Netflix unveils debut Dutch reality series

Netflix has unveiled its debut Dutch reality series as part of its Sneak Peek event in Amsterdam. 

Yolanthe focuses on the journey by actor, television host, model and personality Yolanthe Cabau as she uproots her life from Holland for a new beginning in Los Angeles with her son Xess.  

The series will explore her daily life in LA and her contemplations on her past, her decision to leave the limelight and what childhood secrets continue to haunt her. 

Cabau said: “I made a conscious decision to step out of the spotlight for a while to focus on myself and Xess. The past few years have been challenging, but I can confidently say that I am more empowered than ever.  

“I offer an honest glimpse into my life as a mother, actress, and entrepreneur, as well as my mission with Free A Girl. Through this, I hope to inspire others.” 

Yolanthe is produced by Dutch producer NewBe, which is behind Netflix’s hit revamp of classic 90s Australian soap Heartbreak High and streamer sibling original Toon. 

Also on Netflix’s Dutch slate is a drama series based on local writer Saskia Noort’s 2004 best-selling novel The Dinner Club (De eetclub). 

In the book, happily married, father-of-two businessman Evert Struyck dies in a fire at an elegant villa, while his wife Babette and children escape. Babette is part of a group of five women, known as ‘the dinner club’, who meet regularly and whose husbands do business together.  

Karen, a dinner club member, takes Babette into her house after the fire, but soon discovers that the friendships in the dinner club are not as unconditional as they seem. It becomes clear that some people have benefitted from Evert’s death. When another member dies soon after Karen starts to put the pieces together. White-collar crime, fraud and adultery abound in this scurrilous group, which is beginning to fracture.  

The screenplay of Netflix’s series is from Dorien Goertzen, who is known for Nieuwe Buren and Swanenburg. 

Noort said: “I am incredibly proud that my story is getting a new life on Netflix. The Dinner Club is one of my most beloved books, and the idea that it is now coming to life as a series is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see how the characters and stories are brought to the screen.” 

Elsewhere, the streaming giant unveiled further details about other forthcoming series from Benelux including Pupkin Film and A Team Productions’ crime drama Amsterdam Empire, starring Famke Janssen, and comedy Haantjes (Roosters). 

Antoinette Beumer, director of scripted and non-scripted original series at Netflix, said: “From our groundbreaking first Dutch reality series featuring Yolanthe Cabau to the lavish crime drama Amsterdam Empire, we are committed to delivering local stories that captivate and resonate with our audience.  

“These projects, though diverse in nature, share a unique and authentic essence that we’re proud to bring to life.”