Innovative ideas for a new genre

In 2015, Chen quit the TV station to join iQiyi, an arm of internet giant Baidu. And that was when Chinese online shows began to take off.

Meanwhile, Chen says that you need a different mindset to make a reality show for cyberspace.

"When you put things made by TV stations on internet platforms, they are not online shows," he says. "For streaming media, purchasing intellectual property rights from TV is only one part. You have to make your own shows."

Chen also says that an online show needs more interaction with users.

"This is because unlike watching TV, netizens can click 'pause' and switch to check whatever information they need online when enjoying a show," he says.

"They prefer to look for answers rather than being given too many explanations."

In a related development, Chen's former employer Zhejiang TV has made King of Bots, a show on the same theme as Clash Bots, but which focuses on the battles.

For now, the public response to his rival program seems to be lukewarm. Chen says viewers' tastes have become more diverse.

In Clash Bots, fans will be able to enjoy a combat-only version, or a longer version with more stories about the celebrities.

As Chen says: "Today's industry is about super-size reality shows, and high quality. And the budgets will keep growing to compete with first-tier provincial TV stations."

Chen also says offline activities are needed to draw fans.