The Best TV Shows on VPRO

How is it possible that in the Netherlands the gap between rich and poor still exists and is even widening? In the six-part VPRO series Sander en de gorge, Sander Schimmelpenninck has a mission: to expose wealth and opportunity inequality in our country.

Pat & Mat is a Czech stop-motion animated series featuring two handymen, Pat and Mat. It was created by Lubomír Beneš and Vladimír Jiránek.

Tegenlicht in Dutch or Backlight in English is a series of television documentaries by the VPRO, a Dutch public broadcasting organisation. Backlight "aims to grasp the quintessence of prominent trends and developments" in the practice of critical journalism, and tries to improve understanding of the intricate inner workings of our modern society.

Sunday with Lubach is a satirical television program of the VPRO network that is presented by Arjen Lubach.

Draadstaal is a satirical sketch comedy television program of the VPRO, and CCCP 2 Dutch production company and broadcaster. It was created by CCCP and Jeroen van Koningsbrugge and Dennis van de Ven. The show features lots of recurring stereotypical characters. The program is reminiscent of the work of Van Kooten en De Bie.

"Keek op de week" was a satirical television program by the duo Kees van Kooten and Wim de Bie. In it, Van Kooten and De Bie discussed current events, usually through sketches featuring their various characters. They often held "conversations" with these characters via a screen, which in reality was just a blue screen. They also provided commentary on the news in a columnist-like style. The rug beater logo of Van Kooten and De Bie's "Simplisties Verbond" was still present, though placed modestly in the background. The song "Duke of Iron" by saxophonist Sonny Rollins served as the show's theme music.

Multilul is a satirical take on the advertising and media world by the Dutch absurdist comedy show Jiskefet. It aired in late 1998 on the VPRO network. It follows the staff of a pretentious marketing agency (Creative Advertising, Media and Communication Consultant Agency) as they brainstorm absurd campaigns. The series mocks corporate jargon, pseudo-creative processes, and industry narcissism.

Six tough questions are hidden behind twelve memory cards. If Arjen turns over a set, he can ask the question. Does the guest get a set? Then the question is out of the game.

Sander Schimmelpenninck investigates the far-reaching influence of social media on our society and politics. To this end, he talks to journalists, moderators, philosophers, lawyers and troll hunters. How does social media use undermine our democracy and why is no one doing anything?

At The International Butler Academy in Simpelveld, The Netherlands, students from all over the world and of all ages are taught the tricks of the butler trade. The film follows six students during their training. What motivates them to choose this servile profession?