This new American TV show takes on Dutch culture — here’s what it gets right (and wrong)

At least the title is catchy 🤷‍♂️

American TV network Fox Comedy has just graced the world with a brand-new show: “Going Dutch” — a masterclass in what the Netherlands is all about. Or, well… at least according to Americans.

And what does that entail, you ask? Tulips, windmills, cheese, drugs, and a liberal approach to sex (duh!).

While some critics argue the show lacks depth and an authentic understanding of Dutch culture, others believe it simply hasn’t found its audience yet.

What is “Going Dutch” about?

The show follows a tough, all-American army commander who gets transferred to the American military base in the Netherlands… as punishment.

His new post? It’s called Stroopsdorf, and it’s the least important base in the world.

Soldiers here spend more time cycling and perfecting cheese recipes than preparing for battle.

The show’s premiere attracted 1.3 million viewers, but one in five jumped ship after the first few episodes.

Maybe Dutchies can only handle one source of affectionate mockery of their culture — and lucky for us, they’ve already chosen DutchReview. 😁

A distorted image of the Netherlands?

The show heavily relies on Dutch stereotypes — toy windmills in the middle of the base, characters named Jan (of course) and a national fixation on kaas (cheese). 

While some of these clichés aren’t entirely off the mark, there’s not much Dutch about the rest of the show. For example, the series is largely filmed in Ireland and the main “Dutchman” is played by an Icelandic actor.

READ MORE | Tom Holland in Holland?! 7 times the Netherlands appeared in Hollywood movies

The series also makes the classic mistake of confusing Dutch and German culture. But hey, at least Americans are finally recognising that Europe isn’t just one big country. That’s progress! 👏

The NOS claims that “Going Dutch” gives a completely distorted image of the Netherlands.

But let’s be honest: If an outsider describes the Netherlands as a flatland with bikes, cheese and legal weed — they wouldn’t be too far off. 

Have you watched Going Dutch? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Ada Dolanay
Ada Dolanay
Ada was born in Turkey, but spent almost all her life growing up in Amsterdam. As a third year Literary and Cultural Analysis student, she’s consistently observing, analysing and writing about people and places. After years of experiencing Dutch culture, she remains frustrated at Dutch cuisine, and continues to discover new benches in narrow streets to sit and read on (when the weather decides to be kind).

2 COMMENTS

  1. Main good thing about Dutch culture is the lack of school shootings and car culture. Bike culture keeps us active and almost free of obesity.The laziness of American culture is totally lacking, nor are we extreme consumers and we use less fentanyl and the lack of nanny state culture means we use less drugs.

  2. I spent 2 months in Amsterdam and I plan on moving to the Netherlands. I didn’t even make it through the 1st episode. Lol

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