Best Of 2024: 8 Chaotic, Hilarious, And Fun-Filled Variety Shows We Loved This Year

If there’s something that can give you comfort after a long, tiring, and stressful day, it’s a rib-tickling, heartwarming, and hilarious variety show. 2024 has been a stellar year for Korean variety shows, bringing us a mix of heartwarming reality, chaotic games, and unparalleled entertainment. Here are the variety shows that made Team Namaste Hallyu’s year brighter and our weekends more enjoyable.

1. I Live Alone

MBC World’s ‘I Live Alone’ is a variety show that showcases how single celebrities live, and Anjali can’t stop gushing about this slice-of-life gem. “I really like the way they show the idols’ day-to-day life. They are also very funny, especially Key, as a cast member.” Watching K-Pop idols and K-Drama actors navigate their day-to-day lives is strangely comforting—and sometimes relatable! Who would have thought?

2. Nothing Much Prepared

Lee Young Ji’s drinking chat show ‘Nothing Much Prepared’ is comedy gold. Anytime I need a breather, this is the show I turn to. Nothing kills my stress the way Young Ji and her show do, and Komal and Ananya agree with me. Komal says, “Young Ji has rocked it in 2024, especially the Final Party episode. It was amazing!” Ananya adds, “The episodes are so fun to watch and feel so homely. I LOVE it! I find myself always waiting for more episodes. Such a fun show.” Young Ji’s unfiltered humor and the homely vibes make every episode a treat. It’s like hanging out with your funniest friend—chaotic, hilarious, and absolutely addictive.

3. Jinny’s Kitchen Season 2

The cast of ‘Jinny’s Kitchen’ took a trip to the land of Ice and Fire, Iceland this year, and Komal loved it. Komal strikes again with another gem! “Jinny’s Kitchen this year was also amazing,” she says, highlighting its Icelandic escapades. The team’s culinary adventures made this series unforgettable. It’s a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and heartwarming interactions.

4. Apartment404

Madiha has found her favorite in ‘Apartment404,’ a suspense-filled mystery-solving variety show, that kept her on the edge of her seat. “I loved the concept of the show. The suspense in every episode kept me on my toes,” she shares. Each episode brims with mystery, twists, and turns, making it a must-watch for fans of thrillers. Let’s just say, binge-watching this with the lights off is an experience like no other.

5. Going Seventeen

 

Oh, where do we even start? Shivani, Surabhi, Nandini, and Ariba are all in agreement: ‘Going Seventeen’ is an unparalleled masterpiece of comedy and creativity. Shivani says, “It never fails to give something funny and innovative. Cuz why are a bunch of beautiful K-Pop idols pretending to be zombies giving interviews?” Surabhi adds, “I can never get tired of it. It’s my go-to whenever I feel low. They are so funny and chaotic.” And then there’s Nandini, who’s still laughing over Wonwoo’s iconic line: “BaBy, I’m JuSt TrYnA pLaY iT cOoL, bUt I jUsT cAn’T hIdE tHaT, i WaNt YoU.” Whether you’re having a bad day or just need a pick-me-up, ‘Going Seventeen’ has your back.

6. Kenny’s Cooking Show

Aaradhana is here to put 1VERSE’s ‘Kenny’s Cooking Show’ on your radar. “Not really a mainstream show, but I love to see Kenny’s chaotic energy trying to cook dishes,” she says. “He tries various cuisines and styles. Additional points for chaos, as he isn’t fluent in Korean but tries his best to communicate with his members and staff. Also, as an editor, I really love the editing style.” It’s not your typical cooking show—think chaotic energy, linguistic struggles, and culinary experiments gone hilariously wrong.

7. Workout Zzang

Eeshna is a firm believer that TXT Beomgyu’s ‘Workout Zzang’ is the fitness show we didn’t know we needed. “The exciting and chaotic energy of Beomgyu makes the show such a fun watch!” she says. “Also, we got his iconic dialogue, ‘I wasn’t born yeasterday,’ thanks to this series!” With its mix of workouts and Beomgyu’s chaotic personality, every episode is a delightful mess.

8. ZIP DAESUNG

Sharanya’s pick, ‘ZIP DAESUNG,’ brought BIGBANG fans to tears—in the best way possible. “Little me cried tears of joy. BIGBANG’s reunion for a meal with heartfelt conversations and reminiscing and planning for the future was the highlight,” she shares. Watching the members reminisce, plan for the future, and share a meal together was nothing short of magical. It’s the kind of content that warms your heart and leaves you yearning for more.

2024 gave us variety shows that ranged from chaotic hilarity to deeply moving moments. Each show has its unique flavor, making it impossible to pick a favorite. So, whether you’re in the mood for suspense, comedy, or wholesome reality, these shows have got you covered. Which one’s your go-to? Let us know in the comments!

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