Zhejiang Satellite TV's ‘The Class of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3' soars to No.1 with a resonance of truth and emotion
Co-produced by Zhejiang Satellite TV and Youku, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3 is a youth acting reality show that continues the successful format of its previous two seasons. The program assembles a powerhouse team of industry veterans including Chief Director Dongsheng Er and producers Lei Hao, Chengru Li, Tao Liu, Zhenyu Wu, and Zhiwei Zeng, with guest producers Jing Wang, Huaqiang Xiang, and Tianzhen Yang. Together, they mentor a diverse cast of performers such as Zhipeng Chen, Zhen Ding, Shouer Fu, Hanikezi, Jiuhua He, Yao Hong, Chun Ke, Muchen Li, Yichang Liu, Yixiao Li, Yuxin Liu, Shaoyang Xu, An Yan, Xiaotong Yu, Yuhan Yu, Haoxin Wang, Xing Wang, Danfeng Zhang, and Lili Zhong.
Through a professional training ecosystem that includes real-world job assessments, master classes, and on-set auditions, the show challenges young actors to face criticism head-on and rebuild their skills from the ground up.
As one of China's most compelling entertainment IPs in recent years, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence has earned widespread acclaim for its sharp insights into the acting industry and its vibrant online engagement. Often described by netizens as a 'clear-headed acting show,' the program has twice been nominated for Best Variety Program at the Shanghai TV Festival's Magnolia Awards.
Since the launch of its third season, the show has ranked No.1 in its timeslot across 71 CSM cities on Saturdays, topping internal charts on both Z Shijie and Youku, and dominating popularity metrics across major platforms. It has amassed over 44.57 billion total topic views and more than 17,523 trending topics across Chinese social media.
The theme of this season, 'Growth Without Regret,' reflects not only the development journey of its cast but also the evolution of the show itself. In response to growing audience fatigue with long-running formats, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3 pushes the boundaries of storytelling, competition structure, and multimedia engagement—cultivating a heartfelt resonance through authenticity, emotional depth, and a commitment to truth.
Mirror of Reality: Audiences See Themselves in the Show
Authenticity is the most compelling feature of 'The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3.' Widely recognized as a gold standard for performance-based variety shows, the program has developed a narrative structure that balances critique and support.
Season 3 simulates a real working environment in the entertainment industry. Producers with genuine casting needs participate directly, transforming the competition into a highly realistic workplace experience.
From auditions to callbacks, fierce role battles to final eliminations, the goal is for each performer to secure an 'offer' at the final 'Unlimited Showcase.'
This realistic setup appeals to both professionals and the general public, turning industry dilemmas into relatable social issues. When the market evaluation phase began in Episode 8, the raw exposure of the entertainment world's survival rules resonated with viewers, who saw their own workplace anxieties mirrored in the actors' experiences.
A powerful scene occurred in Episode 8 when outstanding actor An Yan was dismissed by market mentors as 'not preferred for cooperation.' Producer Tao Liu questioned, 'Do the audience choose actors by popularity alone, not skill?' and Director Lei Hao bluntly stated, 'Being unknown is a sin; fame makes anything right.' This ignited heated debate online and pushed the hashtag #HaoLei_OnFameBias to Weibo's Top 8.
Viewers noted how the entertainment world's 'traffic-first' casting mimicked corporate favoritism. The show revealed cross-industry problems: resource concentration, narrow evaluations, and utilitarianism. As such, the show doesn't just expose acting industry struggles—it mirrors the collective anxiety of modern employees.
These uncomfortable truths are a needed wake-up call. The show courageously raised questions like 'Should actors benefit from labels?', 'Do experienced actors outperform new ones?', and 'Can acting be ranked by seniority?', using sharp professional critique to tackle deep-rooted issues and drive healthy industry reform.
As seen in the show, An Yan ultimately earned a contract based on his ability. One viewer, Sarah, wrote, 'This reminds the production team that beyond rigid metrics, diverse possibilities still exist. The production team can't change the rules, but the production team can honor professionalism and stay true to authenticity.'
Emotional Support: Helping Performers Break Through
'Acting is one way to experience life—I can't be innocent forever,' said Zhen Ding in Episode 10 amid debates over his growth. Some viewers wanted him to 'return to the prairie,' but he expressed growing passion for acting, crediting the show for giving him the space to explore his identity beyond labels.
Among all cast members, Zhen Ding became a symbol of transformation. Though a total novice, he moved audiences through evolving roles—from a naive Xu Xian in 'Green Snake,' to a funny chef in 'The God of Cookery,' to a nuanced villain in 'Escape from the Trilateral Slopes,' and a heartfelt young soldier in the war drama 'Final Battle.' He even won praise for his role in 'The Double.'
