Planet Homebuddies
Beijing-based entertainment company Mei Tian Mei Yu (Mei Tian) has reported that its new Web / TV sitcom Planet Homebuddies has amassed seven million viewers since launching in February on top China portals and online platforms Tudou, Youku, Baofeng, PPTV, iQiyi and SINA.
The six-part series that premiered during the Chinese New Year, takes a humorous look at the new trend among China’s white collar youth who choose to live and work at home. Based on a concept by President/CEO of Metan Development Group, Larry Namer, the series was developed and written as a TV/Web format for global audiences, marking the first time a China media company is using the internet to pilot domestic and global TV projects.
“We’re thrilled by the amazing response to Planet Homebuddies,” said Namer, development and business strategy consultant to the project. “The series has definitely resonated with and attracted the young, affluent, upwardly mobile Chinese audience, much sought after by advertisers. With this success, we feel a TV deal is not far away.”
According to Mei Tian, the viewer breakdown of the series is reported as 56% male, 44% female, with 74% under 30 years old and 88% under 40 years old. More than 60% of viewers are college educated.
Planet Homebuddies follows the lives of six, twenty/thirty somethings, three guys and three girls, who because of various circumstances gather together in a large loft. The lead character Jerry is depressed after breaking up with his girlfriend and losing his advertising business. To get over his misfortune, he decides to rent a large loft with two good friends, Andy, an IT specialist and Sean, a DJ. Together they become “homebuddies” – young people who work and live at home, a new terminology created by Mei Tian.