Universal appeal

Filming 12 different stories was a big challenge for the team. "Each episode had its own unique setting, costumes, props and filming style. It was like making 12 small movies," Wang says.

"This is my second time working with Zhang and my first with Zhan. After getting used to the filming environment, Zhan became really relaxed and was a lot of fun on the set. His spontaneous jokes during breaks kept everyone laughing," Wang says.

"Zhang and Zhan are very talented, and both are quick learners," she adds.

Wang also says that the chemistry between the two actors often led to unexpected surprises during filming. "Sometimes, I let them keep going with their improvisation, which often sparked new ideas," she says.

For actors, tackling 12 different roles is much tougher than playing one character in a regular TV series.

For stand-up comedian Zhan, 36, who isn't from an acting background, it was an even bigger challenge.

"Stand-up comedy is about direct audience interaction, where you get instant feedback. Filming movies and TV shows, however, is quite different," Zhan explains.

"After playing one character, I had to completely switch to the next," he says. Initially nervous, he gradually relaxed as filming progressed.

Zhan also wrote an episode. It was inspired by a moment during his stand-up tour when he couldn't stop laughing on stage. "I created two silly characters without specific roles for myself and Zhang," he says.

Zhan feels that the routines he and Zhang performed on Super Sketch Show were well-received because both characters shared a certain silliness.

"On stage, we always portrayed ourselves as earnestly asking about something absurd," he adds.