# Gặp nhau cuối năm

Gặp nhau cuối năm (The Year-End Reunion) is a Vietnamese annual satirical comedy that is broadcast across all channels of the Vietnamese national broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) on Tết Nguyên Đán, and has been produced by the Vietnam Television Film Center (VFC) since 2003. Known for its comedic take on the socio-political and economic issues of the year in Vietnam, the show is widely popular in the country and is considered a television staple of the Vietnamese New Year holiday. It features some of the biggest names of Vietnamese comedy, including Quốc Khánh, Vân Dung, Quang Thắng, Tự Long, Công Lý, and Xuân Bắc.

## History

Gặp nhau cuối năm has been produced by the Vietnam Television Film Center since 2003. The show was originally produced as a special Lunar New Year episode of VTV's former comedy show Gặp nhau cuối tuần (Weekend Meeting). Gặp nhau cuối năm became a separate program in 2006.
On 22 November 2019, VTV and VFC confirmed that they would put the Táo Quân version of Gặp nhau cuối năm on hold. The 2020 edition of Gặp nhau cuối năm, loosely based on the 1982 film Làng Vũ Đại ngày ấy (Once Upon a Time in Vũ Đại Village) and features characters from famous Vietnamese literary works, was not well received by the public, who expressed the desire for the Táo Quân version to return.
On 11 January 2021, VTV and VFC announced the return of the Táo Quân version of Gặp nhau cuối năm, starting in 2021.

## Premise

The show is mainly set in Heaven, where Ngọc Hoàng rules. He has two assistants, the gods Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu (named after the two star constellations Crux and Big Dipper) who helps him manage affairs of the earthly kingdom. There are a few other characters off-handedly mentioned, but usually only Thiên Lôi (God of Thunder) is on-screen and often has to run Heaven's errands.
Every year, Ngọc Hoàng assembles the Táo Quân(s) (Kitchen Gods) to Heaven to report the affairs in Vietnam throughout the year to him. Unlike the original legend, there could be multiple Táo(s), each in charge of one aspect of the country's society (such as transportation, economy, education, culture or tourism, but no politics, military or defense). The Táo(s) are typically named after the division they are in charge of, although in 2015 they are named after the Five Elementals (Wuxing).
Táo(s) report directly to Ngọc Hoàng with the presence of Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu, who often find faults in their reports and run into arguments. Ngọc Hoàng typically hears the stories and makes comments, but can be sarcastic and show unexpected talents and remarks. Although the majority of reports are done by prose, sometimes the reports can be told by other forms, such as dancing, singing or short plays. The reports highlight the socio-political and economic issues of the past year in Vietnam, often interpreted in a more comedic and light-hearted manner.
At the end of the assembly, all of the Táo(s) gather, and Ngọc Hoàng reads the final remarks. The show ends with the cast and presenter Thảo Vân (absent in 2022) wishing audiences a happy new year.
Starting from 2009, in addition to the main plot, the show also includes an accompanying theme and scenario.
* In 2009, the Táo Quân(s) presented Hoa Táo, a parody of the beauty competition Miss Vietnam.
* In 2011, the show was named Táo Idol with the format based on Vietnam Idol.
* In 2013, the show was based on the format of The Voice of Vietnam. In addition, Ngọc Hoàng, Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu switched bodies by order, unbeknownst to the Táo Quân(s).
* In 2014, Ngọc Hoàng had a sore throat and could not attend the assembly. Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu was forced to find a lookalike, Tèo (also played by Quốc Khánh) and trained him to act as a temporary replacement for Ngọc Hoàng.
* In 2015, the later part of the show featured a competition where Ngọc Hoàng requested to find a third sidekick in the zenith for him, alongside Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu. This part was based on the television game shows Ai là triệu phú (the Vietnamese adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?) and Ơn giời cậu đây rồi [vi] (the Vietnamese adaptation of Thank God You're Here).
* In 2016, the later part of the show featured a wheel from Chiếc nón kỳ diệu [vi] (the Vietnamese adaptation of Wheel of Fortune) to find out which Táo is responsible for corruption.
* In 2018, the show marked its 15th anniversary, but the reporting part was removed. Instead, this year's show featured a catwalk runway and a competition to win the title of "the first quintessence Táo".
* In 2023, the show marked its 20th anniversary. This year's programme does not have a reporting section of the Táo(s), with them instead participating in a contest called "Táo bạo", a parody of Miss Vietnam.

