Even for veterinarian Jan Pol (82) from Wateren, ‘quitting’ is discussed. That’s what will happen, at least: his TV show The Incredible Dr. Pol on National Geographic is calling it quits after 24 seasons. Tonight is the final episode.
Anyone who still has doubts after thirteen years of having a television crew in his wake: Jan Pol did not become a veterinarian in Michigan to break through as a TV personality. This is evident from the future plans of the tireless Drent. Because indeed: Pol is no longer on TV. But he continues unabated to heal animals in his clinic. His fame is more or less by-catch.
Pol initially had little appetite for his own reality series. His son once came up with the idea. “I thought: that’s okay man. Who wants to look at me? An old guy who takes off his shirt,” he said in 2022 on RTV Drenthe.
More than 250 episodes were eventually produced, seen in 180 countries. With Pol in the role of miracle doctor. From, say, a blind goat or a lame duck to a horse about to give birth. Dr. Pol was not averse to a risky but necessary intervention and thus saved countless animal lives.
Despite his emigration, Pol is also known within the country’s borders. There used to be hordes of visitors at the RTV Drenthe building for an autograph from the doctor. However, Pol remains modest. “You don’t know me? Then you haven’t missed anything yet,” he smiled at a table guest during the RTL talk show Beauwhere Pol recently joined.