The year 2014 was a great one for cable channels tvN and JTBC. Both channels experimented with new forms of entertainment programs and succeeded in winning the viewers’ approval. Here are some of the cable channel shows that received as much, if not more, love as terrestrial channel programs.

◆From ”Flower” series to “Go Office”… Real Entertainment
tvN received more love this year than in any other year. Their entertainment programs such as “Grandpas Over Flowers Season 2,” “Youth Over Flowers (Peru, Laos),” and “Three Meals a Day” triggered a “reality syndrome.” The last of the three, “Three Meals a Day,” is an outdoor reality program in which top celebrities cook for themselves in a remote countryside. The program is receiving great reviews from the viewers as Lee Seo-jin and Taekyeon’s self-sustainable lifestyle is stirring nostalgia for the country life as well as ambition to take on the challenge one day. 

Meanwhile, “Go Office” is resonating with office workers. This reality show quietly follows the celebrities as they experience the real office life. Seeing these celebrities as newly recruited employees has the viewers laughing all throughout the program. It is almost like an entertainment version of the drama “Misaeng.”
 
◆”Non-summit” and “Off to School” syndrome
JTBC generated a syndrome this year with “Non-Summit” and “Off to School.” “Non-Summit” became a sensation with its cast of foreigners representing their respective countries who talk frankly about their impressions of Korea. Although the unconventional and daring perspectives of the talk show were not without controversies, the program generated countless issues and enjoyed extensive popularity. Thanks to the syndrome, the viewers’ interest in Sam Okyere, Guillaume Patry, Takyua and other cast members and what they say shows no signs of abating.

“Off to School” is a show that started another syndrome in the last half of this year.
Ambitiously conceived to become friends with the current high school students who are studying hard for their dreams and future, “Off to School” captured the ups and downs of school life of nostalgic, grown-up celebrities and high school students who are eager to grow up fast. The unpredictable, unimaginable real happenings at school added to the fun of the program.