’1985,’ ‘Breendonk’ and ‘Hunters’ Power Duo Producers Janssen & Janssen Discuss Crafting Powerful TV Drama, Belgian Identities and European Reach

Why It Matters

The series showcases how cross‑regional co‑production can amplify Belgian stories for a pan‑European audience, strengthening local talent pipelines while meeting global demand for authentic thriller content.

Key Takeaways

• Hunters dramatizes 2016 Brussels attacks SWAT response
• Bilingual production bridges Flemish and French Belgian audiences
• New8 alliance boosts pan‑European distribution potential
• Success of "1985" paved way for further collaborations
• Series taps psychological thriller trend, attracting global streaming interest

Pulse Analysis

"Hunters" arrives at a pivotal moment for Belgian television, marrying a gripping true‑crime premise with a bilingual production model that reflects the country’s linguistic duality. By focusing on the psychological toll of the 2016 Brussels attacks on elite SWAT units, the series offers viewers a human‑centered lens on a national trauma while delivering the suspense and action that global audiences crave. The involvement of seasoned producers Wim and Marc Janssen, along with directors Adil & Bilall and Mathieu Mortelmans, ensures that the narrative remains authentic to both Flemish and French sensibilities, reinforcing the series’ cross‑regional appeal.

The broader European market is undergoing a shift as major platforms like Netflix narrow their local‑content focus, creating a funding gap for mid‑scale dramas. Initiatives such as the New8 alliance are designed to fill that void, providing a distribution network that can propel projects like "Hunters" beyond Belgium’s borders. By positioning the series as both a culturally specific story and a universally resonant thriller, the producers tap into the growing appetite for European‑made content that balances regional authenticity with high‑production values. This strategy not only mitigates financial risk but also enhances the series’ chances of securing secondary sales across the continent.

For VRT and RTBF, "Hunters" exemplifies a sustainable co‑production blueprint: shared creative vision, pooled resources, and a mutual commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. The success of earlier collaborations such as "1985" has built trust, allowing the networks to move quickly from concept to green‑light without bureaucratic quotas. Looking ahead, both broadcasters signal a pipeline of new bilingual projects, reinforcing Belgium’s emerging reputation as a hub for compelling, export‑ready drama. This collaborative momentum promises to keep Belgian stories in the international spotlight while fostering a vibrant domestic creative ecosystem.