Talpa Network Shelves Gordon & Andy Pilot, Critics Cite Lack of Chemistry and Over-Reliance on Gimmicks
amsterdam, Netherlands – A pilot episode featuring Dutch personalities Gordon and Andy van der meijde, intended for broadcast on the Talpa Network’s SBS 6 channel, has been shelved following a review by network owner John de Mol. The decision, made this summer, centers on concerns that Van der Meijde’s contribution to the program, titled Lieve Gordon & Andy, was insufficient, effectively rendering his role a superfluous “laugh track.”
The program’s concept, aiming for a similar tone to Hazes & Hoogkamer, ultimately failed to impress, with critics suggesting the dynamic relied too heavily on Gordon’s established persona and lacked genuine interplay. The pilot has as been released on Van der Meijde’s YouTube channel, fueling further discussion about its viability. This cancellation highlights the challenges of creating successful comedic partnerships and the network’s commitment to a specific brand of entertainment.
Telegraaf journalist Jordi Versteegden, after viewing the pilot, stated, “Andy is just laughing and doesn’t add much in terms of text. He hardly says anything. It’s just: hahahaha.” Versteegden continued on Show News, “It also doesn’t add much to Hazes & Hoogkamer, who of course make a similar program… I think Andy is a bit of a disturbing factor here.”
Show News presenter Eva Vloon echoed this sentiment, suggesting a pre-recorded laugh track would have served the same purpose as Van der Meijde’s on-screen reactions. Versteegden believes a solo program featuring Gordon would be more successful.
The criticism extends beyond the duo’s chemistry. Versteegden also referenced their previous attempt at Eurovision commentary, describing it as “revolting and terrible,” and consisting primarily of “sex jokes.” TV authority Tina Nijkamp characterized the Lieve Gordon & Andy pilot as “a kind of Heart in Action, but with a lot of sexually explicit jokes.”
The pilot episode is currently available for viewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=…
