March 13, 2025
Hello Norway scores in the Netherlands, third season is announced
Hello Norway and its breathtaking landscapes and inspiring stories captures the hearts of viewers both at home and abroad. Following in the footsteps of the Flemish format, a third season of the programme will also be broadcast in the Netherlands. Its first season on NPO 1 was watched by more than 1.5 million Dutch people weekly and also the second season was a streaming hit on NPO Start. After the success of the Flemish version, which was developed by journalist Annemie Struyf and director Kristel Waterloos at VRT, it is now enjoyed beyond country borders.
Journalist Annemie Struyf: "The success of Hello Norway in the Netherlands doesn't entirely surprise me, since our own version on TV channel VRT 1 was already massively watched by the Dutch. It was abundantly clear on my social media: the response from the Netherlands was huge, enthusiastic and heartwarming. Kristel Waterloos and I developed and shaped the format all by ourselves. We also shared our "kitchen secrets" with the Dutch, giving tips and advice on how to work out their own version. It is gratifying to see that our format is now so popular with our northern neighbours. We are happy and proud. And now we are busy working on our fourth series of Hello Norway. And we promise: you can expect more unique, powerful and surprising stories."
Jan Slagter, director Omroep MAX: "Over 1.5 million Dutch people watch Hello Norway every week, expertly presented by Dionne Stax. It is a programme focused on couples and families who choose a new existence in beautiful nature, far away from our hectic society. They live a life that many people regularly long for or - at least - admire. Hello Norway inspires, entertains and relaxes."
Dionne Stax, presenter of the Dutch version: "Hello Norway is a place where the overwhelming nature challenges you, but also embraces you, and where people with a great love for the outdoors teach you what is truly important. Soon, I will be heading out for the third season, visiting inspiring people who show how they live; through all kinds of weather, through long winters and short summers. How do you stay strong in such a beautiful but unpredictable wilderness? Every time, I am amazed by the breathtaking views and enjoy the warm, heartfelt conversations."
About the programme
In Hello Norway, Annemie Struyf (in the Flemish version) travels through Norway, visiting compatriots who want to start a new life in the far North. Such a move does not always go smoothly. After all, emigrating to a wonderful and beautiful, but fierce country such as Norway is no easy task anyway. "Why are you moving north and cold, when you can also move south and sunny?" is the big question newcomers to Norway often get. Yet, many Flemings still choose to live there. As with her successful reporting series in France and Spain, Annemie gives a surprising and heartwarming insight into the deep-rooted culture and breathtaking natural beauty of the Norwegians with Hello Norway. Above all, it is a compelling series about dreams and desires, trial and error, and moving on again. The result is a heartwarming series, set in a stunning backdrop of fjords, snow, ice and northern lights. Three successful seasons have already been shown on VRT 1, Annemie is currently working on the fourth season of the series.
