Olcay Gulsen has stirred the pot with her recent comments about the long-standing soap opera, Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden (GTST), broadcasted on RTL 4. Her criticism revolves around the show’s acting quality, which she finds lacking. “It’s just too obvious,” she states, reflecting a growing sentiment among viewers who are questioning the authenticity of soap operas.
When asked by the television guide Veronica Superguide about which TV program she wouldn’t want to see again, Olcay quickly responds with GTST. Her harsh judgment highlights a distinctive perspective on a series that has been a staple in Dutch television for over three decades. “What a drama of a series,” she quips, showing no hesitation in voicing her discontent.
The Decline of Interest
Olcay is clear about her perceptions: GTST has failed to retain her interest. “I used to watch it when I was younger, but now I don’t feel the need to see an episode,” she admits. This shifting interest among past viewers points to a potential decline in the show’s relevance among newer generations.
She continues by saying, “I’ve never understood the massive hype around it. It’s so obvious that people are acting; it’s all just too exaggerated.” This perspective not only critiques the series but also invites viewers to reconsider the standards of acting within soap operas as a genre.
Alternatives: Quality Viewing
What does Olcay prefer to watch instead? She cites Pauw & De Wit as her top pick, deeming it “the best talk show right now because it offers objective and current news coverage.” Her admiration for hosts Jeroen Pauw, Tim de Wit, and Roos Moggré underscores her preference for substantive content over sensationalized drama.
Interestingly, Olcay has a guilty pleasure in reality TV, admitting, “It often brings out the worst in people, and I find it fascinating to see how others deal with it.” This juxtaposition of reality TV’s rawness against a scripted show like GTST reveals her nuanced tastes in television programming.
Fascination with Human Nature
One particularly intriguing mention is her interest in Temptation Island, which she describes as “fascinating TV.” Olcay reflects on the contrasting emotions that arise when someone claims to be head-over-heels in love but quickly develops feelings for someone else within a short timeframe. “We are, after all, a bit unstable and strange as human beings,” she concludes.
Olcay Gulsen’s comments resonate beyond mere personal opinions; they reflect a larger trend in viewership where consumers seek authenticity and quality in storytelling, whether scripted or unscripted. As audiences evolve, so must the mediums that aim to engage them, presenting a challenge—and opportunity—for the future of soap operas like GTST.

