Among them, Tencent Video, early in 2021, introduced a new concept of entertainment shows called Xiao Xian Zong, which roughly translates to "small-scale and lively reality shows".

With a relatively low production cost and flexible format, these shows offer a sense of companionship and connection to the audience, particularly to young people living fast-paced lifestyles in cities who may feel a lack of belonging.

And they would often be watched while people are eating or taking a break from their daily routines. The reality show, Mao Xue Woof, is the platform's first attempt at producing this genre.

Most reality shows are filmed in specially built studios, but Mao Xue Woof breaks from this convention by being set in a regular apartment located in a residential area in Beijing's Chaoyang district.