Matthijs van Nieuwkerk, the celebrated presenter best known for his work on The World Draait Door (DWDD), has recently embarked on new chapters both personally and professionally. Last Saturday, Van Nieuwkerk married Martha Riemsma, the director of the ANP, at a small ceremony held in The Hague, attended solely by family and close friends.
The marriage was officiated by Bart Chabot, a noted writer from The Hague. Following the news of their relationship becoming public in 2021, Van Nieuwkerk and Riemsma's ceremony marks another significant development for both individuals, who had previously been married and each have two children.
Van Nieuwkerk, who has been transitioning from his iconic DWDD role, now finds himself amid mixed reviews as his successor, Eva Jinek, takes over his former time slot on the evening broadcast. Critics have noted Jinek's effort to blend high and low culture, reminiscent of Van Nieuwkerk's style, but many feel she falls short of his engaging presence.
Mark Koster, a media columnist for the Telegraaf, reflects on this transition, stating, "Is Eva Jinek even as good as Matthijs van Nieuwkerk? After six months, we must be honest. She is not." This sentiment highlights the challenge Jinek faces, as many recall the compelling interviews and details Van Nieuwkerk drew from his guests, making them feel both special and relatable.
While Jinek has drawn viewers and brought her own guest star roster, comparisons to Van Nieuwkerk's trademark questioning style have surfaced, leading to criticism of her approach. Koster pointedly mentions, "Her questions often carry a high 'Libelle-gehalte'!"—a reference implying they lack depth.
Van Nieuwkerk’s ability to extract meaningful exchanges from guests with his probing nature is contrasted with what some perceive as Jinek's more superficial questioning. Her interview with Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! was criticized for being too low-key, as she asked, "What did you think when you first heard 'Last Christmas'?"—a question critics noted felt like something one might ask at school.
This transition period for Van Nieuwkerk showcases not just his personal milestones with Riemsma but also the shifting dynamics of Dutch television talk shows. With one of the most respected figures of Dutch TV now marrying and stepping back from the daily grind of presenting, questions arise about the future of late-night television and who will fill the void left by his indelible mark.
Overall, as Van Nieuwkerk moves forward with reassurance gained through marriage and looks to carve out his new broadcasting niche, the television audience and critics alike are curious to see how the industry adapts to these changes. Will Jinek be able to capture the audience the way Van Nieuwkerk did, or will she find herself struggling under the shadow of his legacy? Only time will tell as the industry continues to evolve.
