Carrie ten Napel takes over Sterren op het Doek after behind-the-scenes clash
Amsterdam, dinsdag, 21 april 2026.
Carrie ten Napel is the new face of Sterren op het Doek. She replaces Özcan Akyol following a public fallout with Omroep MAX director Jan Slagter. The split stemmed from Akyol’s comments on the Matthijs van Nieuwkerk controversy during Zomergasten, which Slagter viewed as insufficiently contrite. Production paused in late 2025 but resumes this autumn. New episodes air spring 2027 on NPO 2. Ten Napel steps in amid changes to her own programming schedule. She calls personal conversation central to the show’s appeal. While artists observe closely, guests share intimate stories. Those moments often shape the artwork itself. This emotional layer gives the portraits deeper meaning. Past seasons featured figures like Eva Jinek, Ruben Nicolai and Ronald Koeman. The series blends celebrity, art and vulnerability. Ten Napel promises calm dialogue and strong support for both guest and artist. Viewers can expect a familiar format with a fresh conversational tone. No guest names for the upcoming season have been released yet.
transition at the helm
Carrie ten Napel officially takes over as host of Sterren op het Doek, replacing Özcan Akyol after his departure due to a dispute with Omroep MAX director Jan Slagter [1]. The decision followed Akyol’s appearance on Zomergasten where he discussed controversial footage involving Matthijs van Nieuwkerk [1]. Slagter criticized Akyol for lacking remorse, stating it influenced the non-renewal of his contract [1]. The program had been suspended since late 2025 before announcing its return with Ten Napel at the forefront [4].
format continuity with new energy
The upcoming season maintains the established concept: three artists create live portraits while the host engages a well-known figure in conversation [4]. Filming begins in autumn 2026 with broadcasts scheduled for spring 2027 on NPO 2 [1][4]. Ten Napel emphasized her focus on creating comfortable, meaningful dialogues [3]. Her experience includes hosting Op1 (2020–2024), Droomhuis Gezocht, and her own talk show Carrie op Vrijdag since 2024 [2]. She sees the role as a natural fit for her interviewing strengths [2].
past guests and future anticipation
Previous editions featured prominent personalities such as Eva Jinek, Ruben Nicolai, Dionne Stax, Johan Derksen, and Ronald Koeman [4]. The selection process for the next cast remains confidential [4]. Each session allows guests to reflect deeply while being observed by artists, often resulting in emotionally charged exchanges [3]. After presentations, the main subject chooses their preferred portrait; remaining works go to charity auctions [4]. The blend of artistry and intimacy continues under Ten Napel’s guidance [3].
organizational endorsement
Jan Slagter expressed enthusiasm about the new direction, calling the program one that fits Ten Napel perfectly [2]. His confidence stems from her proven track record in long-form interviews and sensitive discussions [2]. Despite budget cuts leading to the cancellation of some programs, including adjustments to Ten Napel’s own schedule, Omroep MAX reaffirms commitment to this cultural format [5]. Slagter assured earlier that production staff need not worry about the show’s future [2]. The institution supports artistic expression combined with authentic storytelling [4].