Paulien Cornelisse has been announced as the new jury member of the popular Dutch quiz show De slimste mens, stepping into the shoes of Maarten van Rossem. This exciting news was revealed by KRO-NCRV, the network behind the show. Cornelisse will join the new presenter, Herman van der Zandt, marking a fresh chapter for the iconic program.
Cornelisse, a well-known writer, cabaret artist, and columnist, has been a prominent figure in Dutch theaters for over twenty years. She gained widespread recognition for her bestselling book, Taal is zeg maar echt mijn ding, and was named the most influential language user of the century by Onze Taal earlier this year. Her sharp wit and engaging humor are expected to bring a new dynamic to the show.
Reflecting on her new role, the 49-year-old Cornelisse expressed her enthusiasm: "I find it incredibly fun to be a jury member of De slimste mens, and at the same time, I know I don’t really know what I’m talking about yet, because it’s a new adventure. The only thing I know so far is that the screen test was really fun. At least, I thought so. Well, and apparently, the makers of the program thought so too. I had some doubts about 'the chair,' but it turns out to be more comfortable than expected."
The show has undergone a significant transformation following the departure of long-time host Philip Freriks and his co-juror Maarten van Rossem in December 2024, after having been a staple of the program since its inception in 2012. The new season of De slimste mens will kick off on September 1, 2025, airing every weekday at 21:30 on KRO-NCRV on NPO 1, which is an hour later than previous seasons.
Sandra Hilster, the media director at KRO-NCRV, shared her excitement about Cornelisse joining the team: "De slimste mens is an iconic program on Dutch television, and we have noticed this again in recent months with all the speculation surrounding the name of the new jury member. It kept our viewers and the media engaged. We are delighted and very proud to welcome Paulien, who is smart, funny, original, and has a vast general knowledge with a great sense of language. KRO-NCRV is proud that she said yes, and we can’t imagine a better duo. We are really looking forward to the new season of De slimste mens!"
Interestingly, Cornelisse has never been a contestant on the Dutch version of De slimste mens, although she did compete in the Flemish edition in 2012, where she was eliminated during the final week. Despite her recent health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis last summer that led her to cancel her theater tour, Cornelisse continues to write three columns a week for the newspaper Volkskrant and authored this year’s Boekenweek essay.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting venture for both Cornelisse and the audience, as they embark on this new journey together. With her unique perspective and humor, Cornelisse is set to bring a fresh voice to the beloved quiz show, which has entertained viewers for years. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new episodes, which will not only feature Cornelisse’s witty commentary but also the engaging format that De slimste mens is known for.
As the countdown to the new season begins, viewers can expect a blend of knowledge, entertainment, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. The combination of Herman van der Zandt's fresh presentation style and Cornelisse's sharp intellect is sure to keep audiences glued to their screens. De slimste mens has always been more than just a quiz; it’s a cultural phenomenon that sparks conversations and engages viewers in a fun, intellectual challenge.
With the new season set to begin on September 1, 2025, at 21:30, fans are excited to see how this new chapter unfolds. The anticipation is palpable, and as viewers prepare to welcome Cornelisse into the fold, they can look forward to what promises to be another thrilling season of De slimste mens.
