De Slimste Mens

Episode 1

Challengers: Kefah Allush, Wina Ricardo and Nienke van Dijk

Sep 21, 2026

In the upcoming season of De slimste mens, comedians, politicians, musicians, journalists, and other creators will compete against each other. This autumn, presenters Nienke van Dijk and Kefah Allush, together with cabaret talent Wina Ricardo, will open the competition.

Episode 2

Challenger: Kiki Boreel

Sep 22, 2026

Challenger Kiki Boreel is a former international model and climate activist. After working for major fashion brands, she turned her back on fast fashion due to its environmental impact. She is now a Climate Ambassador of the Future and advocates for a more circular fashion industry.

Episode 3

Challenger: Roeland Wendel

Sep 23, 2026

Challenger: Roeland Wendel is a Dutch journalist, presenter, and content creator. He is best known as the resident librarian on the Emmy-nominated children’s program De Mensenbieb (The Human Library), in which children ‘borrow’ living stories. He also works on socially engaged series such as Buddybuddy and is active online.

Episode 4

Challenger: Mats Akkerman

Sep 24, 2026

Challenger: Mats Akkerman is a Dutch political reporter and presenter. After working at the Binnenhof for BNR Nieuwsradio for many years, he moved to broadcaster WNL in 2025. There, he regularly appears as a political commentator on Café Kockelmann and produces the podcast Haagse Hindernissen.

Episode 5

Challenger: Lindsay Zwaan

Sep 25, 2026

Challenger Lindsay Zwaan is a Dutch actress and theatre maker. She made her breakthrough with television audiences playing Sally in the drama series Bodem and has appeared in series such as Sihame and Tropenjaren. Additionally, she creates physical and visual theatre with her collective, Studio Dooie Mus.

Episode 6

Challenger: Jet van der Steen

Sep 28, 2026

Challenger: Jet van der Steen is a Dutch singer-songwriter rapidly gaining popularity. She started out performing covers on TikTok and made her breakthrough with emotional Dutch-language pop music. She has since been named 3FM Talent of 2026, performs at major festivals, and is working on her debut album.

Episode 7

Challenger: Claudia de Breij

Sep 29, 2026

Challenger Claudia de Breij is a Dutch cabaret artist, singer, and writer. She has been active in the theater for years and scored a major hit with "Mag ik dan bij jou." In 2026, she will present the New Year's Eve review show (*Oudejaarsconference*) for the fourth time, and she discusses current events in the podcast *De Claudia Show*.

Episode 8

Challenger: QiQi van Boheemen

Oct 1, 2026

Herman also shares the sad news that Paulien Cornelisse passed away yesterday; these segments had already been recorded, and the family wishes for them to be broadcast as planned. Challenger: QiQi van Boheemen is a Dutch actress, performer, and photographer. She made an impression with her debut in the theatre production De Bananengeneratie and played the lead role of PJ in the film adaptation of Joe Speedboot. In addition, she works as a freelance portrait and theatre photographer.

Episode 9

Challenger: Rob Kamphues

Oct 2, 2026

Challenger: Rob Kamphues is a Dutch television presenter, comedian, and race car driver. He became a household name through programs such as De Reünie. He is currently closely involved in motorsport: for years as the face of Ziggo Sport’s Formula 1 broadcasts, and since 2025 with Viaplay.

Episode 10

Challenger: Fimme Bakker

Oct 2, 2026

Challenger: Fimme Bakker is a Dutch comedian and writer. He is known for his raw humor and personal stories, including those about addiction. In 2023, he won the jury prize at the Groningen Student Cabaret Festival. Following a theater production with his father, psychiatrist Bram Bakker, he is touring solo with his show and book, *Zwaargewicht*.

Episode 11

Challengers: Evrim Akyigit and Luuk Ornstein

Oct 5, 2026

More challenging: Evrim Akyigit is a Dutch actress with a Turkish background. She is best known to the general public as Hanna from the drama series Oogappels and Elif from ONM. She graduated from the Arnhem Theater School and played with theater companies such as International Theater Amsterdam. She was also seen in the series Football Parents. And Challenger: Luuk Ornstein is a writer, actor and content creator. He is the creator, script advisor and can be seen in the very popular feature films De Tatta's and Onze Osso for Amazon Prime Video.

