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'''Kopspijkers''' was a talk show that has been running on [[The Netherlands|Dutch]] [[public television]] from [[1996]] to [[2005]]. A recipient, in [[2003]], of the annual ''[[Zilveren Nipkow]]'' best-show award from Dutch [[television]] critics, the programme was produced by the [[left|left-of-centre]] public broadcaster [[VARA]]. It was hosted by [[Jack Spijkerman]], hence the title.
Humorous in style, the show was particularly noted for its satirical sketches. Until [[2001]] it was 'normal' cabaret, but in September [[2001]] (which happened to be the week of the [[9/11 terrorist attacks]]) the show started with [[imitation]]s of famous people. These were much like those featured in the [[United Kingdom|British]] TV programme ''[[Spitting Image]]'', but used real [[Actor|actors]]. Political leaders like [[Jan Peter Balkenende]], [[Wouter Bos]] and [[Gerrit Zalm]] were frequently impersonated. At first only Dutch people were impersonated, later also foreign celebrities (including [[Tony Blair]], [[Nelson Mandela]], [[John Kerry]] and [[Viktor Yushchenko]]) were impersonated. In recent episodes even historical characters, like [[Napoleon Bonaparte]], [[Anne Frank]], [[Plato]] and [[Josef Stalin]] were imitated. ''Kopspijkers'' was amongst the most viewed programmes in the Netherlands.
On several occasions, the imitations have caused controversies. The first imitation episode showed sensationalist TV presenter [[Willibrord Fréquin]] chasing [[Osama Bin Laden]] asking "why he had been so cowardly" and "why he sent thousands of people into death". [[Pim Fortuyn]] was often imitated, which led to accusations against Kopspijkers after he was assassinated. In November [[2003]] Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Minister [[Piet Hein Donner]] complained about the 'tasteless' imitations of members of the [[House of Orange-Nassau|Royal family]]. [[Beatrix of the Netherlands|Queen Beatrix]] later said she had no problems with being imitated. In [[2005]], Jack Spijkerman decided to cancel his contract with VARA and sign with the newly formed channel [[Tien (TV channel)|Talpa]]. Though Spijkerman intended to finish the running season, VARA cut it short and cancelled the 4 remaining shows. Spijkerman now makes a similar (but commonly deemed of less quality) show on Talpa, called [[Koppensnellers]].
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