On February 23, 2025, Alec Baldwin debuted his reality series, "The Baldwins," on Discovery+, offering audiences insight not only to his home life with wife Hilaria and their seven children but also to the emotional turmoil following the tragic loss of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The premiere was marked by controversy, as the series was filmed against the backdrop of Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial stemming from the fatal shooting incident on the set of the film "Rust". Baldwin's attempt to navigate this challenging period through reality television has ignited fierce criticism from both media and the public.
Reflecting on the series debut, Alec Baldwin acknowledged the surreal nature of their family’s situation: "This has been just surreal. I can’t believe we’re going through this," he stated during the first episode. Hilaria also candidly expressed the couple's grief, saying, "Halyna lost her life in the most unthinkable tragedy. We are going to feel and carry this pain forever." Their comments are woven throughout the episode, creating a juxtaposition to the show’s light-hearted approach to family life—a theme many critics argue is distasteful.
Critics have not held back from delivering harsh condemnation of the series. The Guardian's Lucy Mangan described it as "a new low for television," criticizing the timing of the show amid Baldwin’s legal struggles as "extremely poor taste." The Telegraph's Ed Power dismissed it as "a saccharine pity party," where Baldwin toggles between interacting with his children and moments of deep reflection on his situation.
Many reviews pointed out the uncomfortable mix of casual family antics and moments of solemnity as Baldwin copes with his mental health struggles post-"Rust." Hilaria revealed Baldwin's diagnosis of PTSD, noting, "Everyone who is close to Alec has seen his mental health decline," showcasing his vulnerabilities. Power noted this acknowledgment, yet remarked how it seems out of place against the otherwise whimsical show structure.
Audience reactions have been mixed. While some viewers expressed support or sympathy, signified by comments asserting their intent to watch every episode, the general sentiment has leaned toward disapproval. Comments like, "One woman lost her life, but this show is him trying to get back to the public’s good graces" reinforce the perception of insensitivity surrounding the project.
Despite this backlash, Baldwin remains focused on presenting their family's narrative, attempting to reclaim some sense of normalcy and connection with fans. He opens up about the struggle of coping with guilt and sadness stemming from the shooting incident, admitting, "If an accident had to have happened on this day, why am I still here? Why couldn’t it be me?" This longing for empathy appears central to the series but begs the question of whether viewers will find it genuine or simply contrived.
The ambitious attempt to transition from esteemed actor to reality star has not proven favorable with critics. Vulture’s Kathryn VanArendonk described it as "one of the darkest and most bizarre hours of television to appear in recent memory." With Baldwin’s recent history, it's difficult for audiences to separate entertainment from the tragic backdrop against which it was conceived. Reviews have characterized the show as desperate, reflecting Baldwin's struggle not just with familial obligations but also with his public persona amid legal fallout.
While Baldwin's previous on-screen legacy holds significant acclaim, his present-day choices seem plagued by controversy and moral dilemmas. The discourse surrounding "The Baldwins" may serve as not just entertainment but as fodder for larger discussions on celebrity, accountability, and the impact of personal choice. Overwhelmingly, the perception is clear: Baldwin's venture onto reality television is seen by many as inappropriate and tasteless, concluding the series as more of an ill-fated PR maneuver than genuine storytelling.
By merging slapstick moments of family life with heavy themes of grief and accountability, Baldwin's series may serve to distance rather than endear him to the audience. How the show evolves and the Baldwin family’s responses to criticism may define whether this new chapter can coalesce with Baldwin’s storied career or serve as yet another benchmark for his decline. The answer to whether "The Baldwins" will help redefine their public image remains uncertain as the series continues.