Belgium’s Engaging Drama Series ‘The Best Immigrant’ Sheds Light on Today’s Populism Trends
With Series Mania on the horizon, attention is turning to an intriguing drama from Belgium set to debut in the festival’s International Panorama. The series, titled The Best Immigrant, presents a dystopian vision of a near-future Flanders, where a far-right government has expelled all foreign-born nationals. Those wishing to remain face a formidable choice: compete in a brutal reality show for a chance to win a residence permit.
Title: The Best Immigrant
Country: Belgium
Producers: Caviar
Distributor: Sony Pictures Television
Streamer: Streamz
For fans of: Years and Years, Children of Men, The Running Man, The Hunger Games franchise
The resonance of The Best Immigrant lies in its exploration of pressing issues within both local and global political landscapes. Produced by Caviar, known for their work on the original Bad Sisters, this series has quickly become one of the standout offerings on Streamz, the Belgian streaming platform recognized for promoting local talent to the international stage.
In the lead-up to Series Mania, The Best Immigrant has garnered significant attention. The series has been nominated for awards alongside eight other international contenders and received a Special Mention in the Paramount New Stories Award at the MIA Market last October, prompting Sony Pictures Television to handle sales.
At its heart, the narrative follows Muna (Jennifer Heylen) and Jamal (Farouk Ben Ali), an immigrant couple facing expulsion from Belgium due to the new government’s policies. In a desperate move to secure their futures, they opt to participate in a harrowing reality show that offers permanent resident cards as a prize.
Caviar Managing Partner and executive producer Dimitri Verbeeck emphasizes the show’s intent to be engaging rather than solely a dark thriller. He notes the interplay of dark humor and action against the backdrop of governmental hostility and the callousness of the show’s producers, resulting in a distinct international offering.
Verbeeck also highlights the series’ nuanced portrayal of immigration challenges, stating, “Obviously the extreme right’s agenda is one of the main topics, but what The Best Immigrant also does really well is highlight micro-aggressions – something that almost everybody does almost every day.” By marrying humor with critical social commentary, the series invites viewers to question their perceptions.
Co-writer Raoul Groothuizen reflects on the inception of their concept during a politically charged moment in 2016, coinciding with Trump’s election and rising fear-driven rhetoric in Europe. “It made us believe in the project even more,” he recalls, noting the heightened relevance of their themes in today’s climate.
The journey to bringing The Best Immigrant to life began in 2023 during Streamz Academy, where it emerged from 534 submissions as a promising project. Experienced screenwriters guided its development, transforming the original comedic script into a compelling narrative that resonates with broader audiences while maintaining its focus on immigration issues.
Groothuizen describes the shift in storyline focus as pivotal: “Once we made that change away from people trying to get in to people trying not to leave, it was basically a straight line to where we are today,” he adds.
The production wrapped in mid-December 2025, featuring talented actors such as Saïd Boumazoughe, Greg Timmermans, and Charlotte Timmers, alongside emerging talents. Distinguished directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah also joined as executive producers.
Despite its ambitious premise, The Best Immigrant has exceeded expectations since its debut. Verbeeck expressed surprise at its success, attributing part of its positive reception to support from Streamz Academy, which championed the project’s risks.
Remarkably relevant in an era experiencing global political tensions, Groothuizen notes that the show has unexpectedly attracted attention from local right-wing politicians, amplifying its visibility. Furthermore, discussions surrounding a potential U.S. remake suggest its universal themes may resonate beyond its original context.
As Series Mania approaches, Groothuizen looks forward to the show’s international reception: “For me personally, I am just really curious to see if this show connects overseas with this more international audience.” With a season finale that leaves room for continuation, the creators are open to exploring future narratives around immigration and modern politics.
The result awaits viewers’ judgement as The Best Immigrant competes in the festival next week, marking a significant chapter in its evolution.
