Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new type of male protagonist in urban dramas, particularly focusing on the character of Yu Yu in "Why He Is Still Single," who embodies an imperfect and unlikable persona, contrasting with the trend of idealized male leads in the genre [1][4][5]. Group 1: Character Analysis - The character Yu Yu is portrayed as a typical imperfect male lead, often making remarks that annoy others, which raises questions about his single status [5][7]. - Despite his flaws, audience acceptance of Yu Yu is relatively high, attributed to the show's emphasis on his shortcomings and the appeal of the actor, Hu Ge [5][7]. - The portrayal of an unlikable male lead is rare in urban dramas, where characters are usually expected to show growth and relatability [4][7]. Group 2: Market Trends - Urban dramas have historically favored perfect male leads, with recent examples showing a shift towards more idealized characters, making the portrayal of flawed protagonists a risky endeavor [7][9]. - The market for urban dramas is significant, with modern urban dramas accounting for 40.82% of the total content, indicating a strong demand for diverse character representations [7][9]. - The evolution of audience expectations has led to a decline in the acceptance of imperfect male leads, as viewers increasingly seek narratives that reflect their realities and experiences [13][14][16]. Group 3: Historical Context - Earlier urban dramas, such as "Struggle" and "Naked Marriage Era," featured more realistic and flawed male characters, reflecting the societal values of the time [9][11]. - The shift towards idealized male leads coincided with the rise of idol dramas, which set a standard for perfection in male characters [11][13]. - As societal values evolve, particularly with the awakening of female consciousness, the demand for authentic and relatable character arcs has increased, challenging the traditional narrative structures in urban dramas [13][14][16].