paroolSep 14, 2026, 17:05

RTL launches competitor for Sinterklaasjournaal: Pietentijd

RTL is launching a new daily program called Pietentijd on November 9 to compete with the NPO's Sinterklaasjournaal. The show, featuring characters from the annual De Grote Sinterklaasfilm series, will include guest segments and interactions with children.

Starting November 9, RTL 4 and Videoland will air a new daily program called Pietentijd, which serves as a competitor to the NPO's long-running Sinterklaasjournaal. The short daily segments are derived from the popular De Grote Sinterklaasfilm movie series that has been released annually since 2020. Hosted by characters Party Piet Pablo and Kim Kado, the show features guest interviews and answers questions from children in a cozy setting. Robert ten Brink will participate as an advisor to Sinterklaas, and the music group K3 is also set to make an appearance on the program, which is produced by Messercola Drama.

In addition to the new television series, RTL is expanding the franchise with two new feature films. De Grote Sinterklaasfilm en de Vliegende Pieten is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 1, while De Grote Sinterklaasfilm en de Razende Robot will be available for streaming on Videoland on the same date. The broadcaster NTR has declined to comment on this new competition.

Culture

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Austrians find a natural partner in the beaver in the fight against drought

In Linz, Austria, volunteers are using imitation beaver dams to restore water levels and biodiversity in a stream affected by severe drought. Research suggests that the presence of beavers, who are making a comeback across Europe including in the Netherlands, provides crucial ecological benefits by retaining water and sequestering carbon.

K3 cancels performance: Hanne Verbruggen starts maternity leave early

K3 member Hanne Verbruggen has started her maternity leave earlier than planned, leading to the cancellation of an upcoming performance in Apeldoorn. Former member Klaasje Meijer will return to the group temporarily to replace Verbruggen during her absence.

'I studied, so it makes sense that I earn more': how fair is that really?

Political scientist and journalist Anouk Kootstra questions the fairness of the traditional belief that higher education and professional status inherently justify higher pay. She challenges the assumption that desk-based roles inherently require more effort or value than manual labor positions like mail delivery.

Nachtshift visits jazz saxophonist Benjamin Herman

The third episode of the program Nachtshift follows jazz saxophonist Benjamin Herman as he discusses the genre's increasing prominence in the city. The feature also introduces upcoming musician Jaïnda Buiter, highlighting both established and emerging talent within the local jazz scene.

Sylvie Meis on first TV sex scenes: 'It really wasn't that difficult'

Sylvie Meis is starring in the new German series Friesenjunkies as a troubled businesswoman, marking her first experience filming intimate scenes on screen. Although she was surprised by the number of crew members on set, Meis stated that the process was made easier by the presence of an intimacy coach.