‘Heel Holland Bakt kids’ Ratings Plummet, TV Critic Issues ‘Apology’ to Omroep Max Boss
The new season of Heel Holland Bakt Kids, now hosted by Nick Toet after Janny van der Heijden stepped down, is facing criticism for substantially lower viewership numbers. TV-duider Victor Vlam labeled the program a “flop” on X,prompting him to preemptively “apologize” to Omroep Max director Jan Slagter for his blunt assessment.
The premiere drew just 113,000 viewers, a stark contrast to the approximately 2 million who typically tune in for the regular Heel Holland bakt edition.This figure is also down from last season’s 199,000 debut, as reported by Tina Nijkamp. Vlam noted the regular season last year began with 1.4 million viewers, suggesting a decline in the format’s overall appeal. “But 113,000 viewers for a program whose regular edition draws around 2 million viewers is extremely bad. The jury change is not good,” he wrote.
Speculation regarding the ratings drop centers on potential changes to the casting process. One of Vlam’s followers suggested the program now prioritizes diversity – “bakers of color, non-hetero, vega(n) bakers” – over baking skill, leading to a less compelling competition.”They no longer select on level but on personalities and peculiarities. The viewer pierces through that,” the follower stated. Though, another X user countered this claim, arguing that inclusive casting is standard practice for television programs.
Van der Heijden previously announced her departure from the kids edition to spend more time with her family, though some, including Nijkamp, speculate the move was strategically intended to boost ratings-a tactic that has not yet proven accomplished.
