It consists of an in-depth studio interview, typically three hours long, with a notable Dutch, Belgian or other Dutch-speaking foreigner, interspersed with cinema or television footage selected by the guest, which is subsequently discussed.
Guests include writers, scientists, television personalities, politicians or business people.
After the interview is finished, a movie selected by the guest is broadcast on the same channel.
VPRO has organized live public screenings of Zomergasten in arthouse cinemas.
[2] Guests included: Hoyte van Hoytema (2023), Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer (2020), Eberhard van der Laan (2017), Arjen Lubach (2016), Reinbert de Leeuw (2014), Paul Verhoeven (2010), Jaap van Zweden (2009), Bram Moszkowicz (2007), Robbert Dijkgraaf (2005), Theo Maassen (2004), Britta Böhler (2003), Sonja Barend (1999), Arnon Grunberg (1997), Harry Mulisch (1995), Sienie Strikwerda (1988).