The Baldwins Struggle to Find Their Footing on TLC

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin’s new TLC reality show, The Baldwins, has faced significant challenges in capturing and retaining viewers. The series, which premiered on February 19, 2023, offers an intimate look into the lives of Alec, 66, and Hilaria, 41, as they navigate marriage, parenthood, and the complexities of raising their seven children in New York. Despite its promising premise, the show has struggled to resonate with audiences, leading to a dramatic drop in ratings. The premiere episode drew 682,000 viewers, a respectable number for a new series. However, by the second episode on March 2, the viewership plummeted to just 423,000—a staggering 38% decline. This places The Baldwins in a difficult fourth place among TLC’s current lineup, trailing behind more popular shows like Baylen Out Loud, 90 Day: The Last Resort, and 90 Day Fiancé. The show’s underwhelming performance has raised questions about its long-term viability and whether it can recover from this rocky start.

The Rust Shooting Controversy Overshadows the Show

The poor ratings for The Baldwins are not the only challenge Alec and Hilaria face. The show has been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec’s film Rust. During a scene rehearsal, Alec discharged a prop gun that unbeknownst to him contained a live round, tragically killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to numerous lawsuits, including a wrongful death suit filed by Hutchins’ family. Alec has consistently denied responsibility for the shooting, stating that he did not pull the trigger and had no knowledge of the live ammunition on set.

In July 2024, the involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec was dismissed, but the wrongful death lawsuit remains ongoing. The second episode of The Baldwins addressed the aftermath of the shooting, with Hilaria revealing the profound emotional and physical toll it took on Alec. She shared that he struggled with “survivor’s guilt” and even experienced heart problems in the wake of the tragedy. However, viewers were largely unsympathetic to Alec’s plight, with many accusing him of evading accountability. The timing of the show’s release—coinciding with the lead-up to Alec’s trial—further fueled public skepticism, as critics accused the couple of using the series as a “pity me” performance.

Hilaria Baldwin’s Cultural Appropriation Scandal

In addition to the fallout from the Rust shooting, Hilaria Baldwin has faced her own share of controversy over the years, particularly regarding accusations of cultural appropriation. Hilaria, born Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas, has been accused of falsifying her Spanish heritage despite having no actual Spanish descent. Her inconsistent use of a Spanish accent and claims of being raised in a bilingual household have drawn significant criticism. On The Baldwins, Hilaria defended her actions, stating, “I’m raising my kids to be bilingual. I was raised bilingual. My nuclear family now lives over in Spain. I want to teach my kids pride in speaking more than one language.”

However, fans remain unconvinced, with many taking to social media to slam her “fake Spanish accent” and perceived inauthenticity. Critics argue that Hilaria’s actions perpetuate cultural appropriation and erase the experiences of those with genuine Spanish heritage. Despite her efforts to justify her behavior, the controversy has left a sour taste in the mouths of many viewers, further alienating potential fans of the show.

Viewer Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Sympathy and Skepticism

The public’s reaction to The Baldwins has been decidedly mixed, with some viewers praising the show’s raw honesty and others downright rejecting it. On one hand, the series offers an unfiltered look at the challenges of parenting seven children and maintaining a high-profile marriage. Fans who tuned in praised the show’s chaotic yet heartfelt portrayal of family life, with one viewer calling it “the realest reality show I’ve ever seen” and another describing it as “refreshing to see a family full of chaotic love.”

On the other hand, a significant portion of viewers have expressed disappointment and frustration, particularly in light of the Rust shooting and Hilaria’s cultural appropriation scandal. Many have criticized Alec for failing to take responsibility for Hutchins’ death, with one commenter writing, “Takes no responsibility. Won’t watch and don’t deserve a show.” Others have accused the couple of exploiting their personal tragedies for ratings, with one viewer stating, “The way they have handled the death of a young mother is inconceivable. Here they are in the lead-up to his trial with a pity me performance for the cameras.”

The Baldwin Family’s Uphill Battle for Redemption

As The Baldwins continues to air on TLC, Alec and Hilaria face an uphill battle to redeem their public image and salvage their struggling show. The series’ premise, which focuses on the couple’s family life and personal struggles, had the potential to humanize them and reconnect with audiences. However, the lingering impact of the Rust shooting and Hilaria’s cultural appropriation scandal has overshadowed any efforts to reinvent their public personas.

Despite these challenges, the Baldwins remain defiant, with Alec recently taking to social media to defend their show and dismiss critics. Hilaria, too, has doubled down on her claims of bilingualism and cultural pride, insisting that her actions are genuine and misunderstood. While a vocal contingent of fans continues to support the couple, the broader public remains skeptical, and the show’s ratings reflect this disconnect. For The Baldwins to succeed, Alec and Hilaria will need to address these controversies head-on and find a way to win back the trust of their audience.

The Future of The Baldwins and Its Implications for TLC

As The Baldwins airs Sundays at 10pm ET on TLC, the network finds itself at a crossroads. The show’s poor ratings and divisive reception raise questions about its future and whether TLC will continue to invest in the series. While reality TV often thrives on controversy, the scandals surrounding Alec and Hilaria may prove too damaging for the show to overcome. The network’s decision to greenlight The Baldwins was likely based on the couple’s celebrity status and the promise of drama-filled storytelling. However, the public’s lukewarm response has underscored the risks of banking on polarizing figures.

For Alec and Hilaria, the stakes are equally high. Their ability to rebuild their careers and public image will depend on how they navigate these scandals and whether they can find a way to reconnect with audiences. While some fans remain loyal, the broader public’s skepticism suggests that the Baldwins have an uphill battle ahead. Whether The Baldwins can recover from its shaky start or will become the latest casualty of reality TV remains to be seen.