Alec Baldwin and his spouse Hilaria commenced filming their new family reality TV show almost two weeks after the actor’s involuntary manslaughter trial came to a close.
The 66-year-old actor was seen wandering around New York City with his wife of 12 years and their seven young children as they filmed for their unscripted series on TLC.
Despite his extensive success in theater and film, Baldwin’s choice to bring his family into the limelight has raised eyebrows concerning the “30 Rock” star’s decision.
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Alec Baldwin filming his reality TV series with his family in New York. (Instar)
The Baldwin family appeared quite at ease as they enjoyed playtime in a park in the Hamptons while filming their new series. Alec opted for a black Adidas windbreaker and shorts during this family outing, while Hilaria chose a white crop top paired with blue floral pants.
The couple shares three daughters—Carmen, Maria, and Ilaria—and four sons—Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, and Eduardo. Alec also has a daughter, Ireland, from his previous marriage to Kim Basinger. Additionally, Alec celebrated becoming a grandfather for the first time last year when Ireland welcomed a baby girl.
Former reality TV star Jon Gosselin shared with Fox News Digital that he believes it’s not advisable for Baldwin to risk his fame, success, or family for the sake of television ratings.
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The “30 Rock” star strolled through a park while filming his upcoming reality series. (Instar)
Baldwin was seen laughing and playing with his kids in a park during filming. (Instar)
Hilaria Baldwin was seen in a white crop top and blue floral pants for “The Baldwins” on TLC. (Instar)
Gosselin advised, “My suggestion to Alec is to steer clear of this. Cherish your career, your family, and your time with your kids. Time flies, and we’re not getting younger.”
Gosselin, now 47, gained fame nearly 15 years ago as a star of TLC’s “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” which chronicled the lives of his large family, featuring one set of sextuplets and another set of twins.
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“Jon & Kate Plus 8” aired on TLC from 2007 until 2009, when the couple divorced. The show was later rebranded to “Kate Plus 8,” which continued until 2017.
“My advice to Alec is to steer clear of this. Cherish your career and your family. And enjoy your time with your kids. Time flies, and we’re not getting younger.”
He mentioned concerns about potential conflicts that arise from filming reality shows. “I was always worried about ‘jumping the shark,’ meaning when you’re filming and something unexpected happens publicly, causing conflict,” Gosselin explained.
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“Introducing drama into your life might not be wise when you’ve been focusing on privacy, only to become a compensated performer.”
The Baldwin family revealed their TLC show earlier this year. (Instar)
Hilaria and Alec Baldwin are parents to seven children. (Instar)
He noted, “It’s unwise to share your family on a public platform, especially your children. You’re an accomplished actor already under scrutiny, and now you’re going to showcase seven kids to the public? You’ve built wealth to safeguard your family, and now you’re opting to make them public? It doesn’t add up.”
“It’s unwise to put your family on television, especially your children. You’re a successful actor and already scrutinized, and now want your seven children in the public eye.”
Brand expert Doug Eldridge expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of the Baldwin family succeeding in reality television.
“Some of the most significant disasters in history were caused by turbulent conditions or vessels sent out from harbor prematurely (like the Titanic),” Eldridge explained.
“Reality television often creates a ‘perfect storm’ by merging both conditions, leading to severe consequences for the families involved. The chance of Baldwin experiencing ‘fair winds and following seas’ in today’s media landscape is quite slim.”
Camera crews captured footage of the family just weeks after Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case was dismissed. (Instar)
Hilaria Baldwin was seen talking to a crew member while capturing candid moments of the family. (Instar)
Gosselin added that Baldwin isn’t “reinventing the wheel” with this reality show venture, suggesting instead, “Why not just enjoy your life, remain wealthy, and get a boat or something? Document it on Instagram.”
Details surrounding “The Baldwins” remain vague, but it is tentatively set to debut in 2025. It’s also uncertain if audiences will be interested in watching this affluent family from Manhattan.
Eldridge shared concerns regarding the inclusion of children in the Baldwin series, pointing out how kids are often the most vulnerable members of any household.
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“Children are least prepared for the scrutiny, criticism, or the pitfalls of Hollywood,” Eldridge explained. “Introducing children to a reality show is a decision that requires careful consideration. You’re exposing them to the world at the same time as risking your ability to safeguard them as a parent.
“If complications arise, which frequently happen in reality TV, it can lead to irreversible harm. As a parent, that responsibility falls solely on you. I would advise against it for any minor child.”
“The chances of Baldwin finding ‘fair winds and following seas’ in today’s media climate are relatively small.”
Familial reality shows have seen their share of challenges.
Another high-profile family featured on TLC was the Duggars, known for “19 Kids and Counting.” This program followed Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 children, all with names starting with the letter “J.”
The Duggars quickly gained popularity for their emphasis on faith, homeschooling, and raising a large family. The show aired for seven seasons before its cancellation in 2015.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raised 19 children while under the scrutiny of television cameras. Their series was canceled in light of serious allegations against their eldest son, Josh, who was accused of molesting several girls and later convicted of possession of child pornography. (D Dipasupil)
However, issues surfaced when TLC suspended the series following Josh Duggar’s public apology for “acting inappropriately,” alongside allegations that he molested five girls, including his sisters.
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On April 29, 2021, Josh was arrested for receiving and possessing child pornography. He was found guilty and sentenced to over 12 years in prison eight months later.
The show “Sister Wives” was yet another hit for TLC, tracking the lives of Kody Brown and his unique family structure. It debuted in 2010, portraying the Browns in Utah, where bigamy is illegal, before they moved to Nevada.
Kody has four wives: Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn, and they have a total of 18 children. The show, which has run for 18 seasons, has experienced its fair share of issues, including Christine’s and Kody’s separation two years ago; she has since remarried, while Kody and Janelle split in December 2022.
“Sister Wives” premiered in 2010, showcasing Kody Brown and his family in a plural marriage lifestyle. (Ethan Miller)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints denounced polygamy in 1890 and forbids it today, while the Browns identify as fundamentalist Mormons.
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Despite reality TV’s continued appeal in America, it’s become more nuanced and selective compared to earlier years,” Eldridge remarked.
“If [Prince] Harry and Meghan [Markle] struggle to maintain an audience, it’s hard to imagine Baldwin achieving success alongside dominant figures like the Kardashians or ‘Real Housewives.’ The reward might not equal the effort, nor yield the substantial returns of years gone by.”
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