On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, KRO-NCRV officially announced that Paulien Cornelisse will take over as the new jury chair of the beloved Dutch quiz show, 'De slimste mens'. This news comes after much speculation regarding who would fill the shoes of the long-time jury member Maarten van Rossem, who departed the show earlier this year after 25 successful seasons. Joining Cornelisse will be the new presenter, Herman van der Zandt, who is stepping in for Philip Freriks. The combination of Cornelisse's sharp wit and Van der Zandt's presenting skills is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the program.
Cornelisse, 49, is well-known in the Netherlands as a writer, cabaret artist, and columnist. Her most notable work, the book 'Taal is zeg maar echt mijn ding', published in 2009, became a bestseller and established her as a significant figure in Dutch literature. Although she has never participated in the Dutch version of 'De slimste mens', she did compete in the Flemish edition, 'De slimste mens ter wereld', where she reached the finals in 2012.
Reflecting on her new role, Cornelisse expressed excitement mixed with a hint of trepidation. "I find it incredibly fun to be a jury member, although I don't know exactly what to expect since it's a new adventure," she stated in a press release. She humorously added, "The only thing I know so far is that the screentest was really fun. And the chair is surprisingly comfortable!" This light-hearted approach is characteristic of Cornelisse, who has often infused humor into her work.
The anticipation surrounding her appointment has been palpable, with KRO-NCRV’s media director, Sandra Hilster, praising Cornelisse's intelligence and originality. "Paulien is smart, funny, original, and possesses a vast general knowledge," Hilster said. "We are proud that she has accepted the role, and we can’t imagine a better duo than her and Herman van der Zandt." This sentiment is echoed by fans and media alike, who are eager to see how Cornelisse will bring her unique flair to the show.
Maarten van Rossem, who has been a staple of the program, also weighed in positively on his successor. In a podcast, he expressed his surprise and satisfaction with Cornelisse’s selection, stating, "I was very surprised. I can live with it very well." His endorsement adds a layer of credibility to Cornelisse’s new position and may help ease any concerns from loyal viewers.
As the new season approaches, the show's format will see some changes. Traditionally aired in the summer, 'De slimste mens' will now debut on September 1, 2025, at 21:30 on NPO 1, marking a shift in its scheduling. The upcoming season will last for seven weeks instead of the usual six, providing more opportunities for contestants to showcase their knowledge.
The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media and news outlets. While many fans have expressed excitement about Cornelisse's appointment, others remain skeptical about whether she can fill van Rossem's shoes. Some comments on X (formerly Twitter) highlight the mixed feelings among viewers. One user tweeted, "I think Paulien Cornelisse is a good idea as a replacement for Maarten. However, I believe it would have been better to end the show on a high note." In contrast, another user noted, "I’m really happy with this choice! Paulien Cornelisse is the perfect successor to Maarten van Rossem!"
Despite the varying opinions, there is a consensus that Cornelisse's background as a cabaret performer may enhance the show's entertainment value. Her humor and ability to connect with audiences are seen as significant assets that could revitalize the program.
In addition to her television career, Cornelisse has been actively involved in writing and performing. Since 2018, she has contributed columns to the front page of the Volkskrant, alternating with fellow writer Sander Donkers. Her literary contributions have been widely recognized, and she was recently named the most influential language user of the century by the magazine Onze Taal.
However, Cornelisse's journey has not been without challenges. Last August, she announced that her upcoming cabaret tour would be postponed due to a cancer diagnosis. Despite this setback, she has remained committed to her writing and public engagements, continuing to produce work that resonates with her audience.
As the new season of 'De slimste mens' approaches, the excitement is building. The combination of Cornelisse and Van der Zandt is anticipated to bring a refreshing perspective to the show. Fans will have to wait a little longer, as the new recordings are set to begin next month, with the first episode airing in September. Until then, viewers will be left to ponder how this new duo will shape the future of one of the Netherlands' most beloved television programs.
In summary, Paulien Cornelisse's appointment as the new jury chair of 'De slimste mens' marks a significant moment in the show's history. With her unique blend of humor, intelligence, and passion for language, she is poised to bring a new energy to the program. As viewers prepare for the upcoming season, the anticipation is palpable, and all eyes will be on Cornelisse as she steps into her new role alongside Herman van der Zandt.