### Musical performances

The show frequently features music and dance performances throughout. Although the settings and costumes are based on the imperial era, the singers (and at times the actors themselves) can change to a more contemporary look, if necessary. The show also frequently parodies Vietnamese and foreign songs, by rewriting the lyrics for storytelling purposes. Many performances later become Internet memes in Vietnam. The incomplete list includes:
| Year | Song | Original artist |
| 2007 | "A Man of Determination" | George Lam |
| 2007 | "Hips Don't Lie" | Shakira, Wyclef Jean |
| 2008 | "Million Roses" | Alla Pugacheva |
| 2009 | "Money, Money, Money" | ABBA |
| 2009 | "Đêm buồn tỉnh lẻ" | |
| 2009 | "Từ một ngã tư đường phố" | Phạm Tuyên |
| 2009 | "...Baby One More Time" | Britney Spears |
| 2010 | "I Have a Dream" | ABBA |
| 2010 | "Daddy Cool" | Boney M. |
| 2010 | "Bèo dạt mây trôi" | |
| 2011 | "Tôi người lái xe" | |
| 2011 | "Un-Break My Heart" | Toni Braxton |
| 2011 | "Teen vọng cổ" | Vĩnh Thuyên Kim |
| 2011 | "Cháu lên ba" | |
| 2011 | "Đi học" | |
| 2012 | "Xin lỗi tình yêu" | Đàm Vĩnh Hưng |
| 2012 | "Ly cà phê Ban Mê" | Siu Black |
| 2012 | "The Bund" | Frances Yip |
| 2012 | "Cô gái vót chông" | Anh Thơ |
| 2012 | "Đường cong" | Thu Minh |
| 2012 | "Chia tay hoàng hôn" | Thanh Lam |
| 2012 | "Vì một thế giới ngày mai" | Nguyễn Quang Vinh |
| 2013 | "Là con gái thật tuyệt" | Khởi My |
| 2013 | "Gangnam Style" | Psy |
| 2013 | "Nắng có còn xuân" | |
| 2013 | "Чему учат в школе" | |
| 2013 | "Áo trắng đến trường" | |
| 2013 | "Chiếc khăn piêu" | Tùng Dương |
| 2013 | "Lý kéo chài" | |
| 2013 | "Chị tôi" | Trần Tiến |
| 2014 | "Trái tim không ngủ yên" | Bằng Kiều, Mỹ Linh |
| 2014 | "Hoa sữa" | Thanh Lam |
| 2014 | "Rock xuyên màn đêm" | Bức Tường |
| 2014 | "Chào em cô gái Lam Hồng" | |
| 2014 | "Sắc màu" | Trần Thu Hà |
| 2014 | "Vì em quá yêu anh" | Mỹ Tâm |
| 2014 | "Không cảm xúc" | Hồ Quang Hiếu |
| 2014 | "Con bướm xinh" | Hồ Quang Hiếu |
| 2014 | "Nơi tình yêu bắt đầu" | Tiến Minh |
| 2015 | "Nắm lấy tay anh" | Tuấn Hưng |
| 2015 | "Không phải dạng vừa đâu" | Sơn Tùng M-TP |
| 2015 | "Cảm ơn tình yêu" | Uyên Linh |
| 2016 | "Em là hoa hồng nhỏ" | Trịnh Công Sơn |
| 2016 | "Vợ người ta" | Phan Mạnh Quỳnh |
| 2016 | "Ngõ vắng xôn xao" | Trần Quang Huy |
| 2016 | "Mình đi đâu thế" | Hoàng Bách |
| 2017 | "Hoa trinh nữ" | |
| 2017 | "Mắt nai cha cha" | Hồng Ngọc |
| 2017 | "Thành phố trẻ" | Trần Tiến |
| 2018 | "Tàu anh qua núi" | Anh Thơ |
| 2018 | "Đội kèn tí hon" | |
| 2018 | "Cho con" | |
| 2018 | "Thật bất ngờ" | Trúc Nhân |
| 2019 | "Tình ca Tây Bắc" | |
| 2019 | "Nơi này có anh" | Sơn Tùng M-TP |
| 2019 | "Con đường xưa em đi" | |
| 2019 | "Thói đời" | |
| 2019 | "Không dám đâu" | |
| 2021 | "Bigcityboi" | Binz |
| 2021 | "Có chàng trai viết lên cây" | Phan Mạnh Quỳnh |
| 2022 | "One Way Ticket" | Neil Sedaka |
| 2023 | "Bên trên tầng lầu" | Tăng Duy Tân |
| 2025 | "Tái sinh" | Tùng Dương |
| 2025 | "Có không giữ, mất đừng tìm" | Trúc Nhân |

