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].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving aesthetic trend in the entertainment industry, particularly the "嬷化" phenomenon, where male actors are increasingly portrayed with delicate and fragile characteristics, challenging traditional masculinity [1][10]. Summary by Sections Stage 1: Economic Suitable Men - The early 2010s saw the dominance of the "economic suitable man" archetype, represented by actors like Tong Dawei, who portrayed stable, warm, and reliable characters [3][4]. - These characters reflected a societal shift towards valuing stability and emotional support in relationships, resonating with female audiences seeking reliable partners [5]. Stage 2: The "Wimp" Archetype - As societal pressures increased and women's self-awareness grew, the "economic suitable man" image became less relatable, leading to the emergence of the "wimp" archetype, exemplified by actors like Lei Jiayin and Guo Jingfei [6][7]. - These characters, often flawed and vulnerable, allowed female viewers to empathize with their struggles, reflecting a more complex understanding of masculinity [7]. Stage 3: The "Good Husband" Trend - The "wimp" archetype evolved into the "good husband" trend, represented by actors like Bai Ke, who embody a service-oriented, emotionally supportive male figure [8][9]. - This character type provides a sense of security and emotional stability, appealing to audiences in uncertain times [9]. Stage 4: The "嬷化" Trend - The "嬷化" trend marks a significant shift where male actors and their teams actively design and market a more delicate and feminine image, moving from passive acceptance to proactive engagement with audience expectations [10][16]. - This trend is characterized by a collaborative effort to redefine male aesthetics, allowing actors to gain empathy and increase their appeal in a competitive market [16]. Notable Examples - Actors like Cheng Yi and Luo Yunxi exemplify the "嬷化" aesthetic through their roles and public personas, emphasizing fragility and beauty in their portrayals [2][12]. - The trend is not limited to television but extends to idol groups and other entertainment forms, showcasing a broader cultural shift towards embracing softer male images [15].