After several rounds of controversy, the first trailer for that Netflix reality show set in Byron Bay is here and it’s quite something.
Ever since it was announced, Byron Baes has been plagued by criticism but when Netflix wants something, it usually gets it. The reality show is set to debut on the streaming platform on Wednesday, March 9th, and to get people excited, they’ve dropped the official trailer.
The show’s tagline gives you an idea of what to expect from Byron Baes: “Meet this clique of trendy-hustlers, musicians, designers, spiritual healers, and artists who help each other grow their businesses, connections, and social followings. We go on separate journeys with newcomers, Jade and Sarah, as they move from the Gold Coast to ‘make it’ in Byron Bay – the Instagrammable epicenter of Australia’s counterculture.”
The cast includes a former Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise contestant, an assistant to Kyle Sandilands, and some very Byron Bay-esque musicians. There’s also someone who calls themselves a spiritual coach/fire performer, as well as a few Instagram influencers; the “reality” of this reality TV show seems like a misnomer.
The trailer opens with some admittedly beautiful shots of the area. “Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful places in this world,” a cast member informs us. “We’re all hustling to make a go of it,” another one later insists.
The trailer then seems to intimate that this motley crew are all friends, or at least know each other a little. “We’re a tight-knit group,” someone says. “Breaking into our crew can be tough.”
After some “beefs” are discussed and tears are shared, another cast member bemoans, “this isn’t what Byron is about.” You got that right, buddy.
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Perhaps the best moment of the trailer arrives when a cast member asks, “are you allowed to drink while you sound heal?” It’s a very good question, mate. A very good question.
Live wild, hustle hard, the trailer implores, although it looks like these people are living as “wild” as a Real Housewife on a private jet on their way to California wine country for the weekend.
You can see why members of the community, including the owners of Byron institutions the Byron Bay General Store and No Bones restaurant, hosted an emergency meeting in an attempt to combat the series from filming last year. Even Byron shire mayor, Simon Richardson, appealed to the council, asking it to oppose the production.
“We’ve almost got a Truman Show-type portrayal of who we are where everything is quite idyllic and superficial, where out the back it’s an empty parking lot,” Cr Richardson said.“We’ve got a community that is in real stress, we’ve got a community that has real life issues dealing with housing, work, affordability.”
When even Instagram influencers are coming out against the show, you know there are some issues. Anyone fancy a trip to the West Coast instead?
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Check out the trailer for Byron Baes:
