New Series ‘Peace and Joy’ Explores Community and Hidden Depths in Dutch Allotment Gardens
A new Dutch drama series, “Peace and Joy” (originally titled “Rust en Vreugd”), is set to premiere on NPO 1 on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Based on the novel by Hendrik Groen, the present delves into the lives of those who inhabit a seemingly idyllic allotment garden complex, revealing a world of rules, gossip, and unexpected power struggles. The series promises a blend of humor and poignant observation, tapping into universal themes of community, and belonging.
The story centers on Emma (Annet Malherbe), a city dweller who unexpectedly inherits a garden plot after the death of her husband. Though she has no prior gardening experience, she decides to take on the plot to honor his memory, entering a world far more complex than she anticipated. “This new series is made with a lot of love,” Malherbe shared in a recent interview.
Among the ensemble cast are Arjan Ederveen, Frans van Deursen, Phi Nguyen, and Kes Blans, with Nguyen and Blans portraying nurses who share a connection that goes beyond their professional lives. According to the actors, their characters are intentionally written to be free of typical queer narrative tropes. “What’s so nice is that this part isn’t problematized at all. You’re gay or queer. That’s it,” Nguyen explained. “There’s no point made of it, it’s just how the world should be.”
Blans echoed this sentiment, noting the generational divide within the garden community. “You see two groups: the old guard and the new guard. We clearly belong to that new group, just like Emma, the character of Annet Malherbe. But the tension isn’t in our sexuality. We don’t feel uncomfortable because we’re gay, but because the system sometimes gets stuck. And that applies to everyone in the series.”
Kes Blans, who plays Erik Luinge, a gardener with a plot next to Emma’s, as well discussed his own connection to gardening, noting that his mother’s life revolves around it. “I get it from my mother, her life is the garden,” he said. While he enjoys having a garden at his Amsterdam home, he admitted he wouldn’t tackle a plot alone. “What Emma does in the series is very brave. Without being able to garden, no less. But pooh, I don’t think I would do it in her place.”
“Peace and Joy” consists of eight episodes and is produced by Lemming Film and Omroep Max. The series is directed by Tim Oliehoek, with Tamara Bos credited as the writer. The cast also includes Jaap Spijkers, Nazanin Taheri, Rein Hofman, Marike van Weelden, Marisa van Eyle, Dries Smits, Peter Bolhuis, Yari van der Linden, Johanna Hagen, Mats de Haas, George Tobal, Rosa Hoeflaak and Peter van Bokhorst.
The series’ exploration of community dynamics and subtle power struggles within a confined space offers a compelling narrative, and the show’s nuanced portrayal of characters promises to resonate with audiences. The premiere of “Peace and Joy” adds to a growing slate of international dramas gaining attention for their unique perspectives and compelling storytelling.
