The VRT kids brand Ketnet has enjoyed a strong linear presence in Belgium since it launched in 1997. But digital is its sweet spot these days—specifically the Ketnet Junior preschool app and the Ketnet hub for six to 12s on streamer VRT MAX. There are roughly 700,000 kids under age 13 in the Flanders region of Belgium, and Ketnet reaches 92% of them annually, attracting 60,000 unique daily visitors to its digital platforms on average, says channel manager Annemie Gulickx.

“Ketnet is very values-driven, and it’s important that we tell children everything that’s happening in the world,” she says. To her point, one of Ketnet’s most popular shows is Karrewiet, an aged-down news program. Relatability and a fearlessness about tackling tough issues underpin much of Ketnet’s scripted programming. One example that will join the lineup in May is Louise Lives Large (eight x 24 minutes, pictured middle), a live-action series for tweens that follows a 13-year-old cancer survivor’s bucket-list journey to do all the things she missed out on while she was ill. “There’s no theme or issue we can’t discuss, but we [strive to end] on a positive note,” says Gulickx.

Annemie Gulickx

What is Ketnet looking for?

To compete with giants like Disney+ and Netflix, Ketnet is seeking a mix of pick-ups and commissions. Acquisitions for 10- to 12-year-olds can be subtitled, but anything targeted at a younger audience has to be dubbed into Flemish in order to promote the local language. “It’s an extra investment we make with all acquisitions,” Gulickx explains. For tweens, Ketnet is looking for half-hour episodes with deeper storytelling.

But snappy 10-minute eps are also welcome when it comes to light-hearted and YouTuber-inspired content like Ketnet’s Prank Squad series. Scripted live-action shows are popular with tween audiences, so the broadcaster usually invests more money in this category overall. Ketnet is looking for international co-pro opportunities, expecting to shoulder 35% of the budget or less. But this figure can go as high as 60% for homegrown content, since Ketnet is particularly hungry for stories that reflect children’s lives in Flanders. “We also do a lot of animation co-pros,” notes Gulickx. “We’re a small part [of the overall financing], but we do a lot of them.”

Upcoming releases

Gulickx is excited about the comeback of #LikeMe (pictured left), a music-driven series for tweens that Ketnet ran for four seasons (52 x 26 minutes) from 2019 to 2023. It became a regional phenomenon that was watched by 73% of the four-to-12 demo, she says. A fifth season just launched in January, with an all-new cast taking over from the original characters (who have graduated from the series’ high school), and this revamp should be a crucial test for the brand. Preschool shows on the horizon include Blue Zoo’s truck toon Mojo Swoptops (52 x 11 minutes) due out this year, and MIAM! Animation’s The Tinies (52 x 11 minutes)—a DIY-themed comedy about toys in the attic coming to life that’s set to premiere in Q1 2026. Ketnet has also co-commissioned La Cabane/Thuristar’s Luce in the Lovely Land (39 x seven minutes, pictured right), with a release date yet to be confirmed.

This story originally appeared in Kidscreen‘s Q1 2025 magazine issue.