# “flodders” star Tatjana Šimić Returns to Screen in 2026
A beloved Dutch family comedy, known as “The Flodders,” captivated audiences in the mid-1980s, and now, nearly four decades later, a reimagining of the series is set to premiere on RTL+ in 2026, bringing back one of its original stars. The 1986 film “Eine Familie zum Knutschen” (“A Family to Cuddle”) quickly became a cult phenomenon in Germany, launching the careers of its cast and cementing its place in pop culture history.
From Cult Classic to International Icon
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Nelly frijda rose to prominence as Ma Flodder, the cigar-smoking matriarch of the unconventional family. The initial success spawned two sequels and a television series,but it was Tatjana Šimić,who portrayed the blonde daughter Kees,who arguably became the most recognizable face of the franchise. Šimić, of Croatian descent, achieved overnight fame with the film, rapidly ascending to become a major sex symbol of the era.
Her popularity led to nearly 20 appearances in Playboy magazine, gracing the covers of both the Dutch and German editions multiple times. Šimić’s image became synonymous with the bold and irreverent spirit of “The Flodders.”
Did you know?-“The Flodders” gained a significant following in the former East germany, where it was one of the few Western films readily available before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
A Career shift and Life Beyond the spotlight
Following the decline of the “Flodders” franchise in the 1990s, Šimić’s career trajectory shifted. Attempts to recapture her previous success proved challenging,with new acting opportunities proving scarce. A foray into the music industry yielded limited results; despite releasing four albums and several singles, only one track managed to chart in Germany.
By the present day, the now 62-year-old Šimić has retired from both acting and music. She maintains a relatively private life, though she actively engages with her nearly 100,000 followers on instagram, offering glimpses into a luxurious lifestyle split between Monaco and Hawaii.
Šimić’s current lifestyle is financially supported by her long-term partnership with businessman Lex van Hessen. The couple celebrated their 13th anniversary in April. Van Hessen,owner of a sausage casing company bearing his name,is estimated to have a net worth of €200 million.
Pro tip:-Cult films often experience revivals due to nostalgia and a new generation discovering their unique appeal. “The Flodders” is a prime example.
A Return to Sittard
Despite stepping away from the entertainment industry, Šimić will reprise her role as Kees in the upcoming RTL+ revival. “I hesitated for a long time about whether I wanted to return to the screen,” Šimić stated, according to RTL. However,she was ultimately convinced by the strength of the scripts and the nostalgic atmosphere of the current filming location,wich includes scenes shot at the original location in sittard. “It feels like old times, only with a new twist.I’m
Why is this happening? RTL+ is reviving “The Flodders” to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the original series and attract viewers with a blend of nostalgia and fresh content. Who is involved? Tatjana Šimić is returning as Kees Flodder, alongside a new cast. Nelly Frijda, the original Ma Flodder, passed away in 2023. What is the revival? A reimagining of the series is being produced for the RTL+ streaming platform,set to premiere in 2026. How did Šimić’s initial career end? After the “Flodders” franchise declined, Šimić struggled to find significant acting roles and her music career yielded limited success, leading to her retirement from entertainment.
