The Belgian television programming scene has been buzzing following Christmas 2024, especially with the launch of the new VRT 1 program, 'De Rugzak', and the anticipated broadcasts of other shows.
On December 26, 'De Rugzak' was officially launched and managed to capture the attention of viewers, securing the fifth spot on the ratings list with notable viewership numbers. According to the ratings reported by the Centrum voor informatie over de media (CIM), the show did well during its initial airing, contributing to the overall competitive lineup on Belgian television.
'Vrede op Aarde' continued to impress audiences and maintain solid ratings, showing the enduring popularity of the program. Meanwhile, 'Dag & Bedankt' faced some challenges, struggling to gain traction with viewers. On Play4, only 'Huizenjagers' drew any significant audience, marking it as one of the few successful shows on the channel after the holiday standard-bearers.
It's important to note how ratings are compiled. The day’s top 20 will be updated for seven days post-airing, reflecting changes as more viewers watch the shows on-demand. The current figures only represent live viewing and delayed viewing on traditional TV screens. The wider scope of online viewership will be calculated later, enriching the data pools.
Screenings for all viewers aged four and older across Flanders and Dutch-speaking Brussels are included, with advertising blocks excluded from the analysis.
Fans of 'De Columbus' found themselves disappointed as no new episode aired on December 29. The VRT made the decision to replace the scheduled episode with 'Vrede Op Aarde', followed by the finale of 'Onder Vuur'. This change meant fans would have to wait until January 5, when Wim Lybaert returns, and Riadh Bahri resumes his journeys on the familiar bus. Many viewers expressed their hopes and excitement for the return, eager to see what stories and adventures await.
Meanwhile, 'Vrede Op Aarde' is gearing up to deliver more engaging content as the new year approaches. The show’s host, Sven de Leijer, is set to invite guests like Jelle De Beule, Charlotte De Bruyne, and Charlotte Sieben to reflect on the past year of 2024. This episode promises interesting discussions, especially as the jury members debate the winners of significant awards from the year.
Viewers are encouraged to settle down and tune in at 20:50 on VRT for what is expected to be another enjoyable episode, continuing the show's tradition of blending entertainment with thought-provoking discussions about the year gone by.
Overall, the post-Christmas programming decisions from Belgian networks showcase their strategic choices aimed at retaining viewer engagement during the holiday season. Each show is vying for attention, and with adjustments being made based on ratings and audience feedback, it will be interesting to see how they evolve as the new year begins.
What remains clear is the competitive nature of television programming, where strategic scheduling, audience preferences, and captivating content are interwoven to keep viewers engaged.
