Alec Baldwin documentary controversy explained as first episode releases for streaming

Viewers are about to get a more in depth look at Alec Baldwin's family life - but like a number of things throughout his career, it is not without controversy.

The American actor, alongside his wife Hilaria, has granted cameras access to follow him and his children for a brand new reality series, The Baldwins. It will show how the pair raise their seven children together, who range from ages of 11 and two years old. Across the episodes, the couple are expected to get more candid in front of the cameras than they ever have before.

Baldwin has been a prominent figure in Hollywood since breaking into the industry with his first role on soap The Doctors in 1980. He has gone on to have memorable roles in films like Glengarry Glen Ross and TV shows 30 Rock for which he won two Emmys. However, there are those who believe this latest career move is a bad one, coming so soon after the tragic incidents that unfolded on the set of the movie, Rust.

Episodes for the series which is being broadcast on the TLC network in the US and on Discovery+ in the UK, were filmed ahead of Baldwin's manslaughter trial following the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust four years ago.

Hutchins, 42, was shot on the set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in October 2021 with a gun that Baldwin was holding. The 66-year-old pleaded not guilty and always proclaimed he never pulled the trigger on the Colt 45 that fired the live bullet. He was cleared of involuntary manslaughter charges in July last year. According to People, the cameras began rolling in the weeks before Alec was tried in New Mexico.

The couple have spoken to the publication about why they chose to take part in such a series. Hilaria said: "It felt authentic, it felt human. It felt very empowering Telling your story is one thing, and showing your story is something else. It was an opportunity for us to actually speak. It was a really safe space. And I think it was also very cathartic, almost like a diary, during a very unsure time of our life. That felt both terrifying and like it could get us through day by day.”

Alec alluded to the fact that he chose to take part in that it was a way of working while still spending time with his family. He said: "We did the show because it’s in place of doing a movie or a play. Now I think to myself, ‘Am I going to be away from my kids five nights out of the week until 11 o’clock at night?’ For me, work-related things really aren’t that critical anymore. I thought, ‘I get to spend time with my family.’"

But still there are some who remain unconvinced. There are several comments from people posted on the YouTube video of the trailer for The Baldwins, who bring up the bigger situation surrounding the series.

One person posted: "This show is a huge slap in the face to the family of the woman who died...as her husband tries to parent through his tragedy ALONE. I've always been an Alec Baldwin fan but this show is in extreme poor taste."

Another added: "This has the feel of damage control." While a third person was unsure of the whole premise as they replied: "Why? Plenty of people are part of big, busy families. Why is this one special?" (sic)

The Baldwins is streaming weekly on Discovery+.