Byron Baes

TV review by Stephanie Snyder, Common Sense Media
Byron Baes

Common Sense says

age 15+

Drama, dating, drinking are reality in this shallow show.

Netflix Reality TV 2022
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Byron Baes is a series that follows a group of young creatives and influencers navigating dating, business, and social media stardom in an earthy, hippie-inspired area of Australia. In true reality TV form, there's no shortage of shallow, scripted drama and stereotypical characters including the fashion designer, the spiritual personality, the party guy, the struggling musician, the drama queen, etc. Characters drink alcohol at nearly every event, and their midriffs, chests and other body parts are often on display. The show sparked controversy when Byron Bay locals heard about Netflix's plan to film a "docu-soap" about influencers. Residents didn't want the show, whose cast is mostly made up of people not actually from Byron, to cast a negative light on the town, or conversely, to drive a host of new residents to the area.

Community Reviews

kpreviews
kpreviews Adult
March 15, 2022
age 16+

Jellyfish have more to offer

This is, quite honestly, the most horrific trash I’ve ever had the displeasure of watching. Self indulgent idiots parading around on nothing by vacuous fumes. Do yourself a favour and take the closest fork in the kitchen draw and stab it in your eye - it’ll be more bearable than an episode of this.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
1 person found this helpful.
Tamii.Will
Tamii.Will Adult
March 29, 2022
age 16+

Made in Chelsea meets Byron

This show is very bingeworthy. It’s a guilty pleasure.You have the mean girls who are cliquey and quite unfriendly. And a girl from out of town who has to navigate while the girls find any reason not to like her. We love a catty group of dramatic girls and you find yourself wanting the outsider, Sarah to be accepted. The guys in the show are more open and accepting if others. The two gays of the show are at war due to someone possibly buying followers which is just so hilarious. It’s full of stereotypical mullets, surfing, trendy swagger to the show. Mean girl Elle has a boyfriend, Stav and a housemate called Nathan. It’s edited to seem that Elle wants to be with Nathan but it gets overlooked once the new girl in town Sarah gains his attention. Elle plays a wicked villain especially when you see her pose for a mermaid statue of her self it’s she gives me beautiful version of Ursula (Little mermaid) vibes. Very high school but I do enjoy trashy tv! No good message for kids that you don’t tell them yourself. It’s quite toxic! It’s quite pretentious but that’s why you love it! It’s a laugh for adults for sure!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BYRON BAES has been dubbed a "docu-soap" featuring a group of young creatives -- influencers, artists, and fashion designers - who balance their businesses, love lives, and all of the drama that reality TV has to offer. Set in the beautiful town of Byron Bay, Australia, the cast members attend exclusive events and unwind at extravagant homes. As they document what life is like for their friend-group (or enemy-group, depending on the day), viewers will tune in to see which romantic couples make it, which newcomers will be accepted in the group, and who will still be friends in the end.

Is It Any Good?

This attempt at social commentary about social media falls flat. In Byron Baes, the creators seem to want to show the conflict between online portrayals and real life, but instead present a totally typical reality TV series. There was a real opportunity to showcase the world of influencers from the vantage point of entrepreneurship and to inspire others to take the role seriously as a career option. Instead, Byron Baes highlights all that is frivolous about social media feeds, filters, and followers.

Nonetheless, viewers whose guilty pleasures include reality TV will be drawn to the sprawling cast, stunning images of Byron Bay, and bingeable first season of eight episodes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the impact of reality TV shows like Byron Baes. Why is reality TV captivating for audiences? Do reality shows have a responsibility to promote positive messages and images? Do you think any reality shows do this?

  • Residents of Byron Bay were worried that their town would be portrayed in a negative light. What do you think about the town of Byron Bay after watching this show? Is it a place you'd like to visit? Is it a place you'd like to live?

TV Details

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