Paul de Leeuw Stopt bij NPO: Overstap naar SBS?
The traditional Sinterklaas program Sint & De Leeuw will not return to the NPO. The public broadcaster has officially decided to scrap the show, citing its failure to meet the strict “Amusement” criteria that require entertainment programs to serve an informative, cultural, or educational purpose. Despite drawing approximately 1.5 million viewers annually, the show has failed the NPO’s mandatory assessment for two consecutive years.
Why the NPO is ending the show
The NPO operates under a specific policy regarding entertainment programming. While the broadcaster utilizes entertainment as a tool to engage audiences and promote its primary goals, it is not its core mandate. According to the NPO, the “Beleidslijn Amusement” (Amusement Policy) dictates that any program classified as entertainment must be used to support educational or cultural objectives. If a title fails this specific internal test for two years in a row, it must be removed from the schedule.
The decision to cancel Sint & De Leeuw is based on the program’s performance results from both 2024 and 2025, leading to its mandatory removal under the broadcaster’s existing policy guidelines.
The industry reaction
Television analyst Tina Nijkamp was among the first to highlight the cancellation, expressing surprise at the news found on the NPO website. Nijkamp noted that the loss of the program is a significant blow to both the viewers and host Paul de Leeuw, given the show’s consistent reach of 1.5 million people. As of now, Omroep MAX, the broadcasting organization behind the show, has not provided a formal comment on the status of the program.
The situation highlights the tension between viewership numbers and regulatory compliance within public broadcasting. While 1.5 million viewers would be considered a major success in a commercial environment, the NPO’s structural mandate prioritizes institutional policy over pure audience reach, creating a unique vulnerability for popular entertainment fixtures.
What happens next for Paul de Leeuw?
Industry observers are already speculating about where the Sinterklaas format might land. Tina Nijkamp suggests that both RTL and SBS could be potential candidates to pick up the show. SBS is viewed as a possible destination due to the presence of Frans Klein, a professional associate of Paul de Leeuw. Additionally, the calendar presents a potential advantage; because December 5 falls on a Saturday this year, a move to a commercial network would not conflict with the popular program VI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sint & De Leeuw cancelled?
The show was cancelled because it failed the NPO’s “Amusement” test for two consecutive years, meaning it did not sufficiently meet the criteria of using entertainment to serve an informative, cultural, or educational purpose.
How many people watched the program?
According to industry analysis, the program consistently drew approximately 1.5 million viewers annually.
Will the show move to another network?
While no official moves have been confirmed, analysts suggest that RTL or SBS are potential destinations for the format, given Paul de Leeuw’s history with these networks and the favorable calendar date of December 5 falling on a Saturday.
How do you feel about the shift in programming priorities at the NPO?