VTM is stepping back into the world of daily talk shows with the announcement of a new program hosted by the well-known television maker Eric Goens. Scheduled to air from Monday to Thursday beginning in spring 2025, this talk show marks a significant return for VTM, which has not featured a daily talk show in five years.
For Goens, this endeavor is a homecoming of sorts. Having previously served as the editor-in-chief and information director at VTM Nieuws, he brings substantial experience to this new role. Known for the impactful work on shows like Het Huis, Goens aims to craft a talk show that is "relevant, exciting, sharp, and on a human scale." His commitment to live television is clear, as he expressed: "Live television forces you into real conversations. No scripted stuff, only genuine interaction with my guests about relevant themes. We react to what is happening right now, which is exactly what I believe in: television that will be talked about the next day at the coffee machine," he stated.
This new show will feature a variety of guests each episode, engaging in discussions that range from current affairs to wider societal debates. With a strong focus on delivering compelling content that resonates with viewers, the program aims to compete directly with existing formats such as Play4's De Tafel van Gert and VRT Canvas’s De Afspraak.
VTM’s last foray into the talk show format was in 2019 with a show called Wat een dag!, hosted by the current program director, Davy Parmentier. That attempt ended in disappointment, leaving VTM without a suitable alternative during a time when rival channels began to dominate the talk show landscape. In 2020, Play4 found success with De Tafel van Gert, further accentuating the gap in VTM’s offerings.
Channel Director Davy Parmentier expressed his confidence in Goens' abilities: "With Eric Goens, we have the right man in the right place. He has proven that he can bring stories to the surface like no other." This remark highlights VTM's strategy to focus on creating content that is not only engaging but also reflective of the public's current interests and issues.
The talk show is anticipated to instill a sense of urgency and presence that live broadcasting brings. The involvement of various guests daily will enable discussions on urgent topics as they arise, an aspect Goens believes will invigorate viewer engagement. "We want to create a program that can be a perfect evening wrap-up, connecting closely with what really matters in people's lives here in Flanders," he added.
While the exact details regarding the show's title remain under wraps, the excitement surrounding the upcoming launch is palpable. The challenges of entering a competitive market—especially with recurring themes and similar guests—are not lost on observers. A comment in HUMO captured this sentiment, noting the potential for Goens' show to find a niche between the light-heartedness of De Tafel van Gert and the serious tone of De afspraak.
As viewers await the debut, pundits speculate on the show's future success. Several factors could influence its reception, such as its timing—whether it will broadcast early in the evening, which would pit it directly against competitors, or later in the primetime slot. The latter could allow for a different viewer demographic altogether.
This anticipated evolution in VTM's programming is a response to their previous missteps and a move towards creating something more cohesive that appears to genuinely interest the public. Goens plans to tackle both severe topics and lighter conversations, making it a versatile program for diverse audiences.
In areas where VTM struggled to gain traction, Eric Goens' history of connecting with audiences—evident in his previous works—will be critical. His strong connections within political and social spheres—shaped through years of journalism and personal endeavors—give him access to intriguing guests, thereby enhancing the show's overall quality.
The timing for VTM's new talk show could not be more relevant. As society faces tumultuous challenges and questions, programming that speaks to real issues is crucial. Goens is thrilled at the opportunity to engage in these conversations, stating, "We respond to what is currently happening, turning these moments into discussions that matter." He is ready to take on both societal challenges and everyday topics to connect with an audience eager for thoughtful dialogue.
As the host gears up for this new journey, viewers can anticipate a talk show that merges meaningful discussions with a personal touch—something that has been notably absent from VTM's lineup for too long. With multiple channels vying for viewer attention, Goens' approach may well redefine how VTM finds its place in the competitive landscape of evening entertainment. Time will tell if this bold return to the talk show format will succeed, but the groundwork laid by Goens suggests they are set for a captivating revival.
