Netflix has premiered YOLANTHE, a seven-episode series offering a look into the life of Spanish-Dutch actress, host, and entrepreneur Yolanthe Cabau. As the platform’s first Dutch reality production, the series follows one of the Netherlands’ most-discussed public figures as she relocates to Los Angeles with her son, Xess Xava. After a turbulent period under intense public scrutiny in her home country, Cabau presents the series as her opportunity to tell her own story. Produced by the Dutch company NewBe, the show documents her attempt to build a new life while navigating the complexities of her past.
The Los Angeles Gamble
The series chronicles Cabau’s ambitious move to Los Angeles, a city she hopes will be the backdrop for a new chapter. Viewers watch her juggle the demands of single motherhood to her son with former footballer Wesley Sneijder, the challenges of a major home renovation, and the pursuit of her acting career. Cabau is no stranger to the screen, with an extensive resume in Dutch television and film, as well as international credits including a role in the Michael Bay film Pain & Gain. The series frames this move as a conscious effort to step away from the limelight in the Netherlands and redefine her personal and professional life on her own terms.
Unresolved Past, Uncertain Future
A central theme in YOLANTHE is the persistence of the past. The series delves into complicated family dynamics and old wounds that continue to shape her present. It touches on her difficult childhood, which was marked by domestic violence after her father, the late Ibiza entrepreneur Xavier Cabau, faced financial ruin and drug addiction. In the series, Cabau refers to him as « a father who caused a lot of pain ». The narrative takes an unexpected turn when a phone call brings bad news: her mother has been diagnosed with a tumor, a crisis that tests Cabau’s resilience as she grapples with building a future while the past remains very much unresolved.
Beyond the Headlines: Entrepreneur and Advocate
YOLANTHE seeks to present a multifaceted portrait of its subject, highlighting her work beyond acting. The series features her role as the founder of Cabau Lifestyle, a wellness brand she launched in 2021. The company, which offers supplements, protein products, and athletic wear, is built on a mission to empower women to become « stronger, fitter and more confident ». The show also sheds light on her dedication as a co-founder and ambassador for the Free a Girl foundation, an organization committed to fighting the sexual exploitation of children worldwide. The foundation is involved in rescuing survivors, pursuing legal justice against perpetrators, and empowering young women through its School for Justice program, which trains them for careers as lawyers, police officers, and social workers.
The series documents a pivotal year of transformation, offering a view of a woman navigating public life, private struggles, and the pursuit of a new beginning.
The seven-part series Netflix was released on Netflix on June 18, 2025.
