SBS's "Anytime," PD Choi Bo-pil and writer Chae Jin-a highlighted the true worth of Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, who have shone in "Anytime," demonstrating their solid trust.
The SBS variety program "Anytime" (directed by Choi Bo-pil/written by Chae Jin-a) is a variety show that gifts luck during the brief gaps in everyday life, termed 'gap strategy.' The show, which aired last spring and fall, has progressively penetrated the gaps in viewers' daily lives and, since its first broadcast, has secured the top viewership ratings in the metropolitan area and the 2049 ratings on Tuesdays. Particularly notable was the 20th episode's viewership rating of 4.4% in the metropolitan area, setting a new record and increasing anticipation for the new season (according to Nielsen Korea). In line with this, the production team of "Anytime" released an interview with the trusted production crew, PD Choi Bo-pil and writer Chae Jin-a, who have worked together since Season 1, ahead of the first broadcast of Season 3 on May 6 at 9 p.m.
PD Choi Bo-pil is regarded as a PD with high trust among fans, having formed a solid fandom. Regarding the power of "Anytime" which has continued until Season 3, he noted, "'Anytime' started from the idea of, 'What if something fun happens during precious gap time?'" He expressed gratitude, stating, "The greatest credit for reaching Season 3 goes to the two MCs, Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok. Their combination, which naturally blends with anyone, has been our greatest strength."
He added, "The program's realism is also one of the secrets to its longevity. We minimized the production team's intervention on set and allowed the cast to operate freely. However, since we had a meticulous structure in place, fresh ideas emerged in any spontaneous situations. Additionally, the role of the gap owners (applicants) who showed their true gap time was very significant."
Meanwhile, earlier, "Anytime" received praise for introducing a bonus coupon system in Season 2 that allowed gap owners to join in the games. Regarding this, PD Choi stated, "In this Season 3, rather than making significant changes, we focused on maintaining the existing emotions and fun points." He continued, "Instead, we changed the bonus coupon to upgrade the fun. In Season 3, the guest (gap friend) draws the coupon to be used for that gap right before the mission begins. During the actual recording, the pressure of having to roll the dice right in front of the gap owner made the results much more entertaining."
In this context, the two producers captivated attention by revealing the unique game selection process of "Anytime." PD Choi stated, "After analyzing the gap friend's tendencies through lengthy interviews, we devise missions while considering burdensome or feasible areas. Previous gap friends remarked, 'It’s impossible not to be immersed.' Focusing on whether viewers would enjoy themselves when deeply engaged in a game led to a variety of games emerging." Writer Chae Jin-a emphasized, "We select neighborhoods that suit the gap friends. We study in detail where the gap friend was born and which places they frequently visit. Having gap friends who know the area well enriches the journey of the day immensely."
"The indispensable element of 'Anytime' is the unpredictable fun provided by the gap owners. Regarding this, writer Chae noted, 'Gap owners are met in a way where the neighborhood is set first. We talk as much as possible with the gap owners, gaining hints on their daily lives and what kind of gifts would make them happy. The writers communicate intermittently until the actual filming.' She continued, 'The logline of "We fill in the gaps of daily life" expresses that when gap owners say they'll be happy for years with today’s gap, I feel thankful and happy.'
PD Choi further stated, "We focus on the inherent charm of gap owners. Some are bursting with energy, while others reveal their appeal in a quieter manner. That's why I explain at every meeting that we're not looking for only those with great eloquence," adding, "Moreover, when we get to the actual location, they tend to perform even better. Naturally with the two MCs, who are great at leading the conversation, it seems they exceed expectations."
Above all, PD Choi and writer Chae expressed special affection for MCs Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, who have led "Anytime." PD Choi noted, "'Anytime' is a program where the relationships of the MCs and their non-intervention in hosting are crucial. Yoo Yeon-seok adds a more playful charm, while Yoo Jae-suk establishes a big framework to ensure that Yeon-seok blends well with both gap friends and gap owners, completing the chemistry. When Yoo Yeon-seok returned in Season 2, he required a slight adjustment period as the variety show itself was somewhat new to him, but this season, he returned to MC mode as if he had seen it just last week," expressing anticipation for the chemistry of the two in Season 3. Writer Chae also conveyed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "The production team refers to the two as 'Big Yoo' and 'Little Yoo.' Their chemistry creates a brotherly banter, and sometimes it’s reassuring to see them blaming or comforting each other."
Notably, PD Choi drew attention by mentioning Yoo Jae-suk's true worth, having worked together on "Running Man" and now "Anytime." PD Choi stated, "While Yoo Jae-suk shone as a player in 'Running Man,' in 'Anytime,' he feels more like part of the production team. He resolves concerns the production team has during the planning stage with uncanny accuracy. Thanks to that, we have been able to pursue more realism with trust in the MC, realizing that Yoo Jae-suk isn’t just a player but someone who encompasses the show." Writer Chae also noted, "Yoo Jae-suk always anchors the site like an older brother, caring for everyone from Yoo Yeon-seok to the staff, which I find astonishing and appreciative every day."
Finally, regarding the viewing points for Season 3 of "Anytime," PD Choi stated, "The production team, following the program's title, is also holding meetings and researching neighborhoods whenever possible. We have worked exceptionally hard for this season, and the ongoing recordings have concluded successfully with great enjoyment. Personally, I am confident that we have made a much better start than the previous seasons. I hope viewers can enjoy "Anytime" without reservations. And I ask you not to have a mindset of ‘What if it doesn't work?’ and please apply for your own gap time."
Writer Chae remarked, "'Anytime,' which can be watched anytime, is now going to be on air a bit earlier. It's a program that’s good to watch when you’re bored, need a friend, or while eating, so I'd appreciate it if you could watch it a lot," encouraging viewers to continue their unchanged love for "Anytime," which will air one hour earlier at 9 p.m.
Meanwhile, the healing variety show "Anytime," which promises a more robust daily comedy bombardment, is set to air on Tuesday, May 6, at 9 p.m.
[Photo] SBS's variety program "Anytime."
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