The smart viewer’s choice
Next Monday sees the kids go back to school and, in an event that’s become as much of an annual tradition, the return of De slimste mens ter wereld, the most successful quiz programme Flanders has ever seen, and one of the region’s most popular TV shows ever.
Perennial favourite quiz show returns to TV screens for 10th anniversary
The programme, now in its 10th edition, survived its move in 2012 from the public broadcaster VRT to the commercial channel VIER and, though viewing figures were down slightly, the programme’s prestige – and its ability to attract big names – is solid.
The host, as always, is film director Erik Van Looy, whose US version of the 2008 hit film Loft is due for release this time next year. Van Looy recently explained in an interview that he was happy to host the quiz yet again out of a sense of gratitude to production house Woestijnvis, which produces De slimste mens and also produced Loft.
But Van Looy doesn’t have to go it alone: He’s backed by a “jury” of four, who exchange quips with him and the contestants. Comedian Philippe Geubels returns; joining him are Neveneffecten comedian Lieven Scheire and actor Bruno Vanden Broecke (Wat als?)
The contestants this year will include the usual run of actors, politicians and other bekende Vlamingen but not ordinary members of the public, despite the success of last year’s experiment. In the last series, Ostend resident Magali Cobbaert, one of four non-celebrities taking part, made an impressive total of 11 appearances before losing in the final to basketball player Tomas Van Den Spiegel.
Politicians are heavily represented with the 2014 elections in sight, doubtless recalling the successful run by Bart De Wever in 2010, which lent in no small part to his electoral success. This year, all but one of the major parties are represented: Flemish media minister Ingrid Lieten for SP.A, party president Gwendolyn Rutten for Open VLD, party president Wouter Van Besien for Groen and Ben Weyts for N-VA.
Only CD&V is not represented, after Flemish minister-president Kris Peeters was asked and declined. “Then we decided, if Kris Peeters doesn’t want to do it, then we just won’t have anyone from CD&V,” said Van Looy.
Pictured: Clockwise from left (standing): Philippe Geubels, Erik Van Looy, Lieven Scheire and Bruno Vanden Broecke of the new season of De slimste mens ter wereld
