| Genre: | Comedy |
| Director: | Beer ten Kate |
| Country: | Netherlands |
| Language: | Dutch |
| Num Seasons: | 2 |
| Num Episodes: | 16 |
| Runtime: | 25 minutes |
Toon is a 2016 Dutch-language comedy television series created by Dirk van Pelt, Beer ten Kate and Joep Vermolen, and starring Loulou Hameleers, Amy van der Weerden and Joep Vermolen. The plot revolves around introvert Toon (Joep Vermolen), a jingle writer who accidentally becomes an internet sensation after performing an impromptu song at a party in his home arranged by his sister and attended by her friends, all strangers to Toon. Joining him in the song is party-goer Nina (Amy van der Weerden). The song, titled "Get Out of My House," goes viral, catapulting Toon into the world of social media fame and show business, which he finds overwhelming and unwanted.
As Toon's fame grows, his sister becomes his manager, pushing him further into the spotlight he desperately wants to escape. The show humorously explores the absurdities of social media culture and the impact of unwanted fame on a private individual. Throughout the series, Toon navigates various awkward and comical situations that arise from his new-found celebrity status. [1] [2]
Toon was produced by KPN, a Dutch telecom company that ventured into creating original content similar to Netflix. The show was initially pitched as a low-budget web series but was eventually developed into a full-fledged TV series due to the unique concept and the chemistry between the creators and cast.
Toon received positive reviews for its witty take on social media culture and its relatable portrayal of an introvert thrust into the limelight. The show gained a cult following, and its success led to its acquisition by Netflix, making it accessible to an international audience. The English subtitles, expertly crafted by Rinske Verberg, preserved the humor and nuance of the original Dutch dialogue, further contributing to its global appeal.
The series deftly skewers the superficiality of social media fame and influencer culture while providing a heartfelt look at the personal struggles of an introvert dealing with unwanted attention. Through its comedic narrative, Toon highlights the contrast between private desires and public expectations, making it a relatable and thought-provoking comedy.
Toon was released on April 22, 2016 on KPN, and was later released worldwide on Netflix.[3]
In a podcast interview on "Solopreneur: The One-Person Business Podcast," Joep Vermolen shared insights into his career and the making of Toon. He discussed how the show's concept was partly inspired by his own fears of fame and his experiences as a solopreneur. Vermolen emphasized the importance of collaboration and finding the right people to work with, a theme reflected in the creation and success of Toon. [4]