Episode 12

Challenger: Adriaan ter Braack

Oct 6, 2026

Challenger Adriaan ter Braack is a Dutch science journalist and podcaster. Writing under the online pseudonym Sjamadriaan, he covers science and nonsense for publications such as VICE and Quest. He also authored the book Het Universum is een Klootzak (The Universe is a Bastard). In addition, he produces science podcasts—including Makkelijk Praten and works as a speaker and conference moderator.

Episode 13

Challenger: Carine Lacor

Oct 7, 2026

Challenger: Carine Lacor is a Dutch radio presenter, best known for her work with NPO Klassiek. Since 2018, she has hosted the lunchtime program De Muziekfabriek for AVROTROS. In addition, she is involved with the Klassieke Top 400, produces the podcast De Klassieker, and works as an independent career coach in Amsterdam.

Episode 14

Challengers: Camiel Jansen and Harmen Krul

Oct 9, 2026

Challengers: Camiel Jansen and Harmen Krul a Dutch politician representing the CDA. Before being sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives in 2023, he served as an officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy and was a municipal councilor in Den Helder. In the House, his portfolio includes Defense and Media, among other areas. He also serves as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Camiel Jansen is the new Composer of the Netherlands. The 34-year-old composer, double bassist, and presenter from Culemborg took over the role from his predecessor, Anne-Maartje Lemereis, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, thereby ushering in a new decade for the Composer of the Netherlands. As an ambassador for musical life in the Netherlands, Camiel will give musical expression to current societal developments over the next two years a role that suits him perfectly.

Episode 15

Challenger: Jan Jaap van Weering

Oct 11, 2026

Challenger: Jan Jaap van Weering is a Dutch etiquette and protocol expert. Through his consultancy firm, Distinguished, he provides training on etiquette and protocol. He has appeared in programs such as Hoe heurt het eigenlijk? and reaches a large audience on TikTok with humorous videos about etiquette. He also performs the stage show Zegevieren met Manieren.

Episode 16

Challenger: Julia Wouters

Oct 12, 2026

Challenger: Julia Wouters is a Dutch political scientist, political advisor, and author. She is best known for her role as a political advisor to former Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher and as a commentator on the EO podcast 'De Spindoctors'.

Episode 17

Challenger: Thomas Hogeling

Oct 13, 2026

Challenger: Thomas Hogeling studied Law at the University of Amsterdam but decided not to put his legal knowledge into practice. Instead, he chose a career in journalism. He writes for publications such as 'de Volkskrant', 'De Speld', and 'deFusie', and currently holds the position of columnist at 'NRC'.

Episode 18

Challenger: Whitney Janssen

Oct 14, 2026

Challenger: Whitney Janssen. She is a presenter for *EenVandaag*, named after the legendary Whitney Houston, and spent her childhood in a small town in Limburg.

Episode 19

Challenger: David van Rosmalen

Oct 15, 2026

Challenger: David van Rosmalen is a comedian who recently won the 2025 Leids Cabaret Festival. He secured the jury prize, the audience award, and the student prize, and his show 'Als ik jou was' took the audience on a philosophical journey through his own life. David is a sought-after speaker for the closing sessions of conferences and events, and his work has been praised for its coherence and solid structure, featuring strong opening and closing segments. He is recognized as being musical and sharp-witted, with a talent for language.

Episode 20

Challenger: Caro van der Leeuw

Oct 16, 2026

Challenger: Caro van der Leeuw is a Dutch jazz and pop singer. She achieved international success as Caro Emerald, scoring hits such as "A Night Like This." After a musical project under the name The Jordan, she is now releasing new work as Caro.

Episode 21

Challenger: Nathalie Baartman

Oct 19, 2026

Nathalie Baartman, a Dutch comedian and columnist with deep roots in the Twente region, is known for her solo shows that center on humor and the traditional Twente 'levenslied' (sentimental ballad). She has been touring the country for years, captivating audiences with a unique blend of comic observations and cultural stories. In addition to her stage work, she is an active columnist for 'Tubantia', where she shares her sharp and often moving reflections on a weekly basis. Her versatility and authentic style make her a distinctive and highly regarded voice in the Dutch world of comedy and journalism.