## Cast

The cast of Táo Quân is composed of numerous comedians and actors from northern Vietnam. For most of the show's run, Quốc Khánh (as Ngọc Hoàng), Xuân Bắc (as Nam Tào) and Công Lý (as Bắc Đẩu) are the regulars. The remaining Táo roles are played by various actors and actresses.

### Regular roles

* Quốc Khánh as Ngọc Hoàng (2004–present): ruler of Heaven. Every year, he listens to reports from the Táo Quân(s) on matters down on Earth (Vietnam). He cares for the common people and is focused on proposing ways to improve their life and well-being. He sometimes can be childish or flirtatious.
* Công Lý as Bắc Đẩu (2003–2021, 2023): Ngọc Hoàng's assistant alongside Nam Tào. Công Lý's character has been described as genderfluid, LGBT, or a drag queen. They have a softer personality than Nam Tào, although on reporting matters they can be sharp and critical. They often quarrel with Nam Tào on various issues; however, both Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu generally work well with each other. They respect Ngọc Hoàng, but sometimes speak ill behind his back. Công Lý exited the show as a regular for health reasons in 2022, with Trung Ruồi taking over the role for that year. Công Lý returned as Bắc Đẩu in 2023 in a guest capacity.
* Xuân Bắc as Nam Tào (2003–2021, 2023): Ngọc Hoàng's assistant alongside Bắc Đẩu. He is not afraid of harsh statements towards the Táo(s) in their reports, although he is prone to corruption and has accepted bribery from the Táo(s) multiple times. Đỗ Duy Nam took over the role in 2022 and 2024.

### Recurring roles

Since the roles of Táo change every year, the following list goes by actor.
* Vân Dung (2003–present): she alternates in different years between Táo Y tế (Healthcare) and Táo Giáo dục (Education).
* Quang Thắng (2003–present): often enters with a grand entrance. He assumes the role of Táo Kinh tế (Economy) in most years, although in some years he plays the role of Táo Giáo dục (Education).
* Chí Trung (2005–present): he generally takes the role of Táo Giao thông (Transportation) or any role that has the most controversial issues of the year. According to actor Tự Long, Chi Trung is the person who has many of the best quotes on the show.
* Tự Long (2003–present): a comedian originated from chèo, hence his acts often incorporate songs and performances. He assumes the role of Táo Văn hoá (Culture) in most years.
* Đỗ Duy Nam (2014, 2017–present): He has taken on the role of Nam Tào's assistant since 2018, except for 2022, when he got the starring role of Nam Tào due to Xuân Bắc's absence.
* Trung Ruồi (2017–present): Joining the recurring cast alongside Đỗ Duy Nam, he has since taken on the role of Bắc Đẩu's assistant, except for 2022, when he took over the main role of Bắc Đẩu due to Công Lý's absence.

