Where Are We Going, Dad? has become one of China's most popular television shows, since its debut (首次登场) in October, averaging more than 600 million viewers each week. Sponsorship rights (冠名权) for the show's second season were sold for 312 million yuan (about $ 50 million), more than ten times higher than the rights to the first season. What accounts for its popularity? The show features a new generation of Chinese fathers, who, as part of the country’s new middle class, have faced more problems with modern child-raising techniques such as taking an active role with their children. Part of the appeal of the show is the chance to throw a glance at the lives of Chinese celebrities (名流) and their children. Audiences are interested in watching the failed attempts of celebrity dads making dinner, doing hair, and disciplining (管教) children -- tasks often left to mothers in a society still influenced by the saying that “men rule outside and women are inside.” “In traditional Chinese culture, fathers are strict and mothers are kind. But on the show, we see fathers who are much gentler on their kids and more involved in their upbringing, ” said Li Minyi, an associate professor. “This show raises an important question for modern Chinese society -- what is the role of fathers in today’s China?” After each episode (集) goes to air, the Chinese internet explodes with comments on each celebrity's parenting style. Actor Guo Tao tries to communicate with his son, Shitou, but is seen as a more traditional Chinese father, and has been criticised online for being too harsh. Zhang Liang, a supermodel, is an audience favorite for treating his son, Tiantian, more like a friend. The show’s most famous celebrity, Lin Zhiying, a film star, was originally praised as patient with his son Kimi. But as the season progresses, fans begin to criticise him for raising a spoiled, undisciplined boy. Director Wang Yuelun is at a complete loss when it comes to care of his daughter’s hair. Even the People's Daily is pleased with the success of the show. 小题1:Sponsorship rights for the show’s first season were sold for about______.
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