De slimste mens to open with tribute to Paulien Cornelisse

Dutch broadcaster KRO-NCRV has dropped Wednesday’s pre-recorded episode of *De slimste mens* following the death of juror Paulien Cornelisse, Nieuws.nl reported. The broadcaster made the decision in consultation with her family. Planned episodes will now air a day later. [1]

KRO-NCRV said it was “deeply affected” by the death of the writer and cabaret performer. Arie Koornneef, chair of the broadcaster’s executive board, paid tribute to the humour and distinctive perspective she brought to the quiz show. [1]

Cornelisse became a juror in summer 2025, succeeding Maarten van Rossem. Her third season in the role was being broadcast at the time of her death. [1]

Update

Thursday evening’s episode of the Dutch quiz show De slimste mens is set to begin with a short tribute to juror Paulien Cornelisse, who died of cancer on Wednesday. Presenter Herman van der Zandt will address viewers, a KRO-NCRV spokesperson told ANP. [2]

The broadcaster withdrew Wednesday’s episode after consulting Cornelisse’s family, saying it wanted to mark her death and allow space for grief and loss. That episode is now scheduled to air on Thursday. [2]