Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the return of the popular Chinese documentary series "A Bite of China" with its fourth season, which has faced significant criticism and controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of traditional cooking methods and the associated hardships endured by chefs [3][4][36]. Summary by Sections Return of "A Bite of China" - "A Bite of China 4" marks the return of a beloved series after a seven-year hiatus since the third season aired in 2018 [3]. - The initial reception has been overwhelmingly negative, with many viewers expressing their dissatisfaction through one-star ratings and harsh critiques [4][18]. Historical Context and Impact - The first season aired in 2012 and received a high rating of 9.4 on Douban, creating a cultural phenomenon that influenced food media and dining habits across China [8][12]. - The series inspired a surge in similar food media formats and a widespread adoption of its narrative style, known as "A Bite of China style" [13][14]. Criticism of Season 4 - The first episode of Season 4, focusing on the theme of "skills," has drawn particular ire for its depiction of a traditional baking technique involving extreme physical risk to the chef [20][21]. - Viewers were disturbed by the portrayal of the chef's physical suffering, leading to comparisons with historical torture methods and raising questions about the necessity of such dangerous practices in modern cooking [33][35]. Societal Changes and Viewer Expectations - The backlash reflects a shift in societal attitudes towards traditional labor and suffering, with contemporary audiences rejecting narratives that glorify hardship without addressing the potential for modernization and safety improvements [36][58]. - The article highlights a growing empathy for individual workers and a rejection of outdated practices that compromise personal safety for the sake of tradition [59]. Quality of Production - The article argues that the fundamental issue with the fourth season lies in its production quality, which fails to effectively communicate the importance and necessity of the traditional techniques being showcased [63][64]. - The perspective of the chef as a traditional practitioner is inadequately explored, leading to misunderstandings about the value of their craft and the sacrifices involved [66]. Cultural Reflection - The series' earlier seasons successfully captured the cultural significance of food in Chinese society, intertwining culinary art with themes of resilience and community [77][81]. - In contrast, the fourth season is criticized for focusing excessively on suffering without highlighting the human spirit and aspirations for a better future, resulting in a loss of the series' original charm and depth [82][84].

Core Viewpoint - The return of the popular Chinese documentary series "A Bite of China" has sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of traditional cooking techniques that some viewers find outdated and harmful [1][3][20]. Group 1: Background and Popularity - "A Bite of China" first aired in 2012 and received widespread acclaim, achieving a high rating of 9.4 on Douban, which led to a cultural phenomenon around food [8][9]. - The second season followed in 2014, maintaining the show's popularity and resulting in a surge of food-related media imitating its style [13][15]. - However, the third season faced a drastic drop in ratings, plummeting to 3.8, indicating a significant decline in viewer reception [18]. Group 2: Controversy Surrounding Season 4 - The fourth season, which aired earlier in the year, was largely ignored until it was released on video platforms, where it received a wave of criticism [20]. - The first episode's focus on traditional cooking techniques, particularly the "贴烧饼" (sticking pancakes) method, drew ire for its depiction of labor-intensive and potentially harmful practices [23][24]. - Viewers expressed concern over the physical toll on the workers, questioning the necessity of such traditional methods in modern times [35][36]. Group 3: Cultural and Social Commentary - The backlash reflects a broader societal shift away from glorifying suffering and hardship, with audiences increasingly rejecting narratives that romanticize "苦难" (suffering) [40][62]. - The documentary's failure to adequately address the implications of these traditional practices and the personal experiences of the workers contributed to viewer dissatisfaction [68][70]. - The series has been criticized for lacking depth in exploring the cultural significance of food and the resilience of individuals, focusing instead on the hardships without showcasing hope or progress [85][86]. Group 4: Industry Implications - The decline in quality and relevance of "A Bite of China" raises concerns about the future of documentary storytelling in China, particularly in how it engages with contemporary issues [67][89]. - The series' inability to resonate with current audience expectations highlights a disconnect between traditional narratives and modern sensibilities, suggesting a need for creators to adapt their storytelling approaches [88][90].