The CCTV Spring Festival Gala for the Year of the Horse once again dominated social media trends. When the program list was released, the absence of crosstalk performances—with only 3 skits, 2 comedic shorts, and 1 comic dialogue making the cut—sparked widespread discussion. Some lamented that "crosstalk is fading," while others speculated about "complex considerations" behind the scenes. However, such interpretations are unnecessary.
Adjustments in the gala's language-based performances reflect neither the rise nor fall of any art form. The omission of crosstalk does not indicate its demise. As a traditional folk art rooted in everyday life, crosstalk thrives in teahouses and intimate venues where performers interact directly with audiences. In recent years, offline crosstalk shows remain highly popular. Artists with diverse styles continue to innovate in small theaters, preserving traditional techniques like "speaking, imitating, teasing, and singing" while incorporating contemporary themes. The art form continues to flourish.
The exclusion of crostalk from this year's gala likely stems from creative and staging considerations rather than artistic decline. This year's lineup showcased a gentle evolution in language-based performances, adding freshness and relatability to the cultural feast. Cai Ming's "Grandma's Favorite" maintained the warmth audiences expect, while Sha Yi's "Satisfaction Guaranteed" humorously depicted daily interactions between property managers and residents. Wang Hongkun and Da Suo's "Here We Go Again" offered sharp satire against formalism, provoking both laughter and reflection.
The inclusion of comedic shorts aligned with modern lifestyles. "The Blood Pressure Monitor," for instance, used family misunderstandings to create humor filled with warmth. The well-received comic dialogue "Whose Dish" by Xu Haolun and Tan Xiangwen, first featured in the 2025 gala, presented jokes through casual conversation, breaking from traditional crosstalk structures to suit contemporary expression.
Changes in the performer lineup also demonstrated the gala's inclusivity. Shen Teng and Ma Li delivered surprises through a New Year micro-film instead of a skit, while young comedians from shows like "Annual Comedy Competition" brought fresh perspectives beyond conventional frameworks.
As a cultural banquet, the Spring Festival Gala inevitably faces varied tastes. Language programs, as main courses, must balance tradition and innovation. The absence of crostalk in this year's gala represents merely a staging choice without deeper implications. Regardless of artistic forms, what truly resonates remains sincere expression rooted in real life.