KRO-NCRV, which broadcasts the program, made the announcement Monday. Van der Zandt announced this summer that he would switch from NOS to KRO-NCRV after more than twenty years.
Frericks will be in charge of the program for three more seasons. Its last broadcast will be the final of the 2024/2025 season. The presenter of the program will turn eighty next summer, and Frericks has been presenting the program since 2012.
“It goes without saying that we are extremely grateful to Philip for his wonderful contribution to De Slimste Mens,” says Sandra Hellster, Media Director at KRO-NCRV. “Together with Maarten van Rossem, he has ensured that the knowledge test becomes one of the most popular programs in the Netherlands. We are confident that we have found a worthy successor in Hermann.
It is not yet known whether Martin Van Rossem will also stop serving as a one-man jury. The historian, who will turn eighty next October, will remain in his position during the three seasons that Frerichs will present. Van Rossem recently told Shownieuws that he wants to continue until he is 100 years old.
In De Slimste Mens, famous Dutch people answer questions on a wide range of topics over a number of rounds. In recent years, the program has emerged as one of the most watched programs on Dutch television.
