Fans of the hit series Oogappels have reason to celebrate as the New Year's special, titled Goudappels, brings their favorite characters back for one last soirée as they wrap up the sixth season. This highly anticipated special aired on NPO 1, giving viewers not only closure but also tantalizing hints about the seventh season to come.
Oogappels has consistently captivated audiences since its debut in 2019, showcasing the tumultuous lives of parents grappling with their children growing up. Each episode dives deep not just at the surface level of parenting challenges but empathetically weaves the personal struggles of the characters, from relationship breakdowns to health crises. The show's relatable exploration of family dynamics has earned it significant acclaim, resulting in it winning the prestigious Gouden Televizier-Ring award this year. After the emotional rollercoaster of the previous sixth season, fans eagerly await the next installment.
The Goudappels special largely centers around Lieke, portrayed by Susan Radder, as she grapples with the news of her unexpected pregnancy at just 22 years old. The timing could hardly be worse, especially considering her mother Merel's (Malou Gorter) recent battle with cervical cancer. One would expect Merel to approach the news with sensitivity, but her character quickly reverts to her familiar tough demeanor, making it abundantly clear she does not want to embrace the title of grandmother just yet. Audiences were treated to yet another fierce performance from Gorter, who has adeptly portrayed the complexity of Merel throughout the series.
Goudappels features significant character arcs, including glimpses of Max, who appears to have put his gambling addiction behind him, and tensions simmering between Pip and Danny, who navigate their own tumultuous relationship. The film encapsulates the essence of the series: everyday challenges faced by families as they navigate life's winding roads. Whereas the previous season dealt heavily with darker themes, Goudappels offers a reflective moment for characters to reassess what truly matters as the old year fades and the new one dawns.
While the Goudappels special serves as heartwarming entertainment, it prompts viewers to ponder the legacy of their choices. The show juxtaposes the anxiety of the younger generation—those plagued by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—with the inherit wisdom of their grandparents, who reminisce about the opportunities they let slip away. This tension creates a rich backdrop for reflection: How do we balance our ambitions with the quieter moments of life? Are the choices we make reflective of our true selves or societal pressures?
The special aired on January 1, 2023, at 20:25 on NPO 1, and is already available for streaming on NPO Start and NLZIET for those who wish to rewatch it or catch it for the first time. Its accessibility marks another point of success for BNNVARA, as interest continues to build leading up to the confirmed seventh season. Fans can expect more beloved characters and new developments as production keeps the momentum rolling.
Goudappels was not only well-received for its writing and character dynamics but leaves viewers feeling hopeful about the future arcs of the show. With every character so deeply intertwined within the audience’s lives, it's hard not to root for their happiness at the dawn of the new year. This holiday special gives everyone the opportunity to feel connected to their own families, celebrating the good and confronting the uncertainties.
Following Oogappels' legacy, Goudappels transcends typical holiday programming, inviting the audience to engage meaningfully with the narratives presented. The show creators have succeeded once again by balancing humor with poignant moments, and their work resonates with anyone who has ever faced pivotal choices within their family life.
The anticipation for the seventh season is palpable. What challenges will the Oogappels families face next? How will Lieke's announcement affect her relationship with her mother Merel and the rest of the family? Fans will have to stay tuned to see how these storylines will intertwine and develop as the series progresses.
For now, the New Year's special Goudappels stands out as both the end of one chapter and the start of another, offering reflections on life, love, and the chaos of parenting. It's not just another show but rather a mirror presenting the grid of our own lives through the lens of various family experiences. Celebrations, reconciliations, and bittersweet farewells encapsulate the spirit of family, especially during the holiday season.