Sinterklaasjournaal returns for 25th season amid heightened drama

Het Sinterklaasjournaal launched its 25th season on Monday, continuing a 24-year tradition that attracts roughly one million viewers on weekdays at 6 p.m.

The program follows Sinterklaas and his helpers as they navigate obstacles in delivering gifts to children, often including subtle references to current events that adults are more likely to notice.

The show has sparked national discussion on multiple occasions. In 2022, the pakjesboot sank during an episode, prompting broadcaster NTR to reassure upset children. Despite the drama, episodes consistently end with Sinterklaas successfully completing his mission.

Screenwriter Ajé Boschhuizen has been crafting storylines for all 25 seasons. He begins planning each spring at his home in France, mapping out major arcs that continue to evolve until filming in October, ensuring stories remain topical.

Römer said the program is also highly respected among top actors. He himself once appeared during the national Sinterklaas arrival in Dordrecht, an experience he called tense due to protests over Zwarte Piet. “It was in the middle of the Zwarte Piet debate. There were demonstrators. Sinterklaas wore a bulletproof vest, and police officers dressed as Piet carried large weapons under their clothing,” he told NOS.

Actor Erik van Muiswinkel, who played Head Piet from the show’s start until 2016, criticized the program for maintaining Zwarte Piet for too long. In 2016, he and comedian Jochem Myjer resigned. Myjer returned this season in his former role as Pietje Paniek after a ten-year absence.

Van Muiswinkel explained his departure: “It was a decision made in a fit of anger. I had been waiting for two years for a role in the process, and nothing happened. It ended badly.”

That same year, Van Muiswinkel joined more than 100 writers, producers, and public figures in sending an open letter to NTR, urging the removal of Zwarte Piet. The letter, titled “Beste omroepbaas, zwaai Zwarte Piet uit,” led to the replacement of Zwarte Pieten with Roetpieten in 2019.

Römer said he has no interest in reopening the debate and is pleased that the broadcaster has moved past those “difficult” years.