Picture Courtesy of Netflix
With just a few weeks to go, one of the biggest series from the Low Countries (the Netherlands and Belgium) is returning to Netflix. On April 3, High Tides (Knokke Off in its native language) comes back with its third season. Sadly, this will also be the final chapter. Internationally released under the title High Tides, the drama about wealthy young people, messy relationships, and hidden secrets along the Belgian coast is heading toward its conclusion.
Netflix confirmed the news shortly after the second season was released last January. The streaming service announced that the story would continue with a third season, but also made it clear that this would be the end of the road for the series. This time, the story will not take place only in sunny Knokke. Part of the new season moves to a winter setting where, according to Netflix Netherlands, “tensions, romances and secrets once again run high.” The final season will also introduce two new Dutch actors to the cast: Daan Schuurmans and Nola Elvis Kemper.
What is High Tides season 3 about?
When season 3 begins, Louise (Pommelien Thijs) has just spent several months in a psychiatric institution. She decides to return to Knokke, hoping to rebuild her life and regain some control after everything previously fell apart. But once she arrives, it quickly becomes clear that things have changed. The life she left behind is no longer really there.
Alex (Willem De Schryver) and Daan (Eliyha Altena) feel colder and more distant than ever, and it is obvious they are hiding something. At the same time, the once untouchable real estate empire of the Vandael family is starting to wobble.
Picture Credit: Netflix
Who is in the cast of High Tides season 3?
As fans of the show already know, High Tides has always brought together a mix of Flemish and Dutch actors. Season 3 continues that tradition with a large ensemble returning to the screen. As mentioned earlier, established Dutch actor Daan Schuurmans and newcomer Nola Elvis Kemper are joining the cast.
Alongside them, viewers will once again see Pommelien Thijs, Willem De Schryver and Eliyha Altena in their familiar roles, supported by names such as:
- Ruth Becquart
- Geert Van Rampelberg
- Ini Massez
- Ayana Doucouré
- Pieter Genard
- Anna Drijver
- Emma Moortgat
- Viviane De Muynck
- Luk Wyns
- Daan Schuurmans
- Nola Elvis Kemper
Picture: Netflix
Who is behind High Tides?
The series is written by Luk Wyns (All In, Crimi Clowns), who also appears in the show himself. The third season is directed by Anthony Schatteman, known for the film Young Hearts. The original idea for the series came from producer Anthony van Biervliet.
High Tides is produced by Dingie for VRT and Netflix, in collaboration with Dutch FilmWorks. The production also received support from the city of Knokke-Heist and the Belgian Tax Shelter scheme.
That collaboration between different partners helped turn the show into something that feels bigger than a typical regional production. In terms of scale and visual style, High Tides often feels closer to the glossy Netflix dramas audiences know from the international catalog.
Picture Credit: Netflix
Pommelien Thijs on the final season
Pommelien Thijs, who plays Louise, is quickly becoming one of the biggest young stars in both Belgium and the Netherlands. During an interview with the Dutch television program RTL Boulevard, she shared a small glimpse of what it is like returning to the set. “It’s always nice to see everyone again. Two years older now than the first time,” Thijs said.
She remained careful when talking about the story itself, but she did hint that the final season will once again be packed with tension. “I was genuinely pleasantly surprised when I read the script. It’s going to be really intense again.”
Thijs’ growing success may also have played a role in the show ending with this third season. Besides acting, she has built a very successful career as a singer. She performs at major festivals and has scored several number one hits. In fact, she has topped the Flemish Ultratop 50 multiple times. Her massive summer hit Atlas (2025) even became a record holder, spending 22 weeks at number one.
Picture Credit: Netflix
Plagiarism lawsuit
In the run-up to the third season, the series also became involved in a legal dispute. Flemish author Piet Baete accused the creators of plagiarism. According to him, the show borrowed elements from his 2011 novel Verzwijg me niet. Baete took the case to court and demanded that the series be taken offline. He argued that both the storyline and several characters had been copied from his book.
The court ultimately dismissed those claims. After comparing the novel and the series in detail, the judge concluded that there was no unlawful adaptation. In the ruling, the alleged similarities were described as “far-fetched, artificial and not original.” The judge also pointed out an important difference in focus. Baete’s novel revolves around a classic murder mystery, while High Tides mainly focuses on the lives of wealthy young people on the Belgian coast and the social pressure that comes with that world.
Even the setting played a role in the decision. Using Knokke as a location was described by the judge as “common property,” meaning it cannot be protected by copyright.
When does High Tides season 3 arrive on Netflix?
Season 3 of High Tides will be released worldwide on Netflix on April 3. There is one small exception. In Belgium, the series will first air on VRT from that date, after which the episodes will appear on Netflix at a later moment.
Either way, the end of the series is now very close. After three seasons, one of the most successful shows to come out of the Low Countries is wrapping up its story. Whether all the characters will make it through that final chapter unscathed, however, remains very much an open question.
Picture Credit: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
