(), commonly known as Táo Quân, is a Vietnamese annual satirical comedy program broadcast across all channels of Vietnam Television (VTV) at Tết, and produced by the Vietnam Television Film Center (VFC) since 2003, with several interruptions. Known for its comedic take on the socio-political and economic issues of the year in Vietnam, the show is considered a television staple of the Vietnamese New Year holiday. It features some of the biggest names of Vietnamese comedy, including , , , , , and Xuân Bắc.
History has been produced by the Vietnam Television Film Center since 2003. The show was originally produced as a special Lunar New Year episode of VTV's former comedy show (Weekend Get-together). became a separate program in 2006.
On 22 November 2019, VTV and VFC confirmed that they would put the version of on hold. The 2020 edition of , loosely based on the 1982 film (Once Upon a Time in Village) and features characters from famous Vietnamese literary works, was not well received by the public, who expressed the desire for the version to return.
On 11 January 2021, VTV and VFC announced the return of the version of , starting in 2021. On 7 January 2026, VTV announced another suspension of the version, filling its time slot with a special program titled (Spring Square).
Premise The show is mainly set in Heaven, where Ngọc Hoàng rules. He has two assistants, the gods Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu (named after the two star constellations Crux and Big Dipper) who helps him manage affairs of the earthly kingdom. There are a few other characters off-handedly mentioned, but usually only Thiên Lôi (God of Thunder) is on-screen and often has to run Heaven's errands.
Every year, Ngọc Hoàng assembles the Táo Quân(s) (Kitchen Gods) to Heaven to report the affairs in Vietnam throughout the year to him. Unlike the original legend, there could be multiple Táo(s), each in charge of one aspect of the country's society (such as transportation, economy, education, culture or tourism, but no politics, military or defense). The Táo(s) are typically named after the division they are in charge of, although in 2015 they are named after the Five Elementals (Wuxing).
Táo(s) report directly to Ngọc Hoàng with the presence of Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu, who often find faults in their reports and run into arguments. Ngọc Hoàng typically hears the stories and makes comments, but can be sarcastic and show unexpected talents and remarks. Although the majority of reports are done by prose, sometimes the reports can be told by other forms, such as dancing, singing or short plays. The reports highlight the socio-political and economic issues of the past year in Vietnam, often interpreted in a more comedic and light-hearted manner.
At the end of the assembly, all of the Táo(s) gather, and Ngọc Hoàng reads the final remarks. The show ends with the cast and presenter Thảo Vân (absent in 2022) wishing audiences a happy new year.
Starting from 2009, in addition to the main plot, the show also includes an accompanying theme and scenario. In 2009, the Táo Quân(s) presented Hoa Táo, a parody of the beauty competition Miss Vietnam. In 2011, the show was named Táo Idol with the format based on Vietnam Idol. In 2013, the show was based on the format of The Voice of Vietnam. In addition, Ngọc Hoàng, Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu switched bodies by order, unbeknownst to the Táo Quân(s). In 2014, Ngọc Hoàng had a sore throat and could not attend the assembly. Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu was forced to find a lookalike, Tèo (also played by Quốc Khánh) and trained him to act as a temporary replacement for Ngọc Hoàng. In 2015, the later part of the show featured a competition where Ngọc Hoàng requested to find a third sidekick in the zenith for him, alongside Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu. This part was based on the television game shows (the Vietnamese adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?) and (the Vietnamese adaptation of Thank God You're Here). In 2016, the later part of the show featured a wheel from (the Vietnamese adaptation of Wheel of Fortune) to find out which Táo is responsible for corruption. In 2018, the show marked its 15th anniversary, but the reporting part was removed. Instead, this year's show featured a catwalk runway and a competition to win the title of "the first quintessence Táo". In 2023, the show marked its 20th anniversary. This year's programme does not have a reporting section of the Táo(s), with them instead participating in a contest called "", a parody of Miss Vietnam.
