Dutch Reality TV: New Show Aims to Eclipse The Meilandjes
- The Meiland family, known for their reality television series Chateau Meiland, has decided to end their show, citing a lack of compelling content in their current lives.
- The family initially gained prominence with their relocation to France and the renovation of Chateau Meiland.
- Martien Meiland, a central figure in the series, expressed that the decision stemmed from a feeling that their lives had become “te saai voor televisie” – too boring...
The Meiland family, known for their reality television series Chateau Meiland, has decided to end their show, citing a lack of compelling content in their current lives. The decision, announced on , brings an end to a popular program that followed the family’s emigration, renovations, and entrepreneurial ventures.
The family initially gained prominence with their relocation to France and the renovation of Chateau Meiland. The series documented their experiences, including “emigrations, lekkages [leaks], verhuizingen [moves], ondernemingen [ventures],” as described in a report from Shownieuws. They even received a Televizier-Ring, a prestigious Dutch television award, during their run.
Martien Meiland, a central figure in the series, expressed that the decision stemmed from a feeling that their lives had become “te saai voor televisie” – too boring for television. This sentiment, reported by dagelijkseverhalen.nl, wasn’t a sudden one. Martien had previously considered ending the show on multiple occasions, but this time, the decision feels final.
Erica Meiland also acknowledged that the thought of ending the series had been present for some time. According to dagelijkseverhalen.nl, she noted that Martien often expresses a desire to stop after each filming period, but this instance felt different, indicating a more deliberate and considered choice.
While the family acknowledges the positive aspects of their time on television, they also expressed a desire to shield their children and grandchildren from the constant attention and criticism that came with the show’s popularity. Shownieuws reported that the family wants to give their (klein)kinderen – children and grandchildren – more rest.
The final installment of Chateau Meiland: La Dolce Vita will be followed by one last Christmas special. This will provide a final opportunity for fans to see the family on screen. Martien Meiland expressed that he would miss the film crew, describing them as “a big family” with whom they had shared many experiences, from France to Noordwijk. However, he also indicated a relief at escaping the negative reactions that sometimes accompanied the show’s success, stating, “maak wat van je eigen leven, in plaats van altijd lopen zeuren” – “make something of your own life, instead of always complaining.”
Prior to the announcement of the show’s conclusion, the Meiland family had purchased a vacation home in Italy, which was featured in a new season of Chateau Meiland La Dolce Vita that began on . This season focused on the extensive renovations of the Italian property, as reported by Shownieuws. Maxime Meiland confirmed that the renovations had finally been completed.
Around the same time, Maxime and her husband Leroy successfully sold their villa, after previous attempts had failed. The property sold for €1.950.000, which was €55.000 above the asking price of €1.895.000, according to Shownieuws, citing information from Bekende Buren. However, the sale resulted in a loss of over €200.000 due to their existing mortgage of €2.2 million.
Despite interest from Talpa, the broadcasting company behind the series, the Meiland family has definitively declined to continue with reality television, as reported by YouTube. This decision marks the end of an era for the family and their devoted viewers.
The family’s decision to step away from the spotlight reflects a desire for a more private life and a focus on family well-being, bringing a close to a chapter that captivated audiences for several years.