### Non-frequent appearances

* Quốc Trượng (as Ngọc Hoàng) (2003)
* Minh Hằng: (2005–2007, 2009, 2012–2013, 2015, 2018)
* Minh Vượng (2004–2008, 2018)
* Thành Trung (2007–2014, 2023)
* Thu Hương (2003)
* Hiệp Gà (2004, 2007, 2009–2011): play the role of Gia Cát Dự. He claims to be a descendant of Zhuge Liang at his divine power of prediction, although he usually predicts everything wrong. In 2011, he took on the role of Táo Quy hoạch (City planner).
* Phạm Bằng (2005–2006)
* Anh Tuấn (2009)
* Bá Anh (2007–2008)
* Văn Hiệp (2006)
* Quốc Quân (2004, 2006, 2012)
* Bình Trọng (2006, 2008–2009, 2011–2012)
* Đức Hải (2010)
* Đức Khuê (2010)
* Lâm Vỹ Dạ (2021)
* Mạnh Hưng (2021)
* Minh Tít (2017 - 2018)
* Mạnh Dũng (2016–present)

### Supporting roles

Every year, the show features other celebrities and comedians playing supporting characters. The supporting cast are listed below in order of year of appearance:
* Tiến Quang (2003, 2005–2006)
* Phú Đôn (2003–2004)
* Giang Còi (2003, 2005)
* Bình Trọng (as Thiên Lôi, the God of Thunder) (2006, 2008 - 2009, 2011 - 2012)
* Hoàng Sơn (2006)
* Mai Sơn (2006)
* Viết Thái (2006)
* Tạ Am (2006)
* Nhật Cường (2006)
* Thế Anh (2007)
* Chiến Thắng (2007)
* Hải Anh (2008)
* Phan Anh (2011)
* Kiên Trung (2011, 2014)
* Quốc Anh (2012)
* Minh Quân (2013–2016, 2018, 2023)
* Việt Bắc (2014, 2018, 2021–2022)
* Tiến Minh (2014, 2021, 2023)
* Chí Tài (2015)
* Việt Hương (2015)
* Tuấn Hưng (2015)
* Bình Minh (2016)
* Quân Anh (2016–18)
* Xuân Bắc's sons (2018)
* Đức Hùng (fashion designer) (2018, 2023)
* Lan Hương (2019)
* Thái Dương (2022 -)
* Thanh Dương (2023)