Musical performances The show frequently features music and dance performances throughout. Although the settings and costumes are based on the imperial era, the singers (and at times the actors themselves) can change to a more contemporary look, if necessary. The show also frequently parodies Vietnamese and foreign songs, by rewriting the lyrics for storytelling purposes. Many performances later become Internet memes in Vietnam. The incomplete list includes: +YearSongOriginal artist2007"A Man of Determination"George Lam"Hips Don't Lie"Shakira, Wyclef Jean2008"Million Roses"Alla Pugacheva2009"Money, Money, Money"ABBA"Đêm buồn tỉnh lẻ""Từ một ngã tư đường phố"Phạm Tuyên"...Baby One More Time"Britney Spears2010"I Have a Dream"ABBA"Daddy Cool"Boney M."Bèo dạt mây trôi"2011"Tôi người lái xe""Un-Break My Heart"Toni Braxton"Teen vọng cổ"Vĩnh Thuyên Kim"Cháu lên ba""Đi học"2012"Xin lỗi tình yêu"Đàm Vĩnh Hưng"Ly cà phê Ban Mê"Siu Black"The Bund"Frances Yip"Cô gái vót chông"Anh Thơ"Đường cong"Thu Minh"Chia tay hoàng hôn"Thanh Lam"Vì một thế giới ngày mai"Nguyễn Quang Vinh2013"Là con gái thật tuyệt"Khởi My"Gangnam Style"Psy"Nắng có còn xuân""Чему учат в школе""Áo trắng đến trường""Chiếc khăn piêu"Tùng Dương"Lý kéo chài""Chị tôi"Trần Tiến2014"Trái tim không ngủ yên"Bằng Kiều, Mỹ Linh"Hoa sữa"Thanh Lam"Rock xuyên màn đêm"Bức Tường"Chào em cô gái Lam Hồng""Sắc màu"Trần Thu Hà"Vì em quá yêu anh"Mỹ Tâm"Không cảm xúc"Hồ Quang Hiếu"Con bướm xinh""Nơi tình yêu bắt đầu"Tiến Minh2015"Nắm lấy tay anh"Tuấn Hưng"Không phải dạng vừa đâu"Sơn Tùng M-TP"Cảm ơn tình yêu"Uyên Linh2016"Em là hoa hồng nhỏ"Trịnh Công Sơn"Vợ người ta"Phan Mạnh Quỳnh"Ngõ vắng xôn xao"Trần Quang Huy"Mình đi đâu thế"Hoàng Bách2017"Hoa trinh nữ""Mắt nai cha cha"Hồng Ngọc"Thành phố trẻ"Trần Tiến2018"Tàu anh qua núi"Anh Thơ"Đội kèn tí hon""Cho con""Thật bất ngờ"Trúc Nhân2019"Tình ca Tây Bắc""Nơi này có anh"Sơn Tùng M-TP"Con đường xưa em đi""Thói đời""Không dám đâu"2021"Bigcityboi"Binz"Có chàng trai viết lên cây"Phan Mạnh Quỳnh2022"One Way Ticket"Neil Sedaka2023"Bên trên tầng lầu"Tăng Duy Tân2025"Tái sinh"Tùng Dương"Có không giữ, mất đừng tìm"Trúc Nhân
Cast The cast of is composed of numerous comedians and actors from northern Vietnam. For most of the show's run, Quốc Khánh (as Ngọc Hoàng), Xuân Bắc (as Nam Tào) and Công Lý (as Bắc Đẩu) are the regulars. The remaining Táo roles are played by various actors and actresses.
Regular roles as Ngọc Hoàng (2004–present): ruler of Heaven. Every year, he listens to reports from the Táo Quân(s) on matters down on Earth (Vietnam). He cares for the common people and is focused on proposing ways to improve their life and well-being. He sometimes can be childish or flirtatious. as Bắc Đẩu (2003–2021, 2023): Ngọc Hoàng's assistant alongside Nam Tào. Công Lý's character has been described as genderfluid, LGBT, or a drag queen. They have a softer personality than Nam Tào, although on reporting matters they can be sharp and critical. They often quarrel with Nam Tào on various issues; however, both Nam Tào and Bắc Đẩu generally work well with each other. They respect Ngọc Hoàng, but sometimes speak ill behind his back. Công Lý departed the show for health reasons in 2022, with Trung Ruồi taking over the role for that year. Công Lý returned to the role in 2023 in a guest capacity. Xuân Bắc as Nam Tào (2003–2021, 2023): Ngọc Hoàng's assistant alongside Bắc Đẩu. He is not afraid of harsh statements towards the Táo(s) in their reports, although he is prone to corruption and has accepted bribery from the Táo(s) multiple times. Đỗ Duy Nam took over the role in 2022 and 2024.
