The show ran on the Belgian public TV channel Canvas for two seasons of 10 episodes each. In Flanders itself, the series continues to enjoy significant popularity and critical praise, with several sketches having gained classic status. Despite the local popularity, the show has never been exported.[2][3]
Concept
In de Gloria is a mockumentary in sketch show format. Every episode consists of a series of sketches that are mostly improvised around a central idea. The tone is tragicomical. Eelen based some of the spoof targets on pre-existing TV formats, including some shows of his own company, Woestijnvis. In an interview, Eelen said he was inspired by the Dutch mockumentaries of Van Kooten en De Bie and Arjan Ederveen's 30 minuten.[4]
In de Gloria has been lauded by TV critics ever since it first aired. In 2002, it received the Prijs van de Vlaamse Radio-en Televisiekritiek for "Best TV Show".[5] It's also popular with viewers. All seasons are available on DVD.
The sketch "Boemerang" (Boomerang) from the very first episode of In de gloria gained notoriety on YouTube. It features the host of a talk show interviewing victims of medical failures. One of the victims speaks in a squeaky voice due to a failed tonsillectomy. The host tries to suppress his laughter, to no avail. Eventually, another victim talks to the host in a deep voice causing him to burst out laughing.
The full sketch shows the TV host in a supposed archive TV show (hence the title Boemerang) looking back on the infamous moment that got him fired in the past. All people in the footage are actors.[citation needed] The show's host, Erik Hartman, is played by Tom Van Dyck; his two guests Valère and Marijke are portrayed by Lucas Van den Eynde and An Miller.[6]
Parts of the Boemerang sketch were also featured in an Argentinian television advertisement for Quilmes beer, titled Risas (laughs), where Hartman is seen laughing.[8][better source needed]
