Filming Begins for New Belgian Thriller Series ‘Dochters’
Production has officially begun on ‘Dochters’ (Dutch for ‘Daughters’), a new suspenseful whodunit thriller series from Belgium that brings together an award-winning creative team and a star-studded cast. Filming is underway in the Kempen region of Mol, Antwerp province, with the series expected to premiere on VRT and Proximus in Belgium and on Videoland in the Netherlands in the coming months.
A Whodunit Set in an Idyllic Lakeside Community
Set at the fictional Meer van Hooidonk, an exclusive lakeside community where everyone knows each other, ‘Dochters’ follows the story of 16-year-old Noor, who is found lifeless in the water after a nighttime boat trip with her best friend Ayla. What initially appears to be a tragic accident soon raises troubling questions about whether Ayla has something to hide.
According to VRT NWS, the death sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community, especially since both girls’ parents have been close friends for years. As the investigation progresses, relationships come under severe pressure and long-buried secrets become increasingly difficult to keep hidden.
The creators describe the series as a “whodunit among friends,” exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the position of young people in society. Central to the story is the question of whether young people today are truly seen and heard. The series promises to weave together a gripping mystery with deeper social commentary about how communities respond to tragedy and the pressures faced by adolescents navigating complex family dynamics.
An Impressive Cast Blending Established Stars and Rising Talent
The series features a compelling mix of established Belgian actors and emerging young talent. HLN reports that the cast includes Matteo Simoni (38), Charlotte De Bruyne (35), and Kevin Janssens (46) in prominent roles, alongside Bart Hollanders, Sallie Harmsen, Peter Van den Begin, Zouzou Ben Chikha, Elise Schaap, Chantal Janzen, Ramsey Nasr, Jennifer Heylen, and Gert Winckelmans.
Rising young talents Saar Rogiers, known from the film ‘Zeevonk’, and Lou Goossens, from ‘Young Hearts’, play the lead roles, while newcomer Laura Schaeken makes her fiction debut as Ayla. The casting strategy deliberately blends established stars with emerging talent, suggesting an intentional effort to appeal to both older and younger demographics. The inclusion of Dutch actors such as Chantal Janzen and Elise Schaap also reflects the shared market between Flanders and the Netherlands.
Award-Winning Creative Team
‘Dochters’ is written by acclaimed screenwriters Roel Mondelaers and Bert Van Dael, the creative forces behind internationally successful Belgian series ‘Beau Séjour’ and ‘De twaalf’. Both series gained global audiences through Netflix, helping establish Flanders’ reputation for high-quality television drama. Mondelaers was nominated for an Ensor Award for Best Screenplay for ‘Hotel Beau Séjour’ in 2022.
As Flair.be notes, the series is directed by Anthony Schatteman, who made his feature directorial debut with the critically acclaimed coming-of-age film ‘Young Hearts’ (2024) and also directed the third and final season of ‘Knokke Off’. His work often focuses on young people and their relationships, making him a fitting choice for this youth-centered thriller.
Filming in the Kempen Region
The production is taking place across multiple locations in Mol throughout the summer, running from June 18 to September 3, 2026. Filming locations include the Kanaalplas, the Wolfsbos area, and Put van Rauw, with the municipality of Mol actively collaborating through its tourism office, Visit Mol. The production has been planned with careful consideration for local residents, including advance notification letters and temporary traffic measures.
A Growing Legacy of Flemish Television
‘Dochters’ represents the latest addition to Belgium’s growing portfolio of internationally recognized television drama. The Flemish region has built a strong reputation for high-quality production, with series like ‘Beau Séjour’, ‘De twaalf’, ‘Tabula Rasa’, and ‘Knokke Off’ finding audiences both at home and abroad through streaming platforms such as Netflix.
The series also highlights the trend of cross-border distribution within the Dutch-language market, with a simultaneous release planned on Videoland in the Netherlands alongside Belgian broadcasters VRT and Proximus. This dual-market strategy reflects the growing integration of the Flemish and Dutch entertainment industries.
Beyond its entertainment value, the production brings significant economic activity to the municipality of Mol, with weeks of filming, hiring of local extras, and collaboration with the local tourism office, Visit Mol. This follows a pattern of Belgian productions using regional locations to boost local tourism and economic development.
What’s Next
With filming running through early September 2026, an exact premiere date has not yet been announced. The number of episodes also remains unspecified. Given the track record of the creative team, there is considerable anticipation that ‘Dochters’ may follow its predecessors in finding international distribution on streaming platforms, though no such deals have been confirmed.
Audiences in Belgium and the Netherlands can expect the series to arrive on VRT, Proximus, and Videoland in the coming months.