The much-anticipated premiere of the new season of the Belgian youth series #LikeMe took place yesterday, igniting excitement among fans and cast members alike. Set against the backdrop of Middelkerke, the avant-première was met with eager anticipation as it introduced fresh faces and narratives intended to capture the hearts of both returning viewers and new audiences.
At the heart of this new storytelling arc is Amber Aerts, who takes on the lead role of Mia, a character whose life is set to unravel on the scenic Flemish coast. "We realize we don’t know what’s happening to us," Aerts exclaimed when reflecting on the overwhelming experience of engaging with fans for the first time since being cast.
Mia’s backstory is intriguing: she has been raised around the world by her affluent mothers and now finds herself at the SAK, or School Aan de Kust, seeking to establish her identity and make sense of her life. With her new friends more colorful than what she is used to, Mia’s transition doesn't come without its challenges. "My character is always surrounded by wealth and luxury; it feels a bit bizarre to see myself like this on screen,” Aerts admitted.
Zion Luts, who portrays one of Mia's peers named Sem, shared his excitement about watching the first episode with his family, stating, "I must watch the first episode with my parents. They’ve been so supportive and helped me follow my dreams. I can’t wait to share this moment with them."
The avant-première was not just about the young talent. A host of established actors complemented the ensemble, including Evi Hanssen and Joke Devynck, who bring depth as Mia’s mothers. Gustaph, who also debuts as an actor, described his initial fear: "I was scared to act, but with guidance, I took the leap. It turned out to be exciting rather than nerve-wracking!" His character is noted to be the kind-hearted fashion teacher, which is quite different from his musical persona. To highlight his transition from music to acting, Gustaph humorously remarked, "There’s no hat for me this time; it’s all about portraying my character authentically!"
The creators of the series, including Thomas Van Goethem, expressed their contentment with the casting choices. “We’ve seen 2,500 people, and the fact these six were chosen shows their talent. They are going to surprise you,” he asserted, emphasizing the drastic change from the previous seasons and the importance of introducing new storylines.
For many present, this avant-première was not just about entertainment; it awaits new memories to be created. Evi Hanssen was particularly excited to be experiencing this with her family, stating, “It’s been amazing to share this moment with my husband and kids. It’s like we’ve gone from the slopes to the sea!” She is also busy preparing for her debut fictional book coming out later this winter.
Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the program’s original cast lingered, with several attendees sharing their hopes for the new actors. Elisabeth Lucie Baeten, who attended with her daughter, noted how thrilling the evening was, sharing, “We are excited to see what this new installment has to offer.” This sentiment was echoed by many, highlighting the enduring attachment fans have to the original—and their hopes for its successors.
Despite the nervous energy surrounding the new cast, the creators seem poised for success, as #LikeMe gears up for its official launch on January 8, 2020. Banding together with new adventures, music, and drama, the fresh take on the series is set to attract both loyal viewers and new fans alike, bridging the past and present experiences for everyone connected to the show.
Notably, the series aims to preserve its musical roots, having introduced many Dutch-language classics to its youthful audiences. There's hope within the ensemble cast to recreate such magic, as veteran actors Bart Kaëll and Luc Appermont chimed about their excitement alongside the new cast's energy; they believe the series can continue to build on what the previous chapters established.
This ensemble cast’s debut signifies more than just individual performances; it symbolizes the next chapter of #LikeMe harmonizing friendships, struggles, laughter, and the everlasting quest of teenage identity, all under the watchful guidance of the fans who have supported its legacy since 2019.