Today : Apr 19, 2025
Arts & Culture
19 April 2025

Flikken Maastricht Returns For Twentieth Season Amid Controversy

Victor Reinier's departure raises questions about the show's future and storyline adjustments.

In a surprising turn of events, the popular Dutch police series Flikken Maastricht is confirmed to return for a twentieth season, as announced by the Dutch broadcaster AvroTros. This news comes amidst controversy surrounding one of its main actors, Victor Reinier, who recently departed from the show following complaints of alleged misconduct on set.

Reinier, 61, who played the role of detective Floris Wolfs alongside actress Angela Schijf as Eva van Dongen, left the series after reports surfaced in February 2025 regarding disputes between him and Schijf. These disputes reportedly escalated into a confrontation, leading to Schijf walking off set in distress. Complaints against Reinier included allegations of anger outbursts, misogynistic behavior, and drug use, although he has vehemently denied the latter two claims.

Following discussions with the production team, Reinier made the decision to exit Flikken Maastricht, a series in which he not only starred but also contributed as a writer and director. In an interview with RTL Boulevard after his departure, he expressed regret over the situation, stating, "I take the complaints about the fact that people felt my tension very seriously. I also regret it and I find it really sad that it went this way. I am someone who puts all his energy into something. So if I feel there is room for improvement or if we need to do something differently to make it better, I can express that in my way." He acknowledged that his approach might have come off as intense.

As speculation mounted regarding the future of the series following Reinier's exit, AvroTros has now confirmed that the show will continue. The current nineteenth season is set to conclude next Friday on Dutch television, where it has maintained an impressive average viewership of 1.8 million. Meanwhile, in Flanders, the sixteenth season is currently airing on Sunday evenings on VRT 1.

In a related episode of Flikken Maastricht, characters Romeo and Marion are faced with a house eviction, where the resident defies all rules and the authority of the police, rallying supporters to her cause. This storyline, like many others in the series, reflects the show's focus on social issues intertwined with crime.

Despite the controversies, the announcement of a twentieth season has been met with anticipation from fans. The longevity of Flikken Maastricht speaks volumes about its popularity and the connection it has forged with its audience over the years.

As viewers await the new season, questions remain about how the show's creators will address the departure of Reinier and the impact it will have on the storyline moving forward. For now, fans can look forward to the season finale of the current season, which promises to be filled with suspense and drama.