Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria kicked off filming for their new family reality show nearly two weeks after the “Rust” actor’s involuntary manslaughter case was dismissed.
The 66-year-old actor was seen exploring New York City with his wife of 12 years and their seven young children while cameras captured moments for their new unscripted series on TLC.
While Baldwin has enjoyed decades of acclaim in film and television, his choice to put his family in the limelight has raised eyebrows regarding the “30 Rock” star’s decision.
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Alec Baldwin is filming his reality TV show alongside his family in New York. (Instar)
The Baldwin family seemed at ease enjoying the park in the Hamptons while filming their new series. Alec donned a black Adidas windbreaker and shorts for the outing with Hilaria, who wore a white crop top and blue floral trousers.
The couple shares three daughters, Carmen, Maria, and Ilaria, plus four sons: Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, and Eduardo. Baldwin also has a daughter, Ireland, from his previous marriage to Kim Basinger. Last year, Alec became a first-time grandfather when Ireland had a baby girl.
Jon Gosselin, a former reality TV father, exclusively told Fox News Digital that he believes it’s unwise for Baldwin to jeopardize his fame, wealth, and family for the sake of ratings.
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The “30 Rock” star smiles while filming his new series. (Instar)
Baldwin shares a joyful moment while playing with his kids in the Hamptons. (Instar)
Hilaria Baldwin shines in a white crop top and blue floral pants while filming “The Baldwins” for TLC. (Instar)
“My advice to Alec is to distance himself from this,” Gosselin expressed to Fox News Digital. “Enjoy your career, your family, and cherish those moments with your children. None of us are getting younger.”
Gosselin, 47, rose to fame about 15 years ago on TLC’s “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” which documented his large family consisting of one set of sextuplets and another set of twins.
WATCH: JON GOSSELIN ADVISES ALEC BALDWIN AGAINST REALITY TELEVISION
“Jon & Kate Plus 8″ aired from 2007 to 2009, ending after the couple’s divorce. The show was later renamed “Kate Plus 8,” continuing until 2017.
“My advice to Alec is to distance himself from this. Enjoy your career, your family, and cherish those moments with your children. None of us are getting younger.”
“I was always concerned about ‘jumping the shark,’ where real-life events begin to conflict with the reality show narrative,” Gosselin stated.
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“Now you’re opening the door to drama since photographers are likely to follow you to capture those moments. Why would you invite chaos into your home when your goal has been to live a private life?”
The Baldwins revealed their TLC series earlier this year. (Instar)
Hilaria and Alec Baldwin share a family of seven children. (Instar)
Gosselin emphasized, “I don’t see the benefit of showcasing your family on television, especially your children. You’re a renowned actor already facing public scrutiny, so why place seven kids in the spotlight? It’s contradictory to try to shield your family while simultaneously making them public.”
“I don’t see the benefit of showcasing your family on television, especially your children. You’re a renowned actor already facing public scrutiny.”
Brand expert Doug Eldridge expressed skepticism about the Baldwin family’s chances of success in the reality TV realm.
“Some colossal failures in history have resulted from turbulent waters or failed ships setting sail without preparation,” Eldridge commented.
“Reality television often generates a ‘perfect storm,’ mixing these elements and usually resulting in detrimental outcomes for the families involved. Baldwin’s prospects of success in today’s media landscape are markedly low.”
Camera crews caught the family’s moments just weeks after Baldwin’s manslaughter case dismissal. (Instar)
Hilaria engages with a crew member while capturing candid moments with the Baldwin family. (Instar)
Gosselin added that Baldwin isn’t “reinventing the wheel” with this reality show, suggesting there’s little justification for the endeavor: “Why not simply relish your life and use your resources for fun activities instead, like getting a boat or sharing memories on Instagram?”
While details about “The Baldwins” remain limited, it is provisionally set to premiere in 2025. Its appeal to audiences looking to observe the wealthy family from Manhattan is still uncertain.
Eldridge voiced concerns about the kids’ involvement in the Baldwin series, pointing out that children remain “the most vulnerable members in any family.”
WATCH: JON GOSSELIN DISCOURAGES ALEC BALDWIN FROM PURSUING REALITY TELEVISION
“They are the least prepared for the celebrity lifestyle, criticism, or the pressures of Hollywood,” Eldridge commented. “Introducing your children to reality TV is a decision that requires careful consideration. Exposing them too soon compromises your ability to protect them as a parent.”
“If things go wrong, as is often the case in reality television, the repercussions can never be undone. As a parent, that responsibility is entirely yours. I’d advise any client against placing their minor child in that setting.”
“The likelihood of Baldwin finding ‘fair winds and following seas’ in today’s media climate is relatively small.”
Family-centric reality television has had its share of crises.
Another notable family featured on TLC was the Duggars, known from “19 Kids and Counting.” The show depicted Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 children, all with names starting with the letter “J.”
The Duggars quickly gained favor with audiences due to their focus on faith, homeschooling, and the challenges of raising a large family. The series ran for seven seasons before being canceled in 2015.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raised 19 children while cameras documented their lives. The series was canceled after their son Josh was accused of molesting five girls and later imprisoned for child pornography. (D Dipasupil)
However, all was not as it seemed when TLC halted the series after Josh, the eldest Duggar child, confessed to having acted “inexcusably” amidst allegations of molesting five girls, including his sisters.
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On April 29, 2021, Josh was arrested and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography, subsequently receiving a 12-year prison sentence after being found guilty on all counts.
“Sister Wives,” showcasing the plural marriage of the Brown family, also achieved significant popularity for TLC. The series debuted in 2010, initially portraying the Browns living in Utah, which has stringent laws against bigamy. They later relocated to Nevada in search of a fresh start.
Kody Brown had four spouses: Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn, along with a total of 18 children. The series has operated for 18 seasons, witnessing Christine’s separation from Kody two years ago, followed by her subsequent remarriage. Kody also parted ways with Janelle in December 2022.
“Sister Wives” first aired in 2010, highlighting the Browns and their plural family dynamics. (Ethan Miller)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy in 1890 and prohibits it in modern times. The Browns self-identify as fundamentalist Mormons.
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“The American audience still has a limited appetite for reality television, but it’s evolved to be more discerning compared to previous years,” Eldridge remarked.
“If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle struggle to maintain a stable audience, it seems unlikely Baldwin will find success in the shadow of reality giants like the Kardashians or the ‘Real Housewives.’ The potential reward might not justify the effort, as it may yield only modest returns compared to 20 years ago.”
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