Alright reality TV watchers and celeb gossip fans you have probably heard about "The Baldwins". Yes Alec Baldwin the famous actor and his wife Hilaria yoga instructor and personality have a brand new reality show on TLC. It's called "The Baldwins" naturally and it is giving people a peek into their very full very public and yes sometimes very controversial lives. So is it worth watching? Let's dive in.
Chaos at Casa Baldwin: Seven Kids a Trial and Reality TV Cameras - What's the Show About?
"The Baldwins" is billed as a behind-the-scenes look at Alec and Hilaria's family life with their seven kids under eleven years old. Think lots of kids running around family dinners chaotic mornings and all the usual stuff that comes with a big family. But there is definitely more to it than just cute kid moments. The show was filmed during a really intense time for the Baldwins specifically during Alec's involuntary manslaughter trial related to the tragic "Rust" shooting incident. The show tries to balance the everyday family stuff with the serious legal drama hanging over Alec's head. Hilaria herself says in the show they are trying to "fake it till you make it" putting on a brave face for the kids despite everything going on.
The show wants to be relatable showing them doing normal things like getting haircuts baking cakes and packing for summer vacation in the Hamptons. But it’s hard to forget the backdrop of the "Rust" tragedy and the criticism the family has faced. Some reviews point out that the show feels a bit like image rehabilitation attempt. They are trying to show a softer side of Alec and Hilaria amidst all the negative press.
Controversy and Criticism: Is "The Baldwins" Tone-Deaf or Just Bad Timing?
Let's be real "The Baldwins" has definitely stirred up some mixed reactions and not all of them are positive. Right off the bat some critics are calling the timing of the show "unseemly" and "exploitative". They argue that launching a reality show focusing on family fun so soon after the death of Halyna Hutchins feels wrong. Especially since the show does touch on the tragedy while still aiming for a lighthearted tone. One review even called it a "terribly bad idea obviously cooked up to engender sympathy toward Alec".
There is also the question of authenticity. Some wonder how "real" a reality show can be when it is filmed during such a sensitive time with legal issues in the background. Is it genuinely showing their lives or is it more of a carefully crafted performance? Critics point to moments of "forced cheer" and a "pasted on rictus grin" suggesting the show is not truly revealing the family's real emotions but rather a curated version for the cameras.
And of course we cannot forget "Spaniard-gate" Hilaria's past controversy about her Spanish heritage also gets a brief mention on the show but not a deep dive. Some reviews note this as another example of the show glossing over uncomfortable truths in favor of maintaining a positive image.
Hilaria's "Brand" and Alec's "Curmudgeon" Persona: What the Show Reveals (or Doesn't)
The show definitely plays into certain established public personas. Hilaria is portrayed as the energetic mom trying to keep everything together always smiling and "kooky and silly" as she puts it. Alec is shown as the slightly grumpy but ultimately loving dad who Hilaria knows how to "handle". It is a dynamic that some find endearing while others see it as a bit too manufactured for reality TV.
Hilaria's occasional Spanish accent which has been a point of discussion in the past is still present in the show. The show itself addresses it very briefly with Hilaria vaguely referring to being a "mix of different things" and having "belonging in multiple places". Reviews point out that the show does not really dig into the questions about her heritage instead opting for a quick and somewhat vague explanation.
Alec's temper and past public incidents also get a nod with Hilaria acknowledging he can be a "curmudgeon". But the show quickly pivots to highlighting the "fantastic" Alec that Hilaria sees. Again it seems to be about presenting a specific image and downplaying anything too negative or controversial.
Is "The Baldwins" Just Another Celebrity Reality Show? Format and Familiar Tropes
In terms of format "The Baldwins" follows many of the usual reality TV tropes. Reviews compare it to older shows like "Newlyweds" "The Osbournes" and "Jon & Kate Plus 8" focusing on the daily lives of an "eccentric but loving family unit". Expect scenes of everyday activities like haircuts baking and getting kids ready to go out all set to a "merry" soundtrack.
There are confessional-style interviews where Alec and Hilaria talk directly to the camera about their feelings and challenges. And of course there are moments seemingly designed for humor or drama like the family trying to fit into two cars or Alec obsessively organizing shoes and swim goggles a nod to his OCD. Silent nannies are occasionally spotted in the background a subtle reminder of the behind-the-scenes help involved in managing such a large household.
Key Criticisms of "The Baldwins" Reality Show:
- Tone-Deaf Timing: Launching a lighthearted family show so soon after the "Rust" tragedy is seen as insensitive by some.
- Exploitative Nature: Accusations that the show is designed to garner sympathy for Alec Baldwin amidst legal troubles.
- Forced Cheerfulness: Critics point to a lack of genuine emotion and an overemphasis on presenting a happy image.
- Superficiality: Complex issues like Hilaria's heritage and Alec's mental health are glossed over or used for light content.
- Lack of Transparency: Questions about how "real" the reality show actually is given the circumstances and potential image control.
Final Verdict: Watch or Skip "The Baldwins" on TLC?
So is "The Baldwins" worth watching? It depends on what you are looking for. If you are a fan of celebrity reality TV and are curious about the Baldwin family's chaotic life it might pique your interest. There are glimpses of genuine family moments amidst the staged scenarios. However be prepared for a show that is undeniably aware of its own image and perhaps not as "real" as it pretends to be. And if you are sensitive to the controversies surrounding the Baldwins especially the "Rust" tragedy the show might feel uncomfortable or even off-putting to watch. Ultimately "The Baldwins" is a complex and unsettling watch that raises questions about celebrity image making reality TV ethics and the blurred lines between performance and real life.