A new Chinese talent show is delivering a powerful message: Age is just a number.
Smashing the ageist attitudes that largely dominate China's entertainment industry, "Sisters Who Make Waves" stars a cohort of celebrities in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, competing for five spots in an all-women band.
Such so-called idol groups in China typically comprise young people in their late teens or early 20s. Emphasis on appearance and body shape, if not stated outright, is widely accepted as the norm.
"Sisters" expressly aims to provide older female celebrities with more opportunities, according to the show's producers.
The debut episode set social media ablaze. The reviews, however, have been mixed.
Some said shows like "Sisters" are coming at a time when viewers are looking for more diversity in their preferred programming.
The show is designed to cater to viewers' demands. It's about women's self-awareness, an alternative to the existing talent shows.
It appeals to viewers who are tired of today's undiversified, youthful appearance-driven talent show models.
But not everyone is impressed, with some saying content diversification doesn't change the way women are perceived and portrayed on screen.
A commentator noted in an online article that the show fails to address the real issues women face, including employment discrimination in the entertainment industry. Instead, it uses the participants' popularity to attract viewers, just like other television shows.