Back to Field

Back to Field follows a simple life shift as a rotating cast swaps the bustle of cities for rural China. Each season lands in a different countryside setting where basic necessities are the starting point, and participants must handle cooking, building, and daily chores with what’s at hand. The group earns access to ingredients and tools by completing small tasks assigned by the crew, such as planting crops or tending harvest. Guests join every episode to lend a hand and share in the chores. The show aims to capture a slower rhythm and show how a modest, cooperative life can still feel rewarding.

Released in 2017, the series is directed by Chen Juan and created by Chen Gezhou, Zhang Hangxi, and Zhengyu Wang, presenting an original concept that emphasizes everyday tasks over spectacle.

The show invites viewers to pause and reassess how daily life is organized, highlighting self sufficiency, cooperation, and a slower pace. Hosts and visiting guests model practical skills and neighborly collaboration, turning basic chores into small, shared achievements. Critics note the calm, observational tone that lets scenes of planting, cooking, and building breathe. The premise leans into simple pleasures and community rather than drama, offering a quiet reflection on what makes a life feel fulfilled. The program currently has an 8.0 out of 10 average from 9 votes, signaling its small yet dedicated audience.

There are no major nominations or prizes recorded for the program. While it has attracted a niche audience with its earnest approach, it has not been a target for mainstream awards. Its value lies in presenting a tranquil, hands on portrayal of rural living and sparking conversation about everyday skills, community, and adaptation to simple surroundings.