### Timeline of actors/actresses
#### Legend

    Featured as a main character.
    Featured as a supporting character.
| Name of celebrity | 1 (2003) | 2 (2004) | 3 (2005) | 4 (2006) | 5 (2007) | 6 (2008) | 7 (2009) | 8 (2010) | 9 (2011) | 10 (2012) | 11 (2013) | 12 (2014) | 13 (2015) | 14 (2016) | 15 (2017) | 16 (2018) | 17 (2019) | New version (2020) | 18 (2021) | 19 (2022) | 20 (2023) | 21 (2024) |
| Thảo Vân | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | Host | | | Host |
| Quốc Khánh | | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng / Tèo (car valet) | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Lão Hạc | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng | Ngọc Hoàng |
| Xuân Bắc | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Nam Tào | Xuân Tóc Đỏ | Nam Tào | | Nam Tào |
| Công Lý | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | Bắc Đẩu | | Bắc Đẩu | | Bắc Đẩu |
| Quang Thắng | Táo Quân | Táo Quốc lộ (Highway) | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Quy hoạch (City Planning) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Tiền Vàng (Gold & Money) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Hoả (Fire) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh Công (Economy-Industry & Trade) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Lộ Mõ | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) |
| Tự Long | Supporting role | Táo Hải sản (Seafood) | Miss De Jang-geum | Táo Thể thao (Sports) | Táo Thể thao (Sports) | Taxi driver / fake foreigner | Táo Thoát nước (Drainage) | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Văn hoá – Xã hội (Culture & Society) | Táo Thể thao (Sports) | Thổ địa | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Mộc (Wood) | Táo Tinh thần (Morale) | Táo Môi trường (Environment) | Táo Xã hội (Society) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Nô (Noo Phúc Thọ) | Táo Xã hội (Society) | Táo Mạng (Internet) | Táo Xã hội (Society) |
| Vân Dung | Táo Xã hội (Society) | Táo Dược phẩm (Pharmacy) | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Báo chí (Journalism) | Táo Tiêu dùng (Consumption) | Táo Cộng đồng (Community) | Táo Điện lực (Electricity) | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Dân sinh (Livelihood) | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Thuỷ (Water) | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Xã hội (Society) | Thị Mầu | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Xã hội (Society) | Táo Y Tế (Healthcare) |
| Chí Trung | | | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Xây dựng (Construction) | Táo Quan chức (Officials) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Điện lực (Electricity) | Táo Thổ (Earth) | Táo Xã hội (Society) | Táo Công chức (Officials) | Táo Quy hoạch (City Planning) | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Ngàn Like | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) | Táo Giao thông (Transportation) |
| Đỗ Duy Nam | | | | | | | | | | | | Poor civilian | | | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Like's assistant | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Nam Tào | Trợ Lý Bắc Đẩu (Bắc Đẩu’s assistant) |
| Trung Ruồi | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Like's assistant | Phó Thiên Lôi (Vice Thunder Guard) | Bắc Đẩu | Trợ Lý Bắc Đẩu (Bắc Đẩu’s assistant) |
| Minh Hằng | | | Mama Choi (Mama Chuê) | Táo Đầu tư (Investment) | Táo Văn hoá (Culture) | | Táo Điện lực (Electricity) | | | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Văn thể (Culture-Sport) | | Táo Kim (Metal) | | | Táo Môi trường (Environment) | | | |
| Phạm Bằng | | | Táo Văn nghệ (Art) | Táo Tài nguyên (Natural Resources) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quốc Trượng | Ngọc Hoàng | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Thu Hương | Táo Văn hóa (Culture) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Văn Hiệp | | | Supporting role | Táo Công nghiệp (Industry) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Minh Vượng | | Supporting role | Supporting role | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | Táo Cơ chế (System) | Táo Đời sống (Life) | | | | | | | | | | Táo Hưu trí (Retirement) | | | |
| Đức Khuê | | | | | | | | Táo Dân sinh (Livelihood) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Đức Hải | | | | | | | | Táo Thực phẩm (Food) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quốc Quân | | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | | Supporting role | | | | | | Supporting role | | | | | | | | | |
| Bá Anh | | | | | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | Táo Kinh tế (Economy) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Hồ Liên | | | | | | | | | | | | Táo Giáo dục (Education) | | | | | | | |
| Thành Trung | | | | | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | Táo Nông dân (Farmer) | Táo Quy hoạch (City Planning) | Thiên Lôi's relative | Táo Điện lực (Electricity) | Supporting role | Supporting role | | | | | | | | Táo Quy Hoạch (City Planning) |
| Anh Tuấn | | | | | | | Táo Y tế (Healthcare) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Diễm Hương | | | | | | | | | | | | Táo Văn hoá (Culture) | | | | | | | |
| Hiệp Gà | | Supporting role | | | Táo Blog | | Gia Cát Dự | Gia Cát Dự | Táo Quy hoạch (City Planning) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Xuân Hinh | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Chí Phèo | | |
| Thanh Thanh Hiền | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Phó Đoan | | |
| Lâm Vỹ Dạ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Humanoid robot (modeled after Bắc Đẩu) | |

## Episodes
### Lunar New Years

| Edition | Air date | Notes |
| 1 | 31 January 2003 | First edition of the Táo Quân version |
| 2 | 21 January 2004 | |
| 3 | 8 February 2005 | |
| 4 | 28 January 2006 | |
| 5 | 16 February 2007 | |
| 6 | 6 February 2008 | |
| 7 | 25 January 2009 | |
| 8 | 13 February 2010 | |
| 9 | 2 February 2011 | |
| 10 | 22 January 2012 | |
| 11 | 9 February 2013 | Special edition, 10th anniversary |
| 12 | 30 January 2014 | |
| 13 | 18 February 2015 | |
| 14 | 7 February 2016 | |
| 15 | 27 January 2017 | |
| 16 | 15 February 2018 | Special edition, 15th anniversary |
| 17 | 4 February 2019 | |
| 18 | 24 January 2020 | A version, aired only in 2020 |
| 19 | 11 February 2021 | |
| 20 | 31 January 2022 | |
| 21 | 21 January 2023 | Special edition, 20th anniversary |
|- |22 |9 February 2024 | |} |- |23 |28 January 2025 | |}