Mentors preserved his innocence while helping him overcome communication and experience gaps, gradually mastering camera language and emotional delivery. His progress through different genres showcased untapped potential.
This season's casting was strategic: short drama actors, idols, controversial figures, crossovers, and those seeking a comeback—each representing a unique slice of the entertainment ecosystem. The goal was to portray them breaking free from limitations and provide inspirational growth models.
The show built a full-scale testing framework—from fundamentals to diverse genre performance—while aligning individual growth with market needs. The result? Tangible progress. Hot topics like #DingZhenTheClassOfLimitlessActingTranscendence and #YuYuhanJoinedTheRightShow demonstrate the show's grounded mentorship.
Interactive Authenticity: Creating with the Audience
A healthy entertainment industry depends on collaboration between creators, platforms, and audiences. While embracing professional assessments, the show also invited audiences to co-create the experience.
Beyond robust storytelling, Zhejiang TV's promotion team launched creative campaigns like 'Public Covenant Wall' and 'Unlimited Masterclass' to boost professional discourse. The show also responded to audiences' interest with 'Cloud Supervision,' 'Cloud Interaction,' and 'Cloud Backstage.'
In the long-running livestream series #SurpriseLive, Director Tong Wu, mentors, and actors join post-episode reviews to dissect highlights and respond to audiences' concerns. On Weibo, the IP mascot account 'ChaBao' playfully shares memes, behind-the-scenes clips, and exclusive livestreams to humanize the cast beyond the screen.
Through 'participatory media,' the show forms a feedback loop between production, conversation, and emotion. Audiences don't just watch—they co-create.
Ultimately, the breakout success of Season 3 reaffirms this truth: content that resonates is always rooted in honest insight and genuine engagement. In this sense, 'The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence' is more than a show—it is a meditation on professionalism, growth, and human value that lingers long after the credits roll.
Media Contact
Company Name: Zhejiang Satellite TV
Contact Person: Xian Wu
Email: Send Email
City: Hangzhou
Country: China
Website: https://www.cztv.com/
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
17 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Zhejiang Satellite TV's ‘The Class of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3' soars to No.1 with a resonance of truth and emotion
Co-produced by Zhejiang Satellite TV and Youku, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3 is a youth acting reality show that continues the successful format of its previous two seasons. The program assembles a powerhouse team of industry veterans including Chief Director Dongsheng Er and producers Lei Hao, Chengru Li, Tao Liu, Zhenyu Wu, and Zhiwei Zeng, with guest producers Jing Wang, Huaqiang Xiang, and Tianzhen Yang. Together, they mentor a diverse cast of performers such as Zhipeng Chen, Zhen Ding, Shouer Fu, Hanikezi, Jiuhua He, Yao Hong, Chun Ke, Muchen Li, Yichang Liu, Yixiao Li, Yuxin Liu, Shaoyang Xu, An Yan, Xiaotong Yu, Yuhan Yu, Haoxin Wang, Xing Wang, Danfeng Zhang, and Lili Zhong. Through a professional training ecosystem that includes real-world job assessments, master classes, and on-set auditions, the show challenges young actors to face criticism head-on and rebuild their skills from the ground up. As one of China's most compelling entertainment IPs in recent years, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence has earned widespread acclaim for its sharp insights into the acting industry and its vibrant online engagement. Often described by netizens as a 'clear-headed acting show,' the program has twice been nominated for Best Variety Program at the Shanghai TV Festival's Magnolia Awards. Since the launch of its third season, the show has ranked No.1 in its timeslot across 71 CSM cities on Saturdays, topping internal charts on both Z Shijie and Youku, and dominating popularity metrics across major platforms. It has amassed over 44.57 billion total topic views and more than 17,523 trending topics across Chinese social media. The theme of this season, 'Growth Without Regret,' reflects not only the development journey of its cast but also the evolution of the show itself. In response to growing audience fatigue with long-running formats, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3 pushes the boundaries of storytelling, competition structure, and multimedia engagement—cultivating a heartfelt resonance through authenticity, emotional depth, and a commitment to truth. Mirror of Reality: Audiences See Themselves in the Show Authenticity is the most compelling feature of 'The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3.' Widely recognized as a gold standard for performance-based variety shows, the program has developed a narrative structure that balances critique and support. Season 3 simulates a real working environment in the entertainment industry. Producers with genuine casting needs participate directly, transforming the competition into a highly realistic workplace experience. From auditions to callbacks, fierce role battles to final eliminations, the goal is for each performer to secure an 'offer' at the final 'Unlimited Showcase.' This realistic setup appeals to both professionals and the general public, turning industry dilemmas into relatable social issues. When the market evaluation phase began in Episode 8, the raw exposure of the entertainment world's survival rules resonated with viewers, who saw their own workplace anxieties mirrored in the actors' experiences. A powerful scene occurred in Episode 8 when outstanding actor An Yan was dismissed by market mentors as 'not preferred for cooperation.' Producer Tao Liu questioned, 'Do the audience choose actors by popularity alone, not skill?' and Director Lei Hao bluntly stated, 'Being unknown is a sin; fame makes anything right.' This ignited heated debate online and pushed the hashtag #HaoLei_OnFameBias to Weibo's Top 8. Viewers noted how the entertainment world's 'traffic-first' casting mimicked corporate favoritism. The show revealed cross-industry problems: resource concentration, narrow evaluations, and