Introduction
In China’s vibrant television landscape, few shows blend folklore, slapstick humor, and family values as boldly as Everyday Happiness (天天有喜). Premiering in 2013, this 70-episode fantasy-comedy series became a cultural phenomenon, achieving a peak national viewership rating of 5.43% and ranking among the top 10 most-watched dramas of the decade . Starring Chen Haomin, Mu Tingting, and Tan Yaowen, the series reimagines classical Chinese mythology through a modern lens, offering international audiences a gateway to understanding East Asian narrative traditions and contemporary societal themes.
This article explores why Everyday Happiness deserves global attention, analyzing its unique fusion of genres, standout performances, and cross-cultural appeal.
- Plot Overview: A Mythological Rom-Com with Bite
At its core, Everyday Happiness is a romantic comedy rooted in the legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox (狐妖), a staple of Chinese folklore. The story follows Liu Feng (Chen Haomin), a mortal scholar, and Mei Jiujiu (Mu Tingting), a fox spirit princess, whose arranged marriage becomes a battleground for interspecies politics and comedic chaos.
Key Narrative Layers:
- Mythological Conflict: The Fox Spirit Tribe’s struggle to maintain power against rival demon clans.
- Human-Spirit Romance: A Romeo and Juliet-esque love story bridging mortal and supernatural worlds.
- Family Dynamics: Liu Feng’s interactions with his seven sisters, embodying Confucian ideals of familial harmony.
The series cleverly juxtaposes ancient lore with modern sitcom tropes—imagine Bewitched meets The Office, but with Taoist magic and elaborate period costumes.
- Cultural Significance: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
2.1 Revitalizing Folklore
-Everyday Happiness* revitalizes three underappreciated aspects of Chinese mythology: - Fox Spirit Archetypes: Moving beyond the traditional “seductress” trope, Mei Jiujiu embodies female agency and leadership.
- Taoist Rituals: Accurate depictions of talisman magic and spirit banishment ceremonies, rarely seen in mainstream media.
- Animal Symbolism: Each demon clan represents a Chinese zodiac sign, reflecting cultural beliefs about personality and destiny.
2.2 Social Commentary
Beneath its comedic surface, the series critiques contemporary issues:
- Materialism vs. Spirituality: The fox tribe’s obsession with “spiritual currency” mirrors China’s economic boom.
- Gender Roles: Mei Jiujiu’s rise as a matriarch challenges patriarchal norms within mythological hierarchies.
- Environmental Allegory: The mortal world’s pollution weakening spiritual realms parallels real-world ecological crises.
- Standout Performances
3.1 Chen Haomin as Liu Feng
Chen Haomin, known for his roles in Journey to the West (2011), delivers a masterclass in comedic timing. His portrayal of the bumbling yet virtuous scholar balances physical humor (tripping over robes, misusing magic scrolls) with heartfelt moments of moral courage.
Memorable Scene: In Episode 28, Liu Feng’s drunken recitation of Tang Dynasty poetry while accidentally exorcising a ghost showcases Chen’s ability to merge slapstick with cultural gravitas.
3.2 Mu Tingting as Mei Jiujiu
Mu Tingting breathes life into the fox princess, blending regal poise with mischievous charm. Her performance earned a nomination for Best New Actress at the 2013 Huading Awards .
Character Evolution:
- Early Episodes: Playful trickster using magic to torment Liu Feng.
- Mid-Series: Strategic leader navigating tribal politics.
- Final Arc: Self-sacrificing heroine reconciling love and duty.
3.3 Tan Yaowen as Jin Buhuan
As the antagonist—a power-hungry toad demon—Tan Yaowen (a veteran of Hong Kong cinema) steals every scene. His campy villainy, complete with neon-green costumes and exaggerated facial expressions, pays homage to Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle style of comedy.
- Production Design: A Feast for the Senses
4.1 Costume Innovation
Costume designer Zhong Jiaxin created over 1,200 outfits, merging Ming Dynasty silhouettes with fantasy elements:
- Fox Tribe: Gradient red-and-white robes symbolizing fire and purity.
- Toad Clan: Iridescent scales and amphibian-inspired headdresses.
- Mortal World: Earthy tones contrasting with the spirits’ vibrancy.
4.2 Set Construction
The 8,000 m² studio set included:
- Fox Palace: A labyrinth of jade pillars and floating lanterns.
- Mortal Village: A functional bamboo forest with hidden comedic props (e.g., a “magic” well that shoots characters into the air).
- Why Global Audiences Should Watch
5.1 Universal Themes
- Love Transcending Boundaries: Resonates with fans of Twilight or True Blood.
- Family Loyalty: Echoes The Godfather’s exploration of duty and kinship.
- Underdog Triumph: Liu Feng’s journey mirrors Harry Potter’s “ordinary hero” arc.
5.2 Comedic Cross-Appeal
The humor operates on multiple levels:
- Physical Comedy: Pratfalls and magical mishaps (think Mr. Bean with talismans).
- Wordplay: Subtitled puns based on Chinese homophones.
- Satire: Bureaucratic jokes about celestial administrations.
5.3 Streaming Accessibility
Available with English subtitles on platforms like Viki and iQIYI, the series has sparked a cult following in Southeast Asia and diaspora communities. Fan theories about a potential prequel (focusing on Mei Jiujiu’s mother) trended globally in 2024 .
- Critical Reception & Legacy
- Awards: Won Best Costume Design at the 2014 Shanghai TV Festival.
- Cultural Impact: Inspired a mobile game (Fox Spirit Chronicles) and a 2024 TikTok dance challenge recreating Mei Jiujiu’s “Nine-Tailed Waltz”.
- Scholarly Attention: Cited in UCLA’s Asian Myth in Modern Media symposium as a case study in folklore commercialization.
Conclusion: A Gateway to Chinese Storytelling
-Everyday Happiness* is more than a TV show—it’s a vibrant tapestry of China’s mythological heritage and modern creative ambition. For international viewers, it offers laughter, cultural education, and a refreshing alternative to Western fantasy tropes. As streaming platforms bridge global audiences, this 2013 gem stands ready to charm a new generation.
Where to Watch:
- Viki (full series with subtitles)
- iQIYI (HD remastered version)
Episode Guide for Beginners:
- Start with Episodes 1-5 to grasp the core conflict.
- Skip to Episode 15 for the iconic “Wedding Chaos” battle.
- Watch Episodes 45-50 for the emotional climax.