Toen Was Geluk Heel Gewoon

Toen was geluk heel gewoon (When Happiness Was Very Common) is a Dutch sitcom that aired on KRO from 2 January 1994 to 3 June 2009. It adapts the American show The Honeymooners. Gerard Cox plays Jaap Kooiman, a bus driver. Sjoerd Pleijsier plays his friend and neighbour. Cox stars with his real life wife, Joke Bruijs, as his on screen wife, Nel.

The series follows their daily lives in 1970s Rotterdam. It ran for 16 seasons and 227 episodes. This makes it the longest-running sitcom in the Netherlands.

What I Loved

The warm humour from everyday fights and laughs between friends kept me hooked. Gerard Cox's quick wit brings life to Jaap's wild ideas, while Simon's deadpan style makes Simon's reactions gold. The real couple dynamic between Cox and Bruijs adds real charm, as their on screen banter feels lived in and true. The 1970s sets and Rotterdam slang give it a cosy, nostalgic feel that pulls you right in.

Why You Should Watch

It shows simple joys in working class life with heart and no frills. The scripts mix sharp jokes about money woes and family spats with moments of real warmth. Fans of classic sitcoms like The Honeymooners will like its light tone, strong cast, and how it captures Dutch humour. At just ~22 minutes per episode, it is easy to binge and leaves you smiling.

Favourite Quote

"Dat is het mooie van geluk, het is nooit te laat om het te vinden." (Spoken by Jaap: "That is the beauty of happiness. It is never too late to find it.")

This line hits home in an episode where Jaap chases a silly get rich plan, only to learn joy lies in the chase with friends.

Takeaway

Small moments with loved ones matter most in life. Happiness comes from shared laughs and sticking through tough spots, not from grand plans or big wins. The show reminds us to cherish the ordinary and find fun in the flaws of those around us.