Backlight 2023-2024: Episode Guide & Ratings

Is complexity killing us? Is the Netherlands becoming ungovernable? Name a government file and it is stuck. While most fingers point to politics, the real reason is not often mentioned: we have made it all too complex. A look at stalled files with writer Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer, general director of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency Abdeluheb Choho, international artist collective Cascoland, BuitenDelen, Erfpachters Belangen Amsterdam foundation and the residents of the Het Wad campsite on the Afsluitdijk.

As the call for sustainability and the preservation of our planet grows louder, we face a crucial challenge: how do we fix our broken consumer society? A dive into this pressing issue with fanatical citizens, adventurous entrepreneurs, top designers and mega recyclers who are all working towards a world without disposable junk. With Gerri Eickhof, Christien Meindertsma, Laetitia Vasseur, Benjamin Sprecher, Marieke Eyskoot and Ruud from the Repair Café Rotterdam.

At a time when depression rates are rising, the need for new stories that restore meaning and promote a sense of belonging is growing. A dive into that search with Dutch people from different generations who try to find meaning in life in their own unique ways. How does shaping our story affect our well-being? With residents Hans and Helène from Heerenwaarde, storyteller Sahand Sahebdivani, single mother Iris Zonneveld, media maker Bob Morskate and pastor Zwanine Siedenburg.

The Netherlands was once a leader in the areas of water, housing and emancipation, but we are dropping in the rankings. Three powerful ideas abroad show how things can be done differently. Social housing is the norm for almost everyone in Austria, is that also possible in the Netherlands? Iceland has been at the top of international lists for many years when it comes to gender equality. In Nigeria, an architect focuses on designing and building affordable, sustainable and locally built floating architecture. With mayor of Graz Elke Kahr, first lady of Iceland Eliza Reid and architect Kunlé Adeyemi.

Are there emergency solutions to reduce global warming? And what risks do they entail? Stephane Kaas travels to the American west coast, the Arctic Circle and the North Sea and speaks to scientists and start-up entrepreneurs who are trying to cool the earth with innovative technologies. Who decides which techniques we choose to try to cool the planet? Including: Vesta Earth, David Keith, Asa Larsson Blind, Emilie Reuchlin, Thomas Rammelt, Claudia Wieners and Jeroen Oomen.

It is now very dangerous to be a journalist and journalistic cooperation is the only way to continue practicing the profession. The collective Forbidden Stories, founded for this purpose, is in Jordan. Threatened journalists can store their sensitive information in a digital safe. This way, the information is secured in case they are unable to complete their work themselves. And in Azerbaijan, a consortium is continuing the investigation of four journalists arrested by authorities. With Laurent Richard, Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier.

The European borders have been abolished, there is an extensive train network and yet it appears to be very difficult to cross Europe by train. Systems and political ambitions do not match. There is a shortage of labor and materials and national interests are not in line with European ideals. Various train dreamers and doers show how they want to solve this. With Jon Worth, Kurt Bauer, Elmer van Buuren and Pier Eringa.