### International New Years

| Episode number | Air date | Notes |
| A | 31 December 2006 | First episode |
| B | 31 December 2007 | Last episode |

## Filming and broadcasting

The show is broadcast across all of VTV's channels on Vietnamese New Year's Eve every year since its inception. From 2003 to 2005, and in 2007, Táo Quân was filmed at VTV's S9 studio, and until 2008, Kim Mã Theater was chosen as the location for filming; in 2006, 2009, 2010–2014 and 2018–2022, the show was filmed at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Labor Culture Palace (Vietnamese: Cung Văn hoá Lao động Hữu nghị Việt-Xô) in Hanoi. In 2015 and 2017, the show was filmed at VTV's S14 studio. In 2016, the show was filmed at VTV's S15 studio.
From 2010 to 2013, the show was released on DVD a week before the air date. The DVD version has the full recording and is usually longer and slightly different from the TV version. Since 2014, VTV ceased producing DVDs and started releasing the show digitally. The 2014 release was handled by CNC and the 2015 to 2017 release was distributed by VTV Digital (VTV Go). The 2018 show was released exclusively on VTV's multi-platform entertainment portal VTVGiaiTri.
As a result of its popularity, many other television channels have copied Táo Quân's format. On YouTube, the show has achieved more than 320 million views (this includes all editions and performances).
The actors have about two months to prepare for the show, which begins production one week before the television air date. The show is filmed for three days, then edited to fit into its two-hour broadcasting block on television (including commercials). An extended cut, typically at around three hours, is subsequently released.
As Tết is also a busy time for Vietnamese comedians, the cast often has to rehearse at nighttime, which takes a toll on their health and personal life. For instance, in 2017, Quốc Khánh (who portrays the Ngọc Hoàng) lost his mother at the time of rehearsals and had to take on responsibilities for her funeral as well as for the show. Such demanding schedule, however, does not deter big names from committing to the show.

## Controversies

In 2009, two performances by Táo Điện lực ("Electrical Manager") (played by Minh Hang), in which she was singing songs asking for government funding, were censored. One performance was completely removed from the broadcast and the other was replaced by a later re-recorded version with changes in its lyrics. In that same special, a verse (also about asking the government for money) from a song called "Lụt từ ngã tư đường phố" (Flood from the Crossroads) performed by Táo Thoát nước ("Drainaging Manager") was also removed from the broadcast. However, all the original uncut performances from the special were later leaked onto the internet.
In 2013, VFC and VTV were requested to censor some of the jokes that were considered offensive and inappropriate by the Department of Arts and Performance (Vietnamese: Cục Nghệ thuật Biểu diễn or shortened to NTBD). As such, the DVD release for the show came four days later than planned.
In 2015, the Department of Arts and Performance asked VFC to submit the full script of the show to be reviewed before taping but the request was denied by VFC. Đỗ Thanh Hải – the show's creative director – spoke out against the department's move. To avoid censorship from the NTBD, the show had to be moved to Studio 14 of VTV, a venue that is smaller than the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Palace of Culture and Labour (Vietnamese: Cung Văn hóa Lao động Hữu nghị Việt Xô), where the show was planned to take place.
In 2017, some of the show's jokes were censored by VTV. However, VFC later released the original cut of the show on YouTube.
In 2018, VFC and VTV were criticized for allowing several offensive jokes on the LGBT community and body shaming. The issue was met with polarized reactions but VFC and VTV gave no further comments.
In 2023, Xuân Bắc was criticized for a Facebook post on January 24 about a son who heavily criticizes his mother's handmade bánh chưng (a traditional dish in Tết), only to get a slap as a punishment for being rude. The post was believed to be a response to negative review of the show. Viewers had mixed opinions on the issue, and most of them believed that Xuân Bắc was disrespecting the viewers of the show.