Alec Baldwin’s latest reality series, The Baldwins, premiered to a wave of criticism, with critics calling it everything from “snoozy” to “offensive” due to its treatment of serious topics, particularly the tragic Rust shooting. Filmed in the summer of 2024, the series follows Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, as they juggle life with their seven children.
The timing of the show, coming just before Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial, has drawn attention for its attempts to present the family as “normal,” despite the heavy context of the Rust incident, in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed.
Critics Label the Show as Boring and Insensitive
The reception to the show has been largely negative. TIME’s Judy Berman noted that the series failed to entertain, saying it “forgets to be even a little bit interesting” in its attempt to portray the Baldwin family as relatable.
Variety‘s Daniel D’Addario took issue with the way the show handles the aftermath of the Rust shooting, saying it “hangs uneasily” throughout the series. He added that the show’s lighthearted family sitcom format felt like “an outright offensive response to this tragedy.”
Critics were also disturbed by the show’s tone, with Berman observing that Alec Baldwin’s candid moments about his struggles, such as saying, “I’m happier when I’m asleep than when I’m awake,” seemed out of place, considering the tragedy that looms over the family.
Awkward Family Dynamics and Controversial Moments
One of the more awkward moments in the show occurs when Hilaria Baldwin defends her controversial Spanish accent, a point of contention due to her American upbringing.
She argues that mixing English and Spanish makes her “normal,” though Alec Baldwin later critiques her accent. This tension within the family only adds to the overall discomfort that critics felt while watching.
Is the Show a Publicity Stunt?
Some critics believe the series is a calculated attempt by Baldwin to rehabilitate his public image after the Rust incident. The Telegraph‘s Ed Power suggested that The Baldwins might be a way for Baldwin to recover from the negative press surrounding his involvement in Hutchins’ death.
Despite the family moments, Power felt the show came off as a “saccharine pity party,” with Baldwin swinging between fun family time and reflections on his ongoing legal issues.
In spite of the backlash, The Baldwins will continue to air on TLC, with new episodes available to stream on Max. While some critics find the show endearing, it’s clear that many are unconvinced that it will win over viewers or provide the entertainment it aims for.
