HCM CITY – Television stations have lined up dozens of new and interesting programmes to entertain nationwide audiences during Tết (Lunar New Year).

HCM City Television (HTV) is broadcasting the second part of the musical comedy-drama Cô Thắm Về Làng (Visiting Homeland), named after the famous song by composer Giao Tiên, on HTV2 channel.

The film’s first part with eight episodes was screened last year, and attracted a large audience of all ages. On YouTube, it has attracted more than 40 million viewers.

The story features a successful woman named Thắm who is working abroad. On the occasion of Tết, she returns to visit her family in her hometown and meets her soulmate there.

In the second part, Thắm again returns to her hometown during Tết. But this time, she and his boyfriend face a big challenge to protect their love.

“The film attracted audiences with an interesting plot and scenes capturing beautiful landscapes of Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta region,” said director Lê Hướng Nam.

“Young and beautiful actors, who made great contributions to the film’s success, also star in the second part,” he said.

The cast stars Tường Vi (play Thắm) and Nhan Phúc Vinh (play Thắm’s boyfriend). Young actors Sam and Jun 365 also are in the film.

The film’s 12 songs are familiar to many Vietnamese, including Tô Thanh Tùng’s Giăng Câu (Go Fishing), Giao Tiên’s Lên Chùa Cầu Duyên (Going to Pagoda to Pray for Love), and Mạc Thế Nhân’s Mùa Xuân Cưới Em (Marrying You in Spring).

“I hope Cô Thắm Về Làng continues for audiences during Tết, especially for people who cannot return to their hometown for the special occasion,” said the 28-year-old Vi.

The film airs Monday to Friday at 8 pm on HTV2 and will end on January 27 or Lunar New Year’s Eve.

Việt Nam Television (VTV) is broadcasting a comedy series Cười 10 Thang Thuốc Bổ (Laughter is the Best Medicine) at 8 pm daily on its channel VTV9. It was released on December 18.

Produced by M&T Picture, the 52-episode series features amusing stories about daily life. It includes famous comic actors People’s Artist Hồng Vân, Việt Anh, Cát Phượng and Tiết Cương.

As usual, VTV and HTV will introduce their annual comic skits Táo Quân (Kitchen God) on Lunar New Year’s Eve (January 27).

VTV’s production will take a look at the top events in the year gone by, and feature renowned actors including Quốc Khánh, Xuân Bắc and Công Lý.

The play will be followed by a two-hour concert Đón Tết Cùng VTV (Celebrating Tết with VTV) with songs about spring from pop stars like Sơn Tùng M-TP and Mỹ Tâm.

An entertaining programme Đồng Dao Cánh Én (Children’s Folk Songs on Swallow) will air on the first day of the Lunar New Year. It will feature New Year celebrations in the northern, central, and southern regions.

Meanwhile, HTV’s Táo Quân will feature Meritorious Artist Hoài Linh and young comic actors like Huỳnh Lập and Nam Thư.

On January 25, there will be a live broadcast of the opening of Flower Street and Street Book Festival on Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard.

HTV is also screening a show Hội Ngộ Danh Hài (Gathering of Comedians) which includes comedy and cải lương short plays and music performances.

The programme features more than 300 veteran and young comedians, cải lương performers, actors and singers, such as Quang Minh, Hồng Đào and Chí Tài, and pop stars Lệ Quyên and Hồ Ngọc Hà.

Phan Thái Hiệp, PR manager of Đông Tây Promotion, one of the show’s organisers, said they hoped the show would bring laughter to audiences nationwide during Tết holiday.

The show, consisting of 17 episodes, is broadcast at 8:30pm every Saturday and Sunday on HTV7. — VNS