If you are obsessed with K-pop and K-dramas, it is time to branch out and explore Korean variety television. These highly addictive shows feature your favorite idols, models, and actors dropping their polished on-screen personas for raw, unscripted comedy. From intense physical betrayals to heartwarming family chaos, here are five essential variety shows you need to stream right now.
Where to stream: Viki, Viu, Kocowa
Perfect for fans of: High-stakes games, chaotic betrayals, and massive ensemble casts.
Running Man is the undisputed cornerstone of Korean variety television. The permanent cast and weekly guest stars compete in high-stakes, hilarious physical missions to avoid comical punishments. Even though original member Lee Kwang-soo left the show to focus on acting, his legendary, chaotic sibling rivalry with Yoo Jae-suk remains the gold standard of variety comedy. Their endless bickering and slapstick chemistry still define the show’s spirit today. The rest of the ensemble cast keeps the energy electric. Fans tune in for Haha’s playful mischief, Kim Jong-kook’s terrifying physical dominance, Song Ji-hyo’s legendary “Ace” luck, and Ji Suk-jin’s hilarious role as the easily bullied eldest member. Together with witty mainstays like Yang Se-chan and rising favorite Ji Ye-eun, this tight-knit family dynamic makes every episode unmissable.
Where to stream: Viki, Kocowa
Perfect for fans of: Intimate celebrity insights, relatable lifestyle content, and food mukbangs.
Curious about what your favorite stars do behind closed doors? I Live Alone delivers an intimate, unfiltered look into the single lives of top Korean celebrities. This slice-of-life observational show balances relatable household struggles with laugh-out-loud solo antics. The crown jewel of the show is the hilarious “Palm Oil Family” dynamic—featuring host Jun Hyun-moo, comedian Park Na-rae, and actor Lee Jang-woo. Their viral, food-obsessed travel mukbangs and relatable weight-loss struggles consistently dominate internet search trends.
Where to stream: YouTube (ootb STUDIO)
Perfect for fans of: Campus adventures, educational comedy, and witty celebrity hosts.
Jeongwaja puts a refreshing, hilarious spin on college life by embedding a celebrity host into a different university department every single week. BTOB’s Lee Chang-sub originally launched the show, anchoring the first five seasons with his quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and legendary, awkward chemistry with real students. His easygoing charm turned everything from complex engineering labs to intense culinary classes into comedy gold. Beginning in Season 6, EXO’s Kai took over the mantle, injecting the show with his own brand of warm, playful energy and infectious curiosity. Whether the hosts are panicking over unexpected quizzes, failing at hands-on projects, or sharing heartfelt, candid chats with actual undergraduates, Jeongwaja perfectly balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine insights into unique career paths.
Where to stream: Kocowa, KBS World YouTube
Perfect for fans of: Travel vlogs, brutal penalty games, and beautiful Korean landscapes.
2 Days & 1 Night is a travel-reality series that takes viewers on an unpredictable journey across South Korea. The hosts face brutal face-offs and games to earn basic meals or indoor sleeping arrangements, often resulting in hilarious outdoor camping penalties. The show is currently trending all over social media due to a fresh injection of energy. In particular, the chaotic synergy between veteran Kim Jong-min and the witty new addition Lee Yong-jin keeps the classic “real wild road variety” spirit wildly unpredictable.
Where to stream: Netflix, YouTube (Knowingbros)
Perfect for fans of: K-pop idol comebacks, savage roasting, and inside jokes.
Set inside a fictional high school classroom, Knowing Bros reimagines the traditional talk show format. Guest stars dress in school uniforms and challenge the regular cast members in a battle of wits, savage roasting, and unscripted games. The absolute highlight of the show is Super Junior’s Kim Heechul and his sharp, savage bantering against veteran host Kang Ho-dong. Heechul’s genius ability to call out older members and mock his fellow idols makes every single “transfer student” episode go viral on YouTube.
Where to stream: Viki, Kocowa, KBS World YouTube (KBS 슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다)
Perfect for fans of: Wholesome family interactions, adorable children, and feel-good comfort TV.
For a complete change of pace, The Return of Superman offers a heartwarming, feel-good escape. This wildly popular reality series leaves celebrity fathers alone to care for their young children for 48 hours. The absolute crown jewels of the show right now are Olympic gold medalist fencer Kim Jun-ho and his two sons, Eun-woo and Jung-woo. Consistently ranking as the program’s most-watched family, their segments capture viewers’ hearts worldwide. The chaotic parenting fails and adorable kid interactions make it pure comfort food for television lovers, especially as little Jung-woo starts showing his father’s top-tier athletic genes.
– Karen Mwenda
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