China's Dating Show for People Over 50 Becomes a Hit

A 47-year-old woman stands in a sunflower field in southwestern China, speaking into a walkie-talkie to ask a divorced father in his 50s if he'd like to meet. He says yes immediately, and millions of viewers can't stop watching.

"Forever by Your Side" launched in December and quickly became China's surprise streaming hit. Unlike typical dating shows focused on twentysomethings, this series features contestants in their late 40s and early 50s, many divorced with children.

The format breaks new ground for Chinese television. Previous dating shows for older adults focused bluntly on pensions, property, and health. This series follows contestants living together in scenic locations like Dali and Phuket, going on themed dates, and sharing their feelings through handwritten messages sealed in glass bottles.

The show's hashtag has racked up over 450 million views on Xiaohongshu, China's lifestyle app. Fans create AI-generated images of their favorite couples and follow contestants on social media to see if their on-screen chemistry continues offline.

Chen Yushan, a 20-year-old student in Shanghai, never expected to spend her week obsessively following two introverts in their 50s. "I never imagined I'd be so invested in shipping people over 50," she said. "They seem more genuine because they truly value companionship."

Why This Inspires

Marital counselor Tai Qi says younger viewers are drawn to seeing how their parents' generation expresses love. The older contestants bring calm conflict resolution and clear communication, showing that lasting relationships require commitment and effort, not just chemistry.

For 32-year-old Zhou Wenna from Shanghai, the show arrived during a low point. Her work was overwhelming, her hair was graying, and her marriage felt distant. Watching contestants in their 50s wake up each day to exercise and believe in love changed her perspective entirely.

"Maybe your 50s are the prime time to fall in love," she said. "I don't fear aging like I used to."

Even 63-year-old retired engineer Sun Xiaoyan watches regularly with her daughter, paying attention to which male contestants do household chores and show politeness. The show has become a bridge between generations, sparking conversations about love, aging, and second chances.

The contestants prove that romance, courage, and new beginnings don't have expiration dates.