The fate of ‘De Koolputten’ is decided in a way that honors the sisters’ legacy. The final scene—the two sisters sitting on their familiar doorstep, sharing an apple and looking out over a changing neighborhood—has become an iconic image of closure and endurance. Upon its broadcast in the spring of 2010, Season 10 received positive reviews . Critics praised the show for going out on its own terms. De Standaard wrote: “ Lili en Marleen ends not with a bang, but with a wise, warm whisper—exactly as it should.” Viewership, which had dipped in Seasons 8 and 9, rose again for the finale, attracting over 1.2 million live viewers —a massive number for a small language region.
For fans of Flemish television drama, few series have captured the warmth, wit, and grit of everyday life quite like Lili en Marleen . Set in and around a greengrocer’s shop in Antwerp’s working-class Seefhoek district, the show ran for an impressive ten seasons. Season 10, which aired in 2010, holds a special, bittersweet place in television history—it marks the final season of the beloved series. A Quick Look Back Before diving into the final chapter, a brief recap: Lili en Marleen debuted in 1994, based on the popular films by Stany Crets. The series revolved around two strong-willed sisters, Lili (An Nelissen) and Marleen (Machteld Timmermans), who run the grocery store ‘De Koolputten’. The show masterfully blended comedy, drama, and social commentary, becoming a ratings powerhouse for VRT (the Flemish public broadcaster). lili en marleen seizoen 10
However, not everyone was pleased. Some fans felt the season was too “heavy” and missed the unapologetic farce of earlier years. Others wished for more screen time for beloved side characters like Nonkel Fons or Rachel. Season 10 closed the book on Lili en Marleen after 16 years and over 200 episodes. While there have been rumors of a reunion film or a modern reboot, nothing has materialized as of today. The show remains a cherished part of Flemish cultural heritage. The fate of ‘De Koolputten’ is decided in
★★★★☆ (4/5) Recommended for: Longtime fans, lovers of character-driven drama, and anyone who appreciates authentic Flemish storytelling. Have you seen Season 10 of Lili en Marleen? What did you think of the finale? Share your memories in the comments below. Critics praised the show for going out on its own terms
The season does an excellent job of balancing with modern issues , such as urban gentrification and the struggle of small family businesses against corporate giants. The Grand Finale: No Spoilers, But… The final episode, titled “De Laatste Appel” (The Last Apple), is widely regarded as one of the most satisfying series finales in Flemish TV history. Without giving too much away, the writers chose not to go for a shocking twist or a tragic ending. Instead, they delivered what the fans always wanted: an honest, heartfelt resolution.
You can watch all ten seasons, including the final season, on VRT MAX (Flanders’ free streaming platform). The series is available in its original Antwerp dialect with Dutch subtitles. Final Verdict Lili en Marleen Seizoen 10 is not the funniest season, nor the most dramatic. But it is the most human . It serves as a loving farewell to two of Flemish television’s most iconic characters. If you’ve followed Lili and Marleen from their first argument in Season 1 to their last shared apple in Season 10, this final chapter will leave you with a lump in your throat—and a smile on your face.