The newly released poster for Keep Running: Heavenly Road Edition has triggered heated discussion among viewers. Featuring all 13 participating guests, the poster was criticized by many who argued that promotional materials should highlight only the main cast rather than including every guest member. Comments such as “too crowded” and “lack of focus” quickly spread across social media.
Since its debut in 2014 as Keep Running, Brother, the show has been one of China’s most recognizable variety programs. Early fixed members such as Deng Chao, Angelababy, Li Chen, Chen He, Zheng Kai, Wong Cho-lam, Wang Baoqiang, and Bao Bei’er accompanied audiences for several seasons and remain nostalgic favorites. Luhan’s arrival in seasons three and four also brought significant popularity.
In 2017, the show was rebranded as Keep Running, and the cast began rotating more frequently. As earlier members departed, new faces such as Li Chen, Sha Yi, Cai Xukun, Zhu Yawen, Guo Qilin, and Song Yuqi joined the lineup. In recent years, the franchise has expanded into multiple themed editions, including the Common Prosperity Edition, Ecological Edition, and Ancient Tea Horse Road Edition, each with its own lineup adjustments.
The newly launched Heavenly Road Edition continues this pattern. The season features 13 guests in total: Li Chen, Sha Yi, Zheng Kai, Bai Lu, Fan Chengcheng, Song Yuqi, Zhang Zhenyuan, Li Yunrui, Zhai Zilu, Ao Ruipeng, Wang Churan, Shen Yujie, and Xu Zhisheng. Although viewers generally regard Li Chen, Sha Yi, Zheng Kai, Bai Lu, Fan Chengcheng, Song Yuqi, and Zhang Zhenyuan as the main recurring members, the poster includes the full roster, leading some to question the clarity of the show’s promotional strategy.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding newly added guests such as Wang Churan and Shen Yujie, with some viewers doubting whether they have strong variety show presence. As the season officially premiered on the 24th, audience reactions remain mixed, and discussions about the lineup’s chemistry and the show’s direction continue.
Viewers now wait to see whether Heavenly Road Edition can overcome the controversy and deliver compelling content throughout the season.
