On February 23, 2025, "The Baldwins," starring Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, premiered on TLC, capturing the idiosyncratic life of this celebrity couple raising seven children. The first episode offers viewers not only light moments but also somber reflections on Alec Baldwin’s recent legal tribulations stemming from the 2021 shooting incident on the set of the film "Rust." Such duality intrigues viewers, as the family navigates the highs and lows of parenthood during turbulent times.
The pilot episode opens to scenes of the Baldwin family packing their belongings, transitioning from their beloved Manhattan apartment to their summer retreat in the Hamptons. Viewers are struck by Hilaria Baldwin’s candid acknowledgment of the media frenzy surrounding her accent, sparked by widespread online speculation. "I love English; I also love Spanish," Hilaria states firmly during the episode, defending her multilingual upbringing and the decision to raise her children to be bilingual. "When I mix the two, it doesn’t make me inauthentic. When I mix the two, it makes me normal," she adds, seeking to humanize her experience of living at the intersections of cultures.
Critics have closely watched the show, especially noting its timing with Alec Baldwin’s legal struggles. Following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of "Rust," Baldwin faced serious legal repercussions, including manslaughter charges. Although Baldwin has consistently denied responsibility, he finds himself amid numerous lawsuits as well. To add to the personal stakes, just before filming began, Baldwin was still grappling with the fallout from the shooting. Although the legal case against him was dismissed earlier this year due to prosecutorial misconduct, the specter of the incident looms large over the series.
The reality show attempts to blend the chaos of life with humor, yet critics have deemed it as something of a "crisis communications project." They view the tone of the show as conflicting; moments depict both chaotic family life and deeply sobering references to the realities they face. Upon reflecting on his children, Alec Baldwin remarks, "I have one overriding thought, I have one overriding concern — and that's letting seven children know I love them." This sentiment resonates with the audience and adds depth to the otherwise comedic moments, including interactions with their Pomeranian and humorous exchanges about parenting.
Hilaria Baldwin’s accent controversy isn't ancient history either; it has resurfaced since the announcement of the series. Critics and comedians alike have ridiculed her over her fluctuated speech, including segments on shows like Amy Schumer’s Netflix special. The episode is framed through humorous engagements and household challenges, with Alec humorously asking Hilaria to slow down when she talks, underlining how their lives are not without confusion. "Let's talk slower. You're speaking English with a Spanish cadence, which is always perilous for me. Slow down just a bit, I can't understand you," Alec jokes, showcasing how deeply entwined their family and public personas are.
Significant, too, is Hilaria's emotional response to public scrutiny. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me sad and it didn’t hurt and it didn’t put me in dark places,” she shares as the show highlights her vulnerability amid laughter and levity. Critics include her story within larger societal themes surrounding cultural identity and authenticity.
Timeliness is key here, as "The Baldwins" offers more than just entertainment. The premiere has arrived at the intersection of tragedy and familial joy, as the audience witnesses Alec cope with past trauma. “We’re going through some very stressful things, and we’re trying to parent through it,” Hilaria notes, emphasizing the struggle to maintain innocence for their children amid public scrutiny and personal challenges.
Despite the backdrop of controversy, the show manages to exemplify the ordinary joys of family life. Alec, Hilaria, and their children are seen baking, playing, and simply enjoying each other’s company, even as the series navigates through complicated emotional landscapes. They try to balance their larger-than-life celebrity status with the very human experience of parenting, attempting to let the audience see behind the camera.
Some moments raise eyebrows for feeling tone-deaf against the tragic backdrop of Hutchins' death. Critics argue contextualizing her death within their family series may feel grim. "Contextualizing a woman's death by embedding it... is simply troubling," a critic from Vulture points out. Despite the mixed reception, the family’s endearing nature shines through, and Alec's declaration of love for his children is heartfelt.
At its core, "The Baldwins" captures the essence of familial love and the highs and lows of parenting under public scrutiny. Through humor and heartfelt moments, it reflects the complexity of their personal lives intertwined with fame. The overarching question remains — how do they navigate life after such upheaval? The series promises insights as episodes roll out weekly, inviting viewers to engage with Alec and Hilaria Baldwin as they grapple with identity, family, and the weight of past decisions as they build their present.