Netflix has released "Earle Meets World," an eight-episode reality series chronicling the lives of social media star Alix Earle and her family. The show offers viewers a glimpse into their personal dynamics, challenges, and Alix's journey as a prominent influencer.
The series opens with a montage teasing the content to come, where Alix describes her rise to TikTok stardom and hints that her life is not always as picture-perfect as it appears online. "Earle Meets World" picks up two months after Alix's breakup with NFL wide receiver Braxton Berrios, a relationship she describes as her "first actual real love." She confesses that Berrios, who is five years her senior, being ready for marriage in the near future caused her significant stress.
Alix leans on her best friend since high school, Sally Carden, for support as she moves her belongings out of Berrios's apartment. Despite Carden's comfort, Alix finds herself turning to TikTok late at night, sharing her emotions and connecting with others who are experiencing similar feelings.
Family Dynamics and Concerns
During a FaceTime call, Alix connects with her younger sister, Ashtin, who is in Paris. Alix, who is preparing to visit Ashtin for Paris Fashion Week, describes Ashtin as her "sister," "best friend," and "spirit guide." Ashtin expresses concern over Alix's emotional TikTok posts. The sisters eventually share time together in Paris.
Alix and Ashtin's father, Thomas "TJ" Earle, who also manages both his daughters' careers, notices Alix's distress through her social media activity. He shares his observations with his wife, Ashley, noting the volume of comments on Alix's posts. TJ and Ashley are raising three younger children: Izabel, 13; Penelope, 12; and Thomas, 9, along with several pets at their New Jersey home. Izabel has also begun creating content on TikTok, a development Ashley is contemplating.
The series also introduces viewers to Alix and Ashtin's mother, Alisa, via FaceTime. Alisa, who is in remission from breast cancer and carries the BRCA gene, is described by Alix as a combination of "mom, best friend, and sister." The show visits the Earle family home in New Jersey, touching upon Ashley's adjustment to the family dynamic. An Earle family outing is depicted, including Alisa and her boyfriend, Todd, along with all the children and TJ and Ashley.
Past and Present Relationships
Comparisons have been drawn to "The Kardashians" in terms of its family-centered reality television format. The Earle family appears to adapt naturally to the reality TV medium, with even the youngest members contributing memorable lines. The notes indicate that the Earles have been in the public eye for some time, stemming from TJ Earle's affair with Ashley while he was still married to Alisa. Ashley had previously been in the news as an escort in connection with a scandal involving former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. Despite past complexities, the family has established what is described as an authentically loving, though unconventional, dynamic.
The debut episode also touches upon Alix's past association with the "Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper and her network, the Unwell Network. Cooper had previously posted a TikTok questioning the "beef" between them and emphasizing that no non-disclosure agreement prevented Alix from speaking publicly.
Media and Relationships
The series concludes by highlighting Alix's brief connection with Tom Brady. A viral video of them together in St. Barths is shown to Sally, TJ, and Ashtin in separate segments. Following headlines from various media outlets and social media reactions, Alix shares her perspective on dating, stating, "I don’t think I necessarily have a type. It’s just always personality… and then maybe athletes."