Alec Baldwin has faced numerous highs and lows in his career, but nothing could have prepared him for the wave of controversy surrounding his latest reality show venture. The Baldwins, a TLC reality series, premieres on February 23, and it promises to be an intimate look into the lives of Alec and his wife Hilaria, who have seven children under the age of 12.
The show’s concept revolves around the couple’s busy life as parents, with scenes showcasing their attempts to balance work and family. However, critics argue that the program prioritizes making the Baldwins appear “normal” over providing genuine insight into their lives.
Throughout the series premiere, Alec is portrayed as a lovable but imperfect father, with flaws and disagreements being glossed over in favor of highlighting his relatability. His OCD is even used to humanize him, with footage of him tidying up shoes paired with discussions of his condition.
The show’s handling of Alec’s 2021 Rust incident, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, is also criticized for being too scripted and PR-driven. The premiere closes just days before Baldwin’s trial, which has put a strain on their public image.
Despite the controversy surrounding the show, Baldwin’s latest endeavor aims to humanize him in a way that feels forced and manufactured. As Alec himself admits, “I’m happier when I’m asleep than when I’m awake,” suggesting a deep-seated psychological complexity that is not fully explored in the show.
The question on everyone’s mind is: why did they have seven kids? Baldwin’s response – to help carry them through difficult times – raises more questions than answers. Is this a genuine attempt at introspection, or just another PR stunt?
Ultimately, The Baldwins feels like an infomercial for the couple, rather than a genuine exploration of their lives. As Alec struggles to balance his public persona with the weight of controversy, it’s unclear whether this reality show will humanize him, or simply reinforce the prevailing narrative.
Source: https://time.com/7259371/the-baldwins-review-tlc