British Costume Drama in Ibiza, a Dachshund at the Table in France: The Bliss of Doing Nothing in 'B&B Vol Liefde'

A critical opinion piece published in the Volkskrant argues that the Dutch reality television program 'B&B Vol Liefde' represents the "pinnacle of emptiness." The author contends that the show presents a superficial existence, lacking imagination and genuine meaning, a stark contrast to the aspirational lifestyles often depicted on television.

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B&B Vol Liefde is not a TV program about love and connection between people, it is propaganda for triviality and disinterest in each other.

The article suggests that the participants are not truly engaged in operating bed and breakfasts. Instead, their activities primarily revolve around drinking wine, shopping, and idle relaxation. The writer observes a lack of engagement with the core aspects of running a hospitality business, questioning whether superficial artistic endeavors, like decorating a beach chair with stickers, constitute genuine creativity.

"'B&B Vol Liefde' is not a TV program about love and connection between people; it is propaganda for triviality and disinterest in each other," the author concludes. The piece highlights instances from the show, such as a poet reciting a poem titled 'Dolce Far Niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing) to a B&B host, and a participant proposing a mural of a turtle, as examples of the show's focus on idleness and superficiality.

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That is the sweetness of doing nothing.

Further examples include a B&B host in France who, following her husband's death, shares her table with her dachshund, and another participant who, despite being an artist, engages in decorating a beach chair. The article implies that the show, rather than fostering meaningful connections, glorifies a passive and uninspired way of life.

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I am getting better and better at it.