utilitarianism. As such, the show doesn't just expose acting industry struggles—it mirrors the collective anxiety of modern employees. These uncomfortable truths are a needed wake-up call. The show courageously raised questions like 'Should actors benefit from labels?', 'Do experienced actors outperform new ones?', and 'Can acting be ranked by seniority?', using sharp professional critique to tackle deep-rooted issues and drive healthy industry reform. As seen in the show, An Yan ultimately earned a contract based on his ability. One viewer, Sarah, wrote, 'This reminds the production team that beyond rigid metrics, diverse possibilities still exist. The production team can't change the rules, but the production team can honor professionalism and stay true to authenticity.' Emotional Support: Helping Performers Break Through 'Acting is one way to experience life—I can't be innocent forever,' said Zhen Ding in Episode 10 amid debates over his growth. Some viewers wanted him to 'return to the prairie,' but he expressed growing passion for acting, crediting the show for giving him the space to explore his identity beyond labels. Among all cast members, Zhen Ding became a symbol of transformation. Though a total novice, he moved audiences through evolving roles—from a naive Xu Xian in 'Green Snake,' to a funny chef in 'The God of Cookery,' to a nuanced villain in 'Escape from the Trilateral Slopes,' and a heartfelt young soldier in the war drama 'Final Battle.' He even won praise for his role in 'The Double.' Mentors preserved his innocence while helping him overcome communication and experience gaps, gradually mastering camera language and emotional delivery. His progress through different genres showcased untapped potential. This season's casting was strategic: short drama actors, idols, controversial figures, crossovers, and those seeking a comeback—each representing a unique slice of the entertainment ecosystem. The goal was to portray them breaking free from limitations and provide inspirational growth models. The show built a full-scale testing framework—from fundamentals to diverse genre performance—while aligning individual growth with market needs. The result? Tangible progress. Hot topics like #DingZhenTheClassOfLimitlessActingTranscendence and #YuYuhanJoinedTheRightShow demonstrate the show's grounded mentorship. Interactive Authenticity: Creating with the Audience A healthy entertainment industry depends on collaboration between creators, platforms, and audiences. While embracing professional assessments, the show also invited audiences to co-create the experience. Beyond robust storytelling, Zhejiang TV's promotion team launched creative campaigns like 'Public Covenant Wall' and 'Unlimited Masterclass' to boost professional discourse. The show also responded to audiences' interest with 'Cloud Supervision,' 'Cloud Interaction,' and 'Cloud Backstage.' In the long-running livestream series #SurpriseLive, Director Tong Wu, mentors, and actors join post-episode reviews to dissect highlights and respond to audiences' concerns. On Weibo, the IP mascot account 'ChaBao' playfully shares memes, behind-the-scenes clips, and exclusive livestreams to humanize the cast beyond the screen. Through 'participatory media,' the show forms a feedback loop between production, conversation, and emotion. Audiences don't just watch—they co-create. Ultimately, the breakout success of Season 3 reaffirms this truth: content that resonates is always rooted in honest insight and genuine engagement. In this sense, 'The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence' is more than a show—it is a meditation on professionalism, growth, and human value that lingers long after the credits roll. Media Contact Company Name: Zhejiang Satellite TV Contact Person: Xian Wu Email: Send Email City: Hangzhou Country: China Website:
CBC
2 days ago
- CBC
Joshua Jackson had to make a tricky transition before Dawson's Creek
Before Joshua Jackson landed his breakout role as Pacey Witter on Dawson's Creek, he had already been working for years as a child actor. Jackson's mom was a casting director who helped him get his first big gig on the 1991 film Crooked Hearts when he was just 11. In a Q interview with guest host Gill Deacon, the Vancouver-born actor says his mom was "completely uninterested in being a stage mom," but she supported his enthusiasm for the performing arts and taught him the importance of being a professional on set. "I certainly wasn't shoved into it, it was something that I was totally gung-ho for," he says. "[I remember] how important it was for me to be in a space with adults where they heard me, right? You show up, you do your job and these grown-ups will respect you…. That was the addictive part. Like, 'Oh, look, I can walk through the world as a quasi-grown-up in this space in a way that I cannot anywhere else.'" Roughly a year or so after that, Jackson played Charlie Conway in one of Disney's most iconic films, The Mighty Ducks, which went on to become a successful franchise. He says he thinks those movies were hits because they didn't talk down to kids. "I remember being so annoyed at that age … and I found so much of what was made 'for me' to be really insulting and annoying," Jackson says. "You're young, you're not dumb." Similar to The Mighty Ducks, the hit teen drama Dawson's Creek also became known for reflecting the maturity and intelligence of young people. But leading up to that role, Jackson experienced a long dry spell in his career as he made the tricky transition from child star to teen heartthrob. "I wasn't just going through a dry spell — I was dead in the water," he says. "I was preparing to no longer be an actor at 17 or 18 years old…. I was not a kid, so those roles were suddenly gone, but I wasn't anything close to a man yet, and I was kind of a gawky young adult. So, yeah, that transition was hard." Like most actors, Jackson says he's experienced several ups and downs in his career. "The ups are fabulous, but what you're really trying to do is survive the downs," he says. "And I don't know anybody, like literally anybody, who's had a linear up career. This is not part of the way the thing works." You can catch Jackson narrating the Canadian Audible Original series Oracle 3: Murder at the Grandview, which is a psychological thriller that combines crime investigations with supernatural elements.
Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Globe and Mail
The summer that Joshua Jackson realized he wasn't a morning person
Vancouver-born actor Joshua Jackson has played a sprawling range of roles including defence lawyer, restaurant owner, corner-store cashier, cruise ship doctor and — in this week's Audible Original Oracle: Murder at the Grandview — an FBI psychic hunting serial killers. But has the 47-year-old actor ever braved a regular job like the rest of us? We asked the Dawson's Creek star in this latest instalment of 'How I Spent My Summer.' A lot of my summer jobs were on movie sets, but in between films, I had a few grinding short-term jobs. I was a grunt at a cement company, moving cement bags from one spot to another. I briefly worked at Subway, but my job at Starbucks was the briefest. I worked there for less than two weeks when I was 15. I'd applied for a couple jobs, including one I really wanted at Rogers Video. They didn't give it to me and called me 'unqualified,' which was a bummer since I was in movies on their store shelves. That was a real hit to the ego and I was pretty desperate, so when Starbucks needed a person to open the store on Broadway in Vancouver, I applied there and got the job. I was the person who opened the door at 5 o'clock in the morning – or was it 6? It was a long time ago – to a group of caffeine addicts. I wasn't the point-of-sale person, not even close. You don't even get to make the coffee at the beginning; you're just the prep guy who turns the machines on and moves boxes around. I kind of remember a brown uniform. Robert Munsch's first job in the French countryside turned out to be a stinky situation It was me and some other poor schmuck having to deal with people probably at the worst point of their whole day. They haven't had coffee yet or maybe they're already late for work, and now they have to deal with two teenagers who don't know what they're doing. But worse than not knowing, we just didn't care. We didn't even want to give them what they wanted. It was the coffee shop in my neighbourhood so I knew some people who came in, but even then, it didn't matter. The coffee's not ready, it's brewing too slow, they need to get somewhere. Maybe if I was a morning person, I'd have been better, but I wasn't. To be a non-morning person trying to serve a bunch of other non-morning people who need their first cup of coffee was just a personality mismatch. At that time in the morning, you should just want a cup of coffee. You shouldn't expect a teenager to make your double-half-caf-blah-blah-blah at 5 a.m. Nobody needs a 10-word coffee order. I had no patience for that and I wasn't empathetic either. Mother Teresa could have walked through that door at 6 o'clock in the morning and I would have been not happy to see her. When I tell you I did not enjoy this job, I mean I did not enjoy this job. You shouldn't do morning-person things if you're not a morning person. Just don't. But at 15, I was probably making irresponsible choices and staying up late just the same. When you go to bed in the dark, and you wake up and it's still dark and you haven't had a cup of coffee, you're a monster. I get it now that I'm on the other side. The summer Sook-Yin Lee spent in a noodle costume changed her life forever Now that I have a kid, I can do morning-person things. I never loved anybody who walked into Starbucks as much as I love my daughter. For my daughter, I am a morning person. For Starbucks, I was not. They made a big mistake in hiring me but I solved that problem for them. I probably knew I would have been fired soon, so I quit first. I just walked right out and never went back. That's what you're like when you're 15 or 16, and I didn't feel any kind of way about it either. I just wasn't there the next day. They were on a biweekly pay cycle, and I didn't even get my first paycheque. Even then, I thought, 'I hate everything about this job and life is too short so I'm out.' As much as I didn't know what my contribution to humanity was going to be, I knew it wasn't that. They didn't even let me keep the shirt. As told to Rosemary Counter
