Produce 48

Produce 48, a South Korean reality television show that aired in 2018, follows a unique concept as it combines the popular Produce 101 series with Japanese idol group AKB48. The show features 96 trainees from various entertainment companies in South Korea and Japan who compete for a spot in the final lineup of a girl group. Led by host Lee Seung-gi, the contestants face challenges, train under professional mentors, and showcase their talents through performances and evaluations. The intense competition, friendship dynamics, and emotional moments make Produce 48 a captivating and entertaining watch for fans of K-pop and reality TV.

Produce 48 garnered mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike. While some praised the innovative concept of merging K-pop and J-pop trainees, others criticized the format for being too competitive and emotionally taxing on the contestants. Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus described it as 'an intriguing experiment in cross-cultural collaboration, but the intense competition at times feels manufactured'. However, IMDb user reviews lauded the show for its high production value, engaging performances, and the chance to discover new talent. Metacritic highlighted the emotional depth and growth of the contestants throughout the series, earning it a respectable average rating of 7.5 out of 10.