42 Idols & Influencers Join “Live Acting Show” - Audience Feels Bad For The Judges

Moral Of The Story

Published: Mon Jun 30 2025

It’s only one of the most important reality shows of China in the past year. 45 actors, influencers, interns, and film students will be gathered in one place to - act - till they’re the last ones standing. It’s like a speed run to get an Oscar and quite literally their entire careers are on the line. They will be acting out improvised “scenes” in front of 4 legends in the industry who will become their mentors during this journey. But instead of racing to the top of the film industry - they are racing to the top of becoming a nationwide meme. With comments reading - “This is not an acting show. This is a live mental institution and it’s testing the 4 judge’s mental stamina.” Some comments are begging for the show to “free” the judges so that they can go back to living peacefully. Because this might be the messiest show in existence.

Summary

Podcast Title: Moral Of The Story
Host: Stephanie Soo
Episode: 42 - Idols & Influencers Join “Live Acting Show” - Audience Feels Bad For The Judges
Release Date: June 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In episode 42 of Moral Of The Story, host Stephanie Soo delves into the chaotic world of Chinese reality television, specifically focusing on a groundbreaking live acting competition known as "Performance City." Joined by co-host Derek and guest Chen, the episode dissects the show's structure, highlights controversial moments, and critiques the performances of idols and influencers vying for acting supremacy. This detailed analysis sheds light on the intense pressures faced by contestants and the questionable practices of the show's judges.

Introduction to Performance City

Stephanie Soo introduces "Performance City" as an ambitious improv acting competition set in China, where 45 aspiring actors and actresses compete to earn the title of the best actor in the world. The show aims to mimic the prestige of the Oscars, providing a platform for participants to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the industry.

"This is like the real life competition of the Oscars. This is how people are going to get recognized for their talent and skill."
— Stephanie Soo [01:42]

Meet the Mentors

The competition is overseen by four esteemed mentors who judge and guide the contestants:

Chen Kaige
A renowned Chinese filmmaker known for his serious demeanor and strict mentoring style.

"The power that a movie can have can't be calculated by numbers. Although it's the digital age, I'm sorry to tell you, the amount of energy a good movie can generate cannot be quantified by numbers."
— Chen Kaige [06:07]
Jen Yu
Another mentor who emphasizes traditional acting techniques and professionalism.
Zhang Ziyi
An acclaimed actress who focuses on the emotional depth and rhythm of performances.

"Words don't really matter. Rhythm is important in acting."
— Zhang Ziyi [07:01]
Isabelle Hubert
A French actress who brings an international perspective to the judging panel.

Contestants' Performances and Critiques

The episode highlights several key performances that drew significant attention:

Mr. Horseback Husband

A wealthy and prominent contestant whose abusive behavior towards his wife became a focal point of controversy.

"He makes his wife drive the entire seven hours. By the five-hour mark... he gaslights her after this."
— Stephanie Soo [17:20]

The couple's public portrayal on the show, especially his treatment of her, sparked debates online about potential elder abuse. The segment underscores the intense scrutiny contestants face, not just for their acting skills but also for their personal conduct.

Mr. Snake Man

An influencer known for his distinctive appearance and meme-worthy persona, Mr. Snake Man's attempts at serious acting were met with mixed reactions.

"He reminds me of the uncle that invests in a lot of stuff. Stocks. But he keeps losing money in the stocks."
— Derek [20:50]

Despite his comedic background, his dramatic scene lacked authenticity, leading mentors to criticize his grasp of genuine emotional expression.

Kiki the Idol

A member of a popular girl group striving to transition into serious acting roles, Kiki's dedication to her craft was evident in her performance as a stray cat.

"She's so in character. For that, you get an Academy Award."
— Derek [55:56]

Her unwavering commitment impressed the mentors, highlighting her potential as a serious actress despite limited acting experience.

Controversies and Ethical Concerns

Throughout the episode, Stephanie and Derek address the ethical dilemmas and controversies surrounding "Performance City":

Elder Abuse Allegations:
The rigorous demands placed on mentors, particularly older judges, have led to accusations of mistreatment. Online debates on platforms like Douyin question whether the show's format constitutes abuse.

"Everyone is now very semi seriously debating on the Internet... if this show constitutes as elder abuse."
— Derek [03:23]
Authenticity of Performances:
Many contestants, including influencers and idols, struggle to deliver authentic performances, often resorting to exaggerated emotions that fail to resonate with the audience and judges.

"They are all working too hard to act. I barely see anyone quietly performing here."
— Stephanie Soo [53:31]
Product Placement and Sponsorships:
The show incorporates overt product placements, such as Meituan Medical Aesthetics and various other sponsors, which disrupt the narrative flow and detract from the authenticity of the acting competition.

"They try to make it seem like this is part of the show... it was the most unsmooth thing I've ever witnessed."
— Derek [36:00]

Notable Quotes

Stephanie Soo on Contestant Behavior:

"Why does everybody need to know each other? They need different dynamics."
— Stephanie Soo [09:00]
Derek on Plastic Surgery Stigma:

"What's the stigma about plastic surgery? Who cares? The only person that gets up, Snake Man."
— Derek [34:11]
Chen Kaige on Acting Standards:

"The amount of energy a good movie can generate cannot be quantified by numbers."
— Chen Kaige [06:07]

Insights and Conclusions

The episode paints a grim picture of "Performance City," emphasizing the immense pressure on contestants to perform authentically amidst a backdrop of personal scandals and unethical practices. The mentors, despite their prestigious backgrounds, appear disillusioned with the quality of performances, often criticizing the lack of genuine emotional depth among participants.

Stephanie and Derek's analysis suggests that reality shows like "Performance City" prioritize drama and sensationalism over true talent development, leading to a dilution of acting standards and the exploitation of both contestants and mentors. The episode serves as a critical examination of how reality television can sometimes undermine the very industries it seeks to promote.

Final Thoughts

Episode 42 of Moral Of The Story offers a thorough and critical exploration of "Performance City," highlighting the intersection of fame, talent, and ethical concerns in modern reality television. Through engaging dialogue and poignant critiques, Stephanie Soo and her co-hosts shed light on the underlying issues that plague such shows, urging listeners to reflect on the true cost of entertainment in the digital age.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where Stephanie continues to unravel the intricate dynamics and upcoming challenges in "Performance City," promising deeper insights and more controversial revelations.