Alec Baldwin’s reality series, The Baldwins, is supposed to give viewers an inside look at his family life. Attorneys for the late Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins claim it’s a calculated money grab.
The actor, 66, has been embroiled in controversy since the 2021 on-set shooting that took Hutchins’ life. While involuntary manslaughter charges against him were dismissed, he’s now facing intense criticism for profiting off the incident with his new show.
“Baldwin has compounded the pain of Halyna’s parents and sister by taking advantage of his increased fame and notoriety by monetizing it in a TLC reality show,” the family’s attorneys said in a statement to RadarOnline.
Not only do they accuse Baldwin of playing the victim, but they also claim the show erases the Hutchins family’s grief.
“He shamefully ignores the fact that, as a result of his disregard of gun safety protocols on the set of Rust, Halyna will never be in the arms of her family, laughing and smiling again.”
But what makes the situation even more controversial is the massive payday Baldwin is reportedly receiving.
#TheBaldwins is new TONIGHT at 10/9c. pic.twitter.com/ghZhci7aSl
— TLC Network (@TLC) March 9, 2025
The Baldwins: Baldwin’s $2.4 Million Payday – A Desperate Money Grab?
Radar reports that Alec Baldwin will earn $2.4 million for his role in the eight-episode season. This amount is apart from what his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, and their seven kids make.
“His weeping on camera isn’t fooling anybody,” an insider told RadarOnline. “Obviously, he’s desperate to look like an innocent victim himself.”
Critics believe Baldwin’s motivation isn’t storytelling-it’s survival. His legal fees have been bleeding him dry, and this reality show provides a much-needed financial boost.
The premiere episode, titled Along Came Hilaria, featured Baldwin breaking down just 10 days before his involuntary manslaughter trial. He sobbed as he thanked his wife and kids for their support.
“Honestly, from the bottom of my soul, I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you and these kids going through this.”
Some fans felt sorry for Baldwin. Others thought it was just an act. They wondered if he was really sorry or just acting for the cameras.
The Baldwins: Hilaria Baldwin Defends Alec’s Mental Health Struggles
While Alec Baldwin faces public scrutiny, his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, is standing by his side.
In a recent episode, she revealed that Alec, who was diagnosed with PTSD after the Rust shooting, has been struggling with his mental health.
“Everyone who is close to Alec has seen his mental health decline,” Hilaria said.
She also admitted that Baldwin has questioned why he survived the tragic incident.
“He says in his darkest moments, ‘If an accident had to happen this day, why am I still here? Why couldn’t it have been me?’”
Alec Baldwin himself opened up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety and his inability to ask for help.
“I’ve white-knuckled that steering wheel my whole life. I’ve tried to make the car go where I wanted it to go and taken years off my life in the process. Now, I’d like to stop doing that.”
Hilaria believes this mindset is generational, explaining:
“Alec is a man born in the 1950s, and asking for help is a difficult thing. You’ve got to be a man, you’ve got to be strong. But I think that asking for help is not something that was modeled for him.”
While her comments painted a sympathetic picture, many fans and critics aren’t convinced.
Alec told Hilaria they couldn't get cats because he's allergic—and now they have 4! 😂🐱 #TheBaldwins premieres this Sunday at 10/9c! pic.twitter.com/04Ww1XSJhX
— TLC Network (@TLC) February 21, 2025
The Baldwins: Sympathy or Skepticism?
The public reaction to The Baldwins has been divided. While some fans appreciate Baldwin’s vulnerability, many aren’t buying it.
“This is some of his worst acting ever.” – RadarOnline insider
“If he really cared, he wouldn’t be making money off of it.” – Twitter user
“TLC is really out here giving this man a platform after everything?” – Reddit commenter
Meanwhile, the Hutchins family continues to fight for justice, with legal battles still looming. Baldwin may have dodged criminal charges, but his public trial is far from over.
The Baldwins: What’s Next for Alec Baldwin?
Despite the backlash, Alec Baldwin seems determined to control his narrative through The Baldwins.
Fans and critics will be watching closely as more episodes come out. They’re eager to see the drama and whether Baldwin’s “redemption arc” can win over the public.
But with Halyna Hutchins’ family calling out his lack of accountability, the question remains:
Is Alec Baldwin truly remorseful, or is this just another Hollywood performance?
What do you think? Is Baldwin’s reality show a genuine attempt at healing, or is it a cash grab? Let us know in the comments!
