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| Tencent Video Confirms CHUANG 2026 Revival After Years of Hiatus |
After years of silence, one of China’s most iconic idol survival shows is finally making a comeback.
Tencent Video officially announced during its 2026 Tencent Video V Vision Conference that CHUANG 2026 (also known internationally as Produce Camp 2026) is currently in production — marking the long-awaited return of the popular franchise.
This announcement instantly sparked excitement across social media, especially among long-time fans who have been hoping for a revival since the last season in 2021.
A New Era for the CHUANG Series
According to reports, the production team is already preparing the next season with a completely new format and a refreshed mentor lineup.
While Tencent hasn’t revealed the full list of mentors just yet, insiders hinted that some familiar faces and rising idols could make appearances, blending experience and youthful energy.
CHUANG 2026 aims to bring back the spirit of discovery and competition that made the show a global sensation — but with an updated, more transparent system this time around.
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A Fresh Start After the 2021 Controversy
Fans may remember that the last season, CHUANG 2021, ended with heavy controversy due to its voting system, which required fans to purchase sponsor products to cast votes.
This led to massive waste, as fans bought large quantities of drinks only to discard them after retrieving the voting codes.
The scandal made national headlines and prompted authorities to tighten regulations on fundraising and voting systems in reality TV shows.
It also led Tencent to put the CHUANG series on hold indefinitely — until now.
Rebuilding Trust and Excitement
This revival is being viewed as a symbolic reset for both Tencent and the CHUANG brand.
The production reportedly plans to implement stricter oversight and fairer voting mechanisms to ensure that both trainees and fans have a more positive experience.
Fans online have already begun buzzing about possible trainee line-ups, new competition formats, and what kind of music styles the new season will explore.
Many are calling CHUANG 2026 “a second chance” for Chinese idol survival culture to evolve responsibly while still keeping the fun and excitement alive.
The Hype Is Real
While an exact air date hasn’t been revealed, CHUANG 2026 is expected to premiere sometime next year on Tencent Video (and globally via WeTV). With production already underway, the anticipation is sky-high.
As one fan put it online: “CHUANG isn’t just a show — it’s nostalgia, hope, and chaos all in one. Can’t wait for Season 5!”
Looks like the stage lights are switching back on — and China’s most talked-about idol survival show is finally ready to shine again.
Source: Weibo