A trio of successful pairings from a popular reality dating show, coupled with the continued social media buzz, has spurred a major television network in Hong Kong to launch a follow-up entertainment series, bringing the couples into a highly anticipated physical challenge setting. The new variety program, Goddess Spectacular Carnival, premiered tonight, featuring five couples or “near-couples” participating in competitive games designed to test their chemistry and teamwork in a high-energy, public environment.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Hong Kong Winter Carnival at the Central Harbourfront, the new show aims to capitalize on the momentum generated by its predecessor, the dating program Goddess Matchmaking Project. That initial series successfully matched three official couples: Tsang Chin-mong (GM) and Yip Sin-man (Sophie), Law Yuk-yee (Yuki) and Lam Chun-kei (Kris), and Leung Man-kiu (Maggie) and Lau Kai-chun (Matt). While the duos of Kwan Ka-man (Carman) and Wong Ka-chun (Matthew), alongside Lee Chi-ching (Stephanie) and Lam Chun-yiu (Jacob), did not form official couples, their interactions drew substantial attention and secured their spots in this next iteration.
Competitive Games Test Partner Dynamics
The premiere episode of the new show immediately threw the participants into challenging, water-based games, resulting in several of the female stars being thoroughly soaked. The inaugural set of challenges included “Crazy Pirate Ship Shooting,” “520 Reverse Water Pouring,” and “Sweet Cherry Eating,” each designed to showcase the duos’ dynamics under pressure.
One pairing that provided the most dramatic interaction was Carman and Matthew, whose relationship has been notably fiery. During the “Crazy Pirate Ship Shooting” challenge, Matthew repeatedly targeted Carman with blasts of water, shouting “This is fun!” Carman’s candid reaction—stating she felt like “a target”—highlighted their often-contentious rapport.
The “Reverse Water Pouring Game” further escalated the tension. Matthew intentionally selected a high-volume container, ensuring Carman was drenched. Despite her attempts to remain composed, she struggled against the “waterfall attack,” repeatedly calling for him to stop, creating a spectacle reminiscent of a playful rivalry. Their intense chemistry continued into the “Sweet Cherry Eating” challenge, where Carman expressed her readiness for battle even before the clock started.
Romantics and Rivalries Emerge
While some couples engaged in light conflict, others displayed genuine affection. GM and Sophie exemplified the softer side of the competition during the cherry-eating game, with Sophie warmly embracing GM, who responded with a sweet, “heart-melting” smile, painting a picture of undeniable warmth.
Yuki and Kris also provided an entertaining blend of support and mischief. While Yuki demonstrated concern by advising Kris to stay calm during the initial pirate ship activity, she leveraged her own soaking in the water pouring challenge for playful revenge. She successfully lured Kris into a trap by suggesting, “Let’s give each other a kiss,” only to drench him afterwards, showcasing their humorous back-and-forth.
Adding to the romantic atmosphere, the program incorporated “Heart-Fluttering Moments” short skits. The premiere episode featured GM and Sophie enacting a segment titled “I Miss You,” while Carman and Matthew performed a piece styled “Will You Join Me?,” further blurring the lines between competition and courtship.
The launch of Goddess Spectacular Carnival demonstrates the network’s strategy of extending the reality romance genre’s life cycle through spin-off shows and physical challenges. By combining dating show appeal with game show competitiveness and high-profile social media engagement, the network is reinforcing the celebrity status of these popular figures while keeping the “goddess craze” relevant well into the new year.
