Rumors Swirl Over Replacement Judge on Dutch Quiz Show, Sparking Debate
April 24, 2025
The Dutch television world is abuzz with speculation about who will replace Maarten van Rossem as a jury member on the popular quiz show, “De Slimste Mens” (The Smartest Person). The KRO-NCRV broadcaster is expected to announce the successor “these days,” leaving fans and critics alike guessing about the choice. While Marcel van Roosmalen and Stefano Keizers are reportedly out of the running, one name has emerged as a potential frontrunner, sparking strong reactions: Margriet van der Linden.
Van der Linden’s Potential Casting Draws Ire
TV critic Victor Vlam has voiced strong opposition to the possibility of van der Linden joining the show. “If it is this person, I think I will emigrate from the Netherlands, so this is a way to get rid of me: margriet van der Linden,” he declared on a recent episode of the podcast “Of Communicado’s.”
Vlam’s co-host,Lars Duursma,echoed the sentiment,expressing concern that “That is someone after every 2.8 seconds a candidate will trigger later.”
“Annoying Person”: Critics Sharpen Their Knives
Vlam didn’t mince words when describing his reservations about van der Linden. “Yes, she did very quickly in her talk show in her talk show, yes. She did that in a very annoying way. Yes, I think it’s a really annoying person.” His primary concern seems to stem from a perceived mismatch between van der Linden’s personality and the show’s established tone.
He elaborated, “If she becomes it … I think the risk is that KRO-NCRV will choose someone who will represent their values very strongly. They have a very strong urge to find that broadcaster lately and Margriet is of course a very progressive figure. If she becomes it, I really expect the worst.”
Could ratings Suffer? The Stakes for “De Slimste Mens”
Vlam predicts a significant drop in viewership if van der Linden is chosen. “I think it will collapse complete and totally,but I also think there is a chance that they are so crazy to do it,as again: it is indeed KRO-NCRV,it is the climate broadcaster of the Netherlands and she has been a finalist in the 2014 edition. So she has a history with the program.”
However, some observers point out that KRO-NCRV might be seeking to inject fresh perspectives into the show, even if it risks alienating some viewers. The network’s commitment to representing diverse viewpoints could be a driving factor in considering van der Linden, despite the potential backlash.
Vlam suggested Gerri Eickhof as a more suitable option,stating,”I think it is a type for that.”
The Power of Personality: How Judges Impact Quiz Show ratings
the controversy surrounding the potential casting of Margriet van der Linden highlights the significant impact that judges’ personalities can have on quiz show ratings. In the U.S.,shows like “Jeopardy!” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” have seen fluctuations in viewership depending on the public’s perception of the hosts and panelists.
For example, when a new host replaced a beloved figure on “Jeopardy!”, there was initially a dip in ratings as viewers adjusted to the change. Similarly, guest judges on “Dancing with the Stars” frequently enough face intense scrutiny and their comments can significantly influence both contestant performance and audience engagement. This underscores the delicate balance between maintaining a show’s core appeal and introducing fresh perspectives.
The choice of a new jury member on “De Slimste Mens” is more than just a casting decision; it’s a strategic move that could redefine the show’s identity and it’s relationship with its audience. The broadcaster’s decision will likely reflect a careful consideration of both ratings potential and the desire to align with evolving social values.
Counterargument: Embracing Change and Diverse Perspectives
while some critics fear a decline in viewership, others argue that “de Slimste Mens” could benefit from a fresh viewpoint and a more diverse depiction of viewpoints. By selecting a judge with a different background and set of values, the show could attract new viewers and spark more engaging conversations. The risk of alienating some viewers is undeniable, but the potential reward of broadening the show’s appeal could be worth it. Ultimately, the success of the new judge will depend on their ability to connect with the audience, offer insightful commentary, and maintain the show’s intellectual integrity.
FAQ: The Smartest Person Jury Member Debate
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is replacing Maarten van Rossem on “De Slimste Mens?” | The KRO-NCRV broadcaster is expected to announce Maarten van Rossem’s successor soon. several names have been mentioned, but no official decision has been made. |
| Why is Margriet van der Linden a controversial choice? | Some critics view Margriet van der Linden as an “annoying person,” fearing that her personality and progressive views might clash with the show’s established tone and alienate viewers. |
| How can a judge impact a quiz show’s ratings? | A judge or host’s personality, likeability, and ability to connect with the audience can significantly influence a quiz show’s viewership, accounting for a notable percentage of the total audience share. |
| What other names are being considered for the role? | While Marcel van Roosmalen and Stefano keizers are reportedly not selected, Gerri Eickhof has been suggested as a potential alternative by some critics. |
| When will the new jury member be announced? | The KRO-NCRV broadcaster has stated that the announcement will be made “these days,” but a specific date has not been confirmed. |
