Belgian Sitcom ‘Familie Backeljau’ Returns for a Modern Season

Fans of the classic Flemish sitcom Familie Backeljau are in for a treat. Over three decades after its original run, the beloved series is set to return with new episodes, promising a fresh dynamic while retaining the show’s signature humor. The revival will air on both VTM and Streamz, though specific broadcast times are yet to be announced.

A Look Back at the Original Series

Familie Backeljau first aired on January 1, 1994, and ran for 60 episodes until March 8, 1997. The show centered around the eccentric and lower-class Backeljau family, known for speaking the common Antwerp dialect. The family consisted of father François ‘Cois’ Backeljau (Luk Wyns), his wife Maria (Mitta Van der Maat), son Franky (Paul Maes), and daughter Sabrina (Iris Van Straten). Frequent appearances were also made by their suitors, Antonio (Hans De Munter) and Jeannineke (Wanda Joosten), as well as neighbor Marcel De Neudt (Walter Baele).

The series, which originated as a radio play on Radio 2 Antwerp in 1985, quickly gained a following for its unconventional humor and relatable characters. It stood out from other popular Flemish shows of the time, such as Bompa, FC De Kampioenen, and De Kotmadam, by coloring outside the lines and embracing a more comedic style.

What to Expect in the Revival

Luk Wyns, the creator and screenwriter of Familie Backeljau, has confirmed that the new season will feature a mix of familiar faces and surprising new characters. A photograph released shows Luk Wyns portraying the grandmother, confirming her participation in the revival.

Wyns expressed his enthusiasm for the return, stating, “I’ve always felt that the story of The Backeljau family was not yet finished and there would be a sequel…Together they create a fresh dynamic within the city’s most notorious family.” He described the filming process as “coming home to a warm, pleasantly disturbed bath.”

A Cult Following and Lasting Legacy

Familie Backeljau has maintained a dedicated fanbase over the years, becoming the most repeated series in VTM history. Despite facing criticism for its humor, which some considered ahead of its time, the show has garnered a cult following and is now regarded as cultural heritage.

As Luk Wyns noted, “People over 45 years traditional don’t understand that humor. Elite, intelligent people avoid us like the plague, while now they think it’s a cult.”

The return of Familie Backeljau promises to bring a dose of nostalgic humor to a new generation of viewers, while also delighting long-time fans.