regular for health reasons in 2022, with Trung Ruồi taking over the role for that year.[4] Công Lý returned as Bắc Đẩu in 2023 in a guest capacity.[5][6]
Xuân Bắc as Nam Tào (2003–2021, 2023): Ngọc Hoàng's assistant alongside Bắc Đẩu. He is not afraid of harsh statements towards the Táo(s) in their reports, although he is prone to corruption and has accepted bribery from the Táo(s) multiple times. Đỗ Duy Nam took over the role in 2022 and 2024.[4][7]
Recurring roles
Since the roles of Táo change every year, the following list goes by actor.
Vân Dung (2003–present): she alternates in different years between Táo Y tế (Healthcare) and Táo Giáo dục (Education).
Quang Thắng (2003–present): often enters with a grand entrance. He assumes the role of Táo Kinh tế (Economy) in most years, although in some years he plays the role of Táo Giáo dục (Education).
Chí Trung (2005–present): he generally takes the role of Táo Giao thông (Transportation) or any role that has the most controversial issues of the year. According to actor Tự Long, Chi Trung is the person who has many of the best quotes on the show.
Tự Long (2003–present): a comedian originated from chèo, hence his acts often incorporate songs and performances. He assumes the role of Táo Văn hoá (Culture) in most years.
Đỗ Duy Nam (2014, 2017–present): He has taken on the role of Nam Tào's assistant since 2018, except for 2022, when he got the starring role of Nam Tào due to Xuân Bắc's absence.
Trung Ruồi (2017–present): Joining the recurring cast alongside Đỗ Duy Nam, he has since taken on the role of Bắc Đẩu's assistant, except for 2022, when he took over the main role of Bắc Đẩu due to Công Lý's absence.
Hiệp Gà (2004, 2007, 2009–2011): play the role of Gia Cát Dự. He claims to be a descendant of Zhuge Liang at his divine power of prediction, although he usually predicts everything wrong. In 2011, he took on the role of Táo Quy hoạch (City planner).
Phạm Bằng (2005–2006)
Anh Tuấn (2009)
Bá Anh (2007–2008)
Văn Hiệp (2006)
Quốc Quân (2004, 2006, 2012)
Bình Trọng (2006, 2008–2009, 2011–2012)
Đức Hải (2010)
Đức Khuê (2010)
Lâm Vỹ Dạ (2021)
Mạnh Hưng (2021)
Minh Tít (2017 - 2018)
Mạnh Dũng (2016–present)
Supporting roles
Every year, the show features other celebrities and comedians playing supporting characters. The supporting cast are listed below in order of year of appearance:
Tiến Quang (2003, 2005–2006)
Phú Đôn (2003–2004)
Giang Còi (2003, 2005)
Bình Trọng (as Thiên Lôi, the God of Thunder) (2006, 2008 - 2009, 2011 - 2012)
The show is broadcast across all of VTV's channels on Vietnamese New Year's Eve every year since its inception. From 2003 to 2005, and in 2007, Táo Quân was filmed at VTV's S9 studio, and until 2008, Kim Mã Theater was chosen as the location for filming; in 2006, 2009, 2010–2014 and 2018–2022, the show was filmed at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Labor Culture Palace (Vietnamese: Cung Văn hoá Lao động Hữu nghị Việt-Xô) in Hanoi. In 2015 and 2017, the show was filmed at VTV's S14 studio. In 2016, the show was filmed at VTV's S15 studio.
From 2010 to 2013, the show was released on DVD a week before the air date. The DVD version has the full recording and is usually longer and slightly different from the TV version. Since 2014, VTV ceased producing DVDs and started releasing the show digitally. The 2014 release was handled by CNC and the 2015 to 2017 release was distributed by VTV Digital (VTV Go). The 2018 show was released exclusively on VTV's multi-platform entertainment portal VTVGiaiTri.[8]
As a result of its popularity, many other television channels have copied Táo Quân's format. On YouTube, the show has achieved more than 320 million views (this includes all editions and performances).
The actors have about two months to prepare for the show, which begins production one week before the television air date. The show is filmed for three days, then edited to fit into its two-hour broadcasting block on television (including commercials). An extended cut, typically at around three hours, is subsequently released.
As Tết is also a busy time for Vietnamese comedians, the cast often has to rehearse at nighttime, which takes a toll on their health and personal life. For instance, in 2017, Quốc Khánh (who portrays the Ngọc Hoàng) lost his mother at the time of rehearsals and had to take on responsibilities for her funeral as well as for the show. Such demanding schedule, however, does not deter big names from committing to the show.
Controversies
In 2009, two performances by Táo Điện lực ("Electrical Manager") (played by Minh Hang), in which she was singing songs asking for government funding, were censored. One performance was completely removed from the broadcast and the other was replaced by a later re-recorded version with changes in its lyrics. In that same special, a verse (also about asking the government for money) from a song called "Lụt từ ngã tư đường phố" (Flood from the Crossroads) performed by Táo Thoát nước ("Drainaging Manager") was also removed from the broadcast. However, all the original uncut performances from the special were later leaked onto the internet.
In 2013, VFC and VTV were requested to censor some of the jokes that were considered offensive and inappropriate by the Department of Arts and Performance (Vietnamese: Cục Nghệ thuật Biểu diễn or shortened to NTBD). As such, the DVD release for the show came four days later than planned.[9]
In 2015, the Department of Arts and Performance asked VFC to submit the full script of the show to be reviewed before taping but the request was denied by VFC. Đỗ Thanh Hải – the show's creative director – spoke out against the department's move. To avoid censorship from the NTBD, the show had to be moved to Studio 14 of VTV, a venue that is smaller than the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Palace of Culture and Labour (Vietnamese: Cung Văn hóa Lao động Hữu nghị Việt Xô), where the show was planned to take place.[10]
In 2017, some of the show's jokes were censored by VTV. However, VFC later released the original cut of the show on YouTube.
In 2018, VFC and VTV were criticized for allowing several offensive jokes on the LGBT community and body shaming. The issue was met with polarized reactions but VFC and VTV gave no further comments.[11][12]
In 2023, Xuân Bắc was criticized for a Facebook post on January 24 about a son who heavily criticizes his mother's handmade bánh chưng (a traditional dish in Tết), only to get a slap as a punishment for being rude. The post was believed to be a response to negative review of the show. Viewers had mixed opinions on the issue, and most of them believed that Xuân Bắc was disrespecting the viewers of the show.[13]
