Thirteen Talks (2016)
A landmark Chinese long-form interview series where intellectual host Xu Zhiyuan engages artists, thinkers, and cultural icons in candid, probing conversation.
Thirteen Talks - Series Information
- Original Title: 十三邀
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Xu Zhiyuan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Talk, Reality
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 106
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Tencent Video
- Production Companies: Tencent Video
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: Thirteen Talks (UK), 十三邀 (CN), Shi San Yao (US)
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Thirteen Talks - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Xu Zhiyuan
Main Cast
- Xu Zhiyuan
- Chen Xiaoqing
- Feng Yuanzheng
- Han Hong
- Kris Phillips
- Gao Yuanyuan
- Ning Hao
- Yan Lü
- Jiang Yilei
- Renke
Thirteen Talks - FAQs
Who hosts Thirteen Talks?
Thirteen Talks is hosted by Xu Zhiyuan, a prominent Chinese writer, intellectual, and cultural commentator. He is also the creator of the series, bringing his distinctive philosophical curiosity and literary sensibility to every conversation across all nine seasons.
What is Thirteen Talks about?
Thirteen Talks is a long-form interview series in which host Xu Zhiyuan sits down with some of China's most compelling artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, and thinkers. Each episode digs beneath the surface, exploring ideas about culture, identity, creativity, and the human condition in modern China.
How many seasons does Thirteen Talks have?
Thirteen Talks has nine seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 106 episodes. Each season features between 11 and 16 episodes, with Season 7 being the longest at 16 episodes. The series has been running continuously since 2016 and is still in production.
Is Thirteen Talks still ongoing or has it ended?
Thirteen Talks is still very much alive. The series has been renewed and remains in active production, with its most recent season airing in 2025. It continues to be one of Tencent Video's most enduring and critically respected long-form talk programs.
Who are some notable guests on Thirteen Talks?
The series has featured a remarkable range of guests, including documentary filmmaker Chen Xiaoqing, actor Feng Yuanzheng, singer Han Hong, actor and singer Kris Phillips, actress Gao Yuanyuan, film director Ning Hao, and theatre director Stan Lai, among many other leading cultural figures.
Where can I watch Thirteen Talks?
Thirteen Talks is an original production of Tencent Video, where it has been exclusively available since its debut in 2016. Availability outside mainland China may vary depending on your region and local streaming agreements. Check JustWatch for current viewing options near you.
What makes Thirteen Talks different from other talk shows?
Unlike conventional celebrity chat formats, Thirteen Talks leans into discomfort and depth. Host Xu Zhiyuan openly admits to approaching each guest with preconceived biases, then challenges those assumptions through candid, often philosophical dialogue. The result feels less like entertainment and more like a genuine intellectual encounter.
What language is Thirteen Talks in?
Thirteen Talks is conducted primarily in Mandarin Chinese. The series originates from China and was produced by Tencent Video. Its original title is 十三邀, and it is also known internationally as Thirteen Talks and in the US market as Shi San Yao.
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