TV2 DENMARK LAUNCHES ‘THE POLITICAL ASSEMBLY’
TV 2 Denmark confirms the launch of ‘The Political Assembly’, the groundbreaking political
debate format that was a phenomenal success on VTM Belgium in 2024 under the name ‘Het
Conclaaf’ (“The Conclave”). The format challenges the key politicians in the country to
convene in a reality setting for a full weekend filled with group debates, one-on-one ‘duels’
and personal confessions. Premiering on March 4 on TV 2 under the local title ‘Højskolen’, the
Danish edition will feature leaders of all political parties, including prime minister Mette
Frederiksen, and will be hosted by renowned political journalist Natasja Crone.
‘The Political Assembly’ breaks with traditional political talk shows by moving away from
soundbites and one-liners. Instead, the format creates space for real, in-depth conversations
between politicians. Without the presence of spin doctors, viewers get to see thoughtful
dialogue rather than confrontation for its own sake. By fostering genuine exchanges between
real people with differing perspectives, The Political Assembly helps audiences better
understand not only political positions, but also the reasoning, values, and motivations that
shape them.
The format’s impact is already undeniable. In Belgium, the show dominated the political
debate when it first launched on VTM just before the Belgian elections. With linear episodes
reaching an average of nearly 50% market share in the 18-44 demo. The show also broke
records on channel platform ‘VTM GO’, across all its available content: linear episodes, full
duels, and personal confessions.
Dorthe Thirstrup, Program Director at TV 2 Denmark says: “We are very happy to adapt Het
Conclaaf to the Danish audience. When TV 2 is at its very best, we succeed in bringing Danes
together around relevant and inspiring content. I can’t imagine anything more important than
equipping everyone to take part in the democratic conversation. And that is exactly what we
aim to do with ‘Højskolen'."
Be-Entertainment’s Annelies Noest says: “We’re absolutely delighted to collaborate with TV
2 and BBC Studios on this format. It is loud and meaningful and we are proud to be a part of
it! Big thanks to TV2 who truly embraced the idea from the start and did a brilliant job getting all the politicians committed to participate, they are the perfect home for this format that is
so relevant in today’s polarized political landscape”
‘The Political Assembly’ is created and produced by Bargoens, led by well-known and
renowned TV-maker Eric Goens. Distribution by Be-Entertainment.
photo: Krestine Havemann/TV 2