Recurring roles Since the roles of Táo change every year, the following list goes by actor. (2003–present): she alternates in different years between Táo Y tế (Healthcare) and Táo Giáo dục (Education). (2003–present): often enters with a grand entrance. He assumes the role of Táo Kinh tế (Economy) in most years, although in some years he plays the role of Táo Giáo dục (Education). Chí Trung (2005–present): he generally takes the role of Táo Giao thông (Transportation) or any role that has the most controversial issues of the year. According to actor Tự Long, Chi Trung is the person who has many of the best quotes on the show. (2003–present): a comedian originated from chèo, hence his acts often incorporate songs and performances. He assumes the role of Táo Văn hoá (Culture) in most years. Đỗ Duy Nam (2014, 2017–present): He has taken on the role of Nam Tào's assistant since 2018, except for 2022, when he got the starring role of Nam Tào due to Xuân Bắc's absence. Trung Ruồi (2017–present): Joining the recurring cast alongside Đỗ Duy Nam, he has since taken on the role of Bắc Đẩu's assistant, except for 2022, when he took over the main role of Bắc Đẩu due to Công Lý's absence.
Non-frequent appearances
Quốc Trượng (as Ngọc Hoàng) (2003) Minh Hằng: (2005–2007, 2009, 2012–2013, 2015, 2018) Minh Vượng (2004–2008, 2018) Thành Trung (2007–2014, 2023) Thu Hương (2003) Hiệp Gà (2004, 2007, 2009–2011): play the role of Gia Cát Dự. He claims to be a descendant of Zhuge Liang at his divine power of prediction, although he usually predicts everything wrong. In 2011, he took on the role of Táo Quy hoạch (City planner). Phạm Bằng (2005–2006) Anh Tuấn (2009) Bá Anh (2007–2008) Văn Hiệp (2006) Quốc Quân (2004, 2006, 2012) Bình Trọng (2006, 2008–2009, 2011–2012) Đức Hải (2010) Đức Khuê (2010) Lâm Vỹ Dạ (2021) Mạnh Hưng (2021) Minh Tít (2017 - 2018) Mạnh Dũng (2016–present)
Supporting roles
Every year, the show features other celebrities and comedians playing supporting characters. The supporting cast are listed below in order of year of appearance:
Tiến Quang (2003, 2005–2006) Phú Đôn (2003–2004) Giang Còi (2003, 2005) Bình Trọng (as Thiên Lôi, the God of Thunder) (2006, 2008 - 2009, 2011 - 2012) Hoàng Sơn (2006) Mai Sơn (2006) Viết Thái (2006) Tạ Am (2006) Nhật Cường (2006) Thế Anh (2007) Chiến Thắng (2007) Hải Anh (2008) Phan Anh (2011) Kiên Trung (2011, 2014) Quốc Anh (2012) Minh Quân (2013–2016, 2018, 2023) Việt Bắc (2014, 2018, 2021–2022) Tiến Minh (2014, 2021, 2023) Chí Tài (2015) Việt Hương (2015) Tuấn Hưng (2015) Bình Minh (2016) Quân Anh (2016–18) Xuân Bắc's sons (2018) Đức Hùng (fashion designer) (2018, 2023) Lan Hương (2019) Thái Dương (2022 -) Thanh Dương (2023)
Timeline of actors/actresses Legend Featured as a main character. Featured as a supporting character.
Name of celebrity 1 (2003) 2 (2004) 3 (2005) 4 (2006) 5 (2007) 6 (2008) 7 (2009) 8 (2010) 9 (2011) 10 (2012) 11 (2013) 12 (2014) 13 (2015) 14 (2016) 15 (2017) 16 (2018) 17 (2019)New version (2020) 18 (2021) 19 (2022)20 (2023)