A popular television program tailored for an elderly audience, Ode of Joy–a national singing contest that has drawn around 2,000 participants – has recently concluded its first season on state broadcaster China Central Television.

Beijing Comrades-in-Arms' Chorus Troupe, which was founded in 1998 to reunite the performers of the 1965 epic musical work The Long March Suite of Songs, beat 31 other shortlisted troupes to be crowned champion.

Huang Wei, producer and chief director of Ode of Joy, said the show has fulfilled her wish to "build a stage exclusively for the elderly", conveying the message senior citizens should also pursue a happy life.

Chen Fang, a senior editor with China Television Arts Committee, said the 32 shortlisted troupes demonstrated their passion for music, impressing audiences and showing age is not a barrier to a dream.

The latest available figures show the program has been watched more than 130 million times online, and its trailers have accumulated 20 million "clicks".

The program has also tried to attract a younger viewership, as some adult children have found the show to be appealing entertainment for family nights with parents.

Wu Yushao, deputy head of the China National Committee on Aging, said China has thousands of chorus troupes organized by elderly people, and expressed a wish for the program to continue its successful formula to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the elderly.

The second season of Ode of Joy is under preparation, according to the producers.