After all the hype: VTM 2 no longer broadcasts the program “Astrid & Natalia: Return to Reality” | television

“In the program, Astrid and Natalia faced the challenges of people who have to live on a modest budget. Of course, there is still a big difference between the harsh reality of life and the context of a reality TV show. This delicate exercise has caused many opinions,” VTM 2 said in a press release. “Unfortunately, the program and the strong testimonies that will be presented in the upcoming episodes no longer do it justice.”

look. There has been a lot of criticism of the program in recent days

“To restore calm around the topic and all involved, VTM 2, together with Astrid, Natalia and the production house, has decided not to broadcast the program anymore.” It is also no longer possible to watch the series on VTM GO.

After the first episode on Monday, a social debate erupted around the show, in which Astrid Kuppens and Natalia Druits try to survive for a month on minimum wage as single mothers. The program has been criticized from various quarters. Furthermore, it was announced on Wednesday that VTM had reprimanded Natalia for her behavior on the set.

VTM has now decided to continue with Natalia as one of its faces. He added: “We have had constructive discussions, apologies have been made and accepted. The page has turned. Therefore, we have decided to continue our cooperation with Natalia.” VTM spokeswoman Tine Danschetter said that the live broadcast of The Voice will continue as planned.

Danschetter said earlier this week that he understood the uproar, but emphasized that there was also a lot of positive feedback. “There are people who criticize, which is also allowed if you're working on a sensitive topic, but we also read a lot of positive comments online. People who are very curious about how Astrid and Natalia are coping. Single mothers also say they love the attention. You can We highlight this topic through our reporting program, but we chose a light-hearted approach to reach a different audience. It is also not a program about poverty. Above all, we want to create a beautiful program. This time with the idea that four out of ten working people face difficulty in Make ends meet financially. We want to say to these people: ‘It's a shame that you can still do this every month.'” Natalia and Astrid also mentioned that what they have to deal with is only a small part of what people with limited incomes really go through.

Some also wonder whether Astrid and Natalia will donate compensation for their cooperation on the program to charity. “Making television is of course their mission,” says Danchetter. “But the first episode is not representative of the entire programme. Later, they talk to mothers who work alone, do volunteer work at Moeder-Zorg in Turnhout, and also work in a chicken stall or a craft shop.

The “HLN Mediawatchers” podcast also discussed the topic of “Back to Reality.”

A notable increase after all the hype: over 220,000 additional viewers for “Astrid & Natalia: Back to Reality”

A really single mother watches “Astrid and Natalia”: “I see these two women mainly suffering from well-being problems” (+)

View report. “Astrid and Natalia: Back to Reality”: “A slap in the face to those who are having a really hard time” (+)