Belgian Comedy ‘The Backeljau Family’ Returns to Television After Nearly 30 Years
Nearly three decades after its original run, the beloved Belgian sitcom “The Backeljau Family” is set to return to television. The demonstrate, known for its comedic portrayal of a working-class family in Antwerp, captivated audiences from 1994 to 1997 and remains a cultural touchstone in Belgium.
The revival will feature a “mix of old acquaintances and new faces,” according to reports. The original series, created by and starring Luk Wyns, aired 60 episodes across four seasons on VTM and KanaalTwee. It quickly became VTM’s most re-aired series, maintaining popularity across generations.
“The Family Backeljau” distinguished itself with its often-absurdist humor and relatable characters, all speaking the local Antwerps dialect. The show’s enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to connect with a broad audience.
Interestingly, the characters from “The Backeljau Family” likewise inspired a series of radio commercials for the DIY store Gamma, featuring Luk Wyns. Remarkably, these radio spots are still running as of 2025, making them one of the longest-running advertising campaigns in Belgium, as noted by Wikipedia.
The series initially debuted on the radio within the breakfast program Sjapoo on Omroep Antwerpen before moving to Radio Donna in late 1993. A clip from the show, “De Familie Backeljau – Was ‘t maar alle dagen Kerstmis,” can be found on YouTube.
The first episode of the original series, which premiered on January 1, 1994, centered around patriarch François Backeljau’s initial disinterest in a TV crew filming the family’s life, a sentiment that quickly changed upon learning of the financial compensation. IMDb provides details on the episode’s plot and characters.
The return of “The Backeljau Family” signals a resurgence of interest in classic Belgian television, joining other recent entertainment news like the debut of the horror film “The Bride,” starring Christian Bale, which has faced a less successful launch at the box office, as reported by Humo.
