Veteran Huang Bo and Rising Idol Fan Chengcheng Join “Ace vs Ace” Season 9, Triggering Fan Debate and Industry Insight

The announcement – or at least the public perception of one – was first hinted at in a series of posts by the show’s official Weibo account on August 27, 2025. The account used the hashtags #黄渤范丞丞官宣王牌9# and #黄渤范丞丞王牌好友# to underline the partnership, and it also promoted the “Wandering Life” (浪浪人生) film crew, which includes the two stars along with actors Chang Yuan, Li Jiaqi and performer Fu Hang. The movie, slated for an October 1 theatrical release, will be cross‑promoted on “Ace vs. Ace” when the show airs its new episode on August 29 at 20:20 Beijing time.

Huang Bo is a household name in China, known for his effortless blend of comedy and drama in films such as “Crazy Stone” and “Lost in Thailand.” His reputation for high emotional intelligence and a down‑to‑earth personality has made him a favorite guest on variety programmes for over a decade. Fan Chengcheng, a younger talent who first rose to prominence as a member of the boy group NEX5 and later pursued a solo singing and acting career, is increasingly recognized for his quick wit and willingness to experiment on screen. During a pre‑show segment, Fan introduced himself as “cold on the outside, warm on the inside,” prompting a quick retort from Yang Di – “hot on the outside, steaming on the inside” – a line that quickly trended on Weibo and illustrated the playful chemistry that producers hope to harness.

The cast for “Ace vs. Ace” season 9 was officially unveiled on August 25, with a mix of familiar faces – Guan Xiaotong, Song Yaxuan, Sha Yi, Yang Di and Jin Jing – and a batch of newcomers, among them the two aforementioned stars. The following day, netizens offered a split reaction. Some praised the inclusion of both a veteran actor and an up‑and‑coming idol, seeing it as a strategic move to attract a broader demographic. Others expressed concern that the line‑up tinkered too heavily with the beloved “Ace Family” that has underpinned the show’s success since its debut in 2016, especially after the reduced roles announced for popular regulars Jia Ling and Shen Teng.

Industry observers have taken note of the broader pattern emerging from these casting choices. Recent commentary from Chinese entertainment analysts describes a shift from the older “pumping potential” model – where variety shows deliberately cultivated fresh talent – toward a “use whoever is already popular” approach. Names like Bai Lu, Gong Jun and Hua Chenyu have been cited as examples of this trend, and the inclusion of Fan Chengcheng aligns with the strategy of leveraging pre‑existing fan bases to boost immediate viewership. This pragmatic, if somewhat risk‑averse, tactic reflects the larger challenge Chinese broadcasters face: a scarcity of breakout new formats after a decade dominated by sequels and spin‑offs of successful shows.

“What we are seeing with ‘Ace vs. Ace 9’ is a classic case of a long‑running programme trying to balance continuity with novelty,” says Li Wei, a media analyst based in Shanghai. “The producers want to retain the core ‘family’ feel that keeps older viewers loyal, while injecting fresh energy to keep younger audiences engaged. Adding Huang Bo and Fan Chengcheng is a to hit both marks, but the real test will be whether the chemistry translates into compelling segments, not just star power.”

The mixed response on social media underscores a growing tendency among Chinese viewers to hold variety programmes to higher standards. Comments ranging from “the show is becoming a celebrity parade” to “finally, someone who can actually bring humor and spontaneity” illustrate a heightened scrutiny that can make or break a season. The controversy surrounding the participation of 73‑year‑old actor Tang Guoqiang in earlier promotional drafts for season 9, for instance, sparked a debate about age‑appropriateness and the evolving definition of “variety star” in the public imagination.

While the announcement of Huang Bo and Fan Chengcheng’s involvement appears to have been amplified by the show’s own promotional machinery, a comprehensive search of recent news outlets and official press releases shows no definitive statement from the stars themselves confirming a contractual commitment. Consequently, the exact nature of their roles – whether they will appear as recurring “Ace Friends,” guest judges, or simply as part of the “Wandering Life” cross‑promotion – remains unconfirmed.

Nevertheless, the convergence of the TV show and the upcoming film creates a synergy that is hard to ignore. “Wandering Life,” a dramedy about a loosely knit group of entertainers on a road‑trip, features the same cast that will appear on “Ace vs. Ace” in the so‑called “Wandering Life” film crew segment. By linking the series to a nationwide theatrical release on the National Day holiday, the producers aim to generate a ripple effect: viewers of the variety programme are reminded of the film, while cinema‑goers are nudged to tune in to the TV episode for behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes.

From a broader perspective, the episode encapsulates the current state of Chinese variety television. The reliance on established formats and known personalities is a double‑edged sword – it guarantees a baseline audience but also raises the stakes for innovation. Critics argue that the repeated use of nostalgia‑laden segments and familiar cast members may soon wear thin if fresh concepts are not introduced. At the same time, the willingness to pair a senior actor with an idol reflects an industry willing to experiment within safe parameters.

As “Ace vs. Ace” prepares to roll out its ninth installment, the true impact of Huang Bo Fan Chengcheng’s involvement will become evident on Friday’s broadcast. Whether their joint appearance can deliver the “unexpected happy stories” promised by the show’s promotional teasers, while satisfying both veteran fans and the younger, social‑media‑savvy crowd, will be a litmus test for the evolving formula of China’s prime‑time variety entertainment.