Episode 22

Challenger: Menno Bentveld

Oct 20, 2026

Challenger: Menno Bentveld is a Dutch radio and television presenter. He previously hosted programs such as 'Jules Unlimited' and 'Op weg naar Het Lagerhuis'. Since 2007, he has been the face and voice of the natu4re and environment program 'Vroege Vogels'.

Episode 23

Challenger: Ghislaine van IJperen

Oct 21, 2026

Challenger: Ghislaine van IJperen is a Dutch actress. She gained recognition for her lead role as Kees Flodder Jr. in the Videoland series 'Kees Flodder'. After graduating from the Maastricht Academy of Dramatic Arts, she worked on various productions. She also appeared in the feature film 'Verliefd op Curaçao'.

Episode 24

Challenger: Kim van Zeben

Oct 22, 2026

Challenger: Kim van Zeben is a Dutch theatre maker, actress, and voice actress. She performs in family-oriented productions such as '14 De Musical' and creates her own theatre for young audiences, including the comedy 'Beuk!'. Furthermore, she is the official Dutch voice of Donald Duck.

Episode 25

Challenger: Tobi Lakmaker

Oct 23, 2026

Challenger: Tobi Lakmaker is a Dutch writer and philosopher. In 2021, he had his breakthrough with his much discussed and highly autobiographical debut novel, 'De geschiedenis van mijn seksualiteit' (The History of My Sexuality). He currently writes columns for 'de Volkskrant' and the Flemish newspaper 'De Morgen'.

Episode 26

Challenger: Marjolein Moorman

Oct 26, 2026

Challenger: Marjolein Moorman is a Dutch politician representing Progressief Nederland (PRO). From 2018, she served as the alderperson for education in Amsterdam, gaining national recognition for her efforts to combat inequality of opportunity. Since late 2025, she has been working as a member of the House of Representatives, focusing on ensuring equal opportunities in education.

Episode 27

Challenger: Yasmin Ait Abderrahman

Oct 27, 2026

Challenger: Yasmin Ait Abderrahman is a journalist, columnist, and moderator. Previously, she served as chair of FNV Young & United and as a member of the Social and Economic Council (SER). Today, she works as an investigative journalist for *Vrij Nederland* and frequently appears on talk shows to provide insight into political and socio-economic issues.

Episode 28

Challenger: Jeroen Gortworst

Oct 28, 2026

Challenger: Jeroen Gortworst is a Dutch domestic correspondent for the 'NOS Journaal' (NOS News). He spent many years working for 'NOS Stories' and, since 2022, has been one of the regular on-site reporters covering major domestic events. Additionally, he won the Winq Media Award for 'De Schaduwspits' ("The Shadow Striker"), a podcast series about homosexuality in the world of football.

Episode 29

Uitdaagster: Annemarie Lekkerkerker

Oct 29, 2026

Challengers: Eva Brandemann and Annemarie Lekkerkerker. Annemarie Lekkerkerker is a Dutch content creator, presenter, and actress, known on social media as @lekkeran. She gained recognition for her socially engaged and humorous videos covering topics such as feminism and street harassment. Together with her father, she co-authored the book "Conversations You Never Have with Your Father", and she produces the podcast "Generatie Espresso". Eva Brandemann is a young woman currently studying Public Administration at Leiden University. Known for her critical perspective and sense of humor, she has a keen interest in understanding the world around her. From November 2023 to June 2025, Brandemann served as chair of "Young Social Contract", the youth wing of the political party "New Social Contract".

Episode 30

Challenger: Casper Starreveld

Oct 30, 2026

Challenger: Casper Starreveld is a Dutch guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is a co-founder of the Utrecht-based rock band Kensington. With the band, he achieved several hits and frequently performed in a sold-out Ziggo Dome. Following the departure of the former frontman, the band made a musical fresh start in 2025.

Episode 31

Episode 31

Nov 2, 2026

Episode 32

Episode 32

Nov 3, 2026

Episode 33

Episode 33

Nov 4, 2026

Episode 34

Episode 34

Nov 5, 2026

Episode 35

Episode 35

Nov 6, 2026