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Matthijs van Nieuwkerk returns with new game show on SBS6

After earlier controversies, Matthijs van Nieuwkerk makes his comeback with a game show on SBS6, alongside a musical program.

2 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Matthijs van Nieuwkerk returns with new game show on SBS6 — Photo: Mieke Bonsang (uploaded with permission by Roelzzz · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0 nl

Matthijs van Nieuwkerk, the 65-year-old former host of the talk show 'De wereld draait door', is getting a new opportunity on Dutch television. SBS6 has announced that he will take on the hosting duties for a major game show titled 'The Golden Elevators'. This news emerged on Wednesday, indicating that van Nieuwkerk is once again at the center of the television landscape.

This is not van Nieuwkerk's first time in the spotlight. He recently faced backlash due to allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of his previous program. This controversy led to a temporary withdrawal from the public eye. The arrival of a new game show marks an important step in his comeback.

In addition to the game show, van Nieuwkerk will also collaborate on a musical program where he will travel to America with soul singer Shirma Rouse to explore the life of the late Aretha Franklin. This program adds an extra dimension to his return to the world of television.

Archive photo: Matthijs van Nieuwkerk returns with new game show on SBS6 — Archive photoPhoto: Sebastiaan ter Burg · Flickr · BY

According to various sources, the decision to place van Nieuwkerk back at the forefront of SBS6 is notable, as he had been the face of Dutch television for many years. The recently announced programs by Talpa, the owner of SBS6, reinforce this development in the course of his career.

Despite the negative publicity surrounding him, SBS6 seems confident in his popularity and appeal to the audience. The channel is slotting van Nieuwkerk into Saturday evenings, reportedly the best time slot for new programs.

The combination of a game show and a musical program could boost SBS6's viewership. The integration of different genres in his return reflects contemporary trends within Dutch television.

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