René Karst’s Final Appearance and Latest Faces on ‘De Slimste Mens’

The 27th season of the popular Dutch quiz show De Slimste Mens (The Smartest Person) is set to premiere on February 23rd, featuring a mix of familiar and new faces. This season is particularly poignant as it will include the final appearance of beloved volkszanger René Karst, who sadly passed away shortly before the broadcast of his episode. KRO-NCRV confirmed that Karst completed filming before his death and will be featured in the first episode.

Who are the contestants?

Joining Karst in the initial episodes are underhandelingsexpert Maarten van Rossum and influencer Roxanne Kwant. Van Rossum, a seasoned diplomat with experience in Brussels, Washington D.C., and Afghanistan, also served as an advisor to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Kwant brings a significant online following to the competition.

The season will also feature a diverse range of other well-known Dutch personalities, including:

• Ted van Lieshout, a children’s book author known for the Boer Boris series
• Maaike Schoon, presenter of the political talk show Buitenhof
• Chris Bauer, a singer
• Veerle Hammerstein, a criminal defense lawyer
• Maya Eksteen, a former television presenter
• Simon van Teutem, a journalist and author
• Shona Shukrula, a referee
• Frank van Leeuwen, a television presenter
• Nazmiye Oral, an actress
• Freddy Tratlehner (Vjèze Fur from De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig)

About De Slimste Mens

De Slimste Mens is a long-running trivia game show that pits famous Dutch personalities against each other in a battle of wits. IMDb describes the show as a competition where contestants answer trivia questions to earn time, adding a strategic element to the game. The show originated as De Slimste Mens ter Wereld, featuring contestants from both Belgium and the Netherlands, with participants selected through preliminary rounds.

The 27th season promises a compelling mix of intellect, entertainment, and remembrance, as viewers prepare to see René Karst’s final television appearance.