The popular Dutch television quiz show De Slimste Mens is back for its 2024 season, captivating audiences with not only its trivia challenges but also the personalities of its contestants. This year has introduced notable figures, including the return of previous winner Astrid Kersseboom, who captured the summer season of 2020.
The show airs on NPO 1 every weekday at 20:30 and has become prominent since its inception, known for its engaging questions and entertaining banter among contestants. The competition's structure allows guests to showcase their knowledge across various themes, with this season having participants such as George van Houts, Art Rooijakkers, and Klaas Dijkhoff vying for the title of the smartest person.
On the fourth episode, the theme revolved around Dutch singers and children's stories. George, the newly inducted contestant and self-proclaimed conspiracy theorist, took his seat alongside friendly competitors Art and Klaas, both former winners. This episode displayed the fun dynamics as the contestants faced different rounds, including emotional reflections on childhood favorites. One highlights came when Maarten expressed his disdain for Pippi Langkous, stating, "I had also quite a dislike for Pippi Langkous, what a annoying little troublemaker,” which evoked nods of agreement among other contestants.
George showed promise during the 3-6-9 round by correctly answering four initial questions. Yet, he stumbled on the fifth question, which was about the catchy summer hit "Huisfeestje" from Roxy Dekkers. Art, residing nearby the cultural spot De Pijp, knew the answer instantly, illustrating his superior knowledge of local culture.
By the day’s finale, Klaas emerged victorious with 473 seconds earned, quickly cementing himself as the smartest of the day. The tense duel between Art and George ended dramatically with George failing to grasp the question about Brazilian footballer Neymar, leading him to fall back to just one second. There, the fierce competition proved again how swift the tides can turn on De Slimste Mens.
Astrid Kersseboom’s legacy looms large over the current season. Starting her career with NOS radio, she transitioned to television and became famous for presenting news and sporting events before claiming her victory on De Slimste Mens during the tumultuous COVID times. With her love for radio rekindled, she is now seeking to replicate her past glories on this renewed stage, where the challenge isn’t about the prize money but about intellect and strategy.
Her sentiment mirrors the changing nature of reality TV game shows today. Eric Goens reflected on this phenomenon, commenting: "I will not name names, but participating in reality shows has almost become like a profession." The playful roles of celebrities who drive viewer engagement have reshaped program dynamics, highlighting how audiences enjoy dishing out their opinions on personal narratives. For many, the experience offers more than just entertainment; it signifies status and recognition.
Looking back, participation involves both personal ambition and practical reasons. While several shows yield financial rewards—in the domain of hundreds of euros—the emotional appeal seems stronger than cash. Some stars, like the beloved comedian Soundos El Ahmadi, have seen whole tours sell out following their televised appearances. This emphasizes the idea reflected by participant Steven Van Gucht, who stated, "Crossing the ocean is, of course, an incredible experience, and through the program, I could convey science to the general audience.”
Looking forward, the anticipation builds with the audience eager to see how the season will progress, especially with new contestants joining. The new shows, including adaptations of popular formats like Celebrity Masterchef, hint at what’s next for celebrity engagements on reality TV. This eagerness indicates how intertwined television ratings and celebrity identity have become, with fresh seasons set to release with heightened expectations.
With its blend of trivia, personality, and nostalgia, De Slimste Mens continues to redefine not just what it means to be smart but also how to engage with audiences, confirming its place as one of the pillars of Dutch television.
