For years, Alix and Ashtin Earle have invited millions of followers into their lives through candid social media posts. But when cameras rolled for their new Netflix reality series “Earle Meets World,” the sisters found themselves confronting a family history so painful that they admit it nearly tore their family apart.
The eight-episode series, now streaming on Netflix, follows the TikTok sensations as they navigate careers, relationships, and the complex dynamics of their large blended family. But at the heart of the show lies a difficult story the family had never fully addressed on camera before: the highly publicized affair between their father, TJ Earle, and their now-stepmother, Ashley Dupré, which led to the end of their parents’ marriage nearly 20 years ago.
Alix Earle, 25, and Ashtin Earle, 23, say the experience of filming forced them to revisit those painful memories in ways they hadn’t anticipated — and at one point, they feared the show would destroy the family they had worked so hard to rebuild.
Quick Facts Box
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reality Series | Earle Meets World |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Main Figures | Alix Earle, Ashtin Earle |
| Focus | Family, relationships, personal lives |
| Current Status | Streaming |
| Article Focus | Confronting the family’s past |
Spoiler Warning
This article discusses storylines and family history addressed in “Earle Meets World,” now streaming on Netflix.
Who Are Alix and Ashtin Earle?
Alix Earle rose to fame in 2022 while studying marketing at the University of Miami, posting candid “Get Ready With Me” videos on TikTok that resonated with millions for their unfiltered authenticity. She now has over 13 million followers across TikTok and Instagram and has been credited with the “Alix Earle effect” — the phenomenon of products selling out after she mentions them.
Her younger sister Ashtin, 23, has also built a substantial following, with over 1.9 million followers across platforms, sharing her own content with a darker, more mysterious aesthetic described as “black cat energy, vintage fashion, and a touch of witchy.” The sisters are incredibly close, with Ashtin describing Alix as her “best friend” and “spiritual guide.”
Now, both sisters are at the center of their own Netflix reality series, giving fans an even deeper look into their lives.
What Is Earle Meets World About?
“Earle Meets World” premiered on Netflix on September 4, 2026, offering an unfiltered look at Alix Earle’s life during a pivotal moment of transition. The series follows Alix as she navigates the aftermath of her breakup with NFL player Braxton Berrios, prepares to launch her skincare brand Reale Actives, and reflects on her second-place finish on Dancing with the Stars.
But the show is also about family. “The goal is not to be someone different on camera. It’s to show more of who I already am and who my family really is. The fun, the messy, the growth, while capturing the way we help each other through it all,” Alix told Netflix’s Tudum.
Several episodes focus on Ashtin’s career uncertainty, as she considers whether to pivot toward modeling and the fashion world. The series also explores the Earle family’s complex blended dynamics, including their ability — or inability — to communicate openly about the past.
The Family History at the Center of the Show
Alix and Ashtin Earle grew up in New Jersey as the daughters of Thomas “TJ” Earle and Alisa Maniaci. But their childhood took a dramatic turn in 2008, when TJ’s affair with Ashley Dupré became public.
Before her relationship with TJ, Ashley had been at the center of a national scandal. That year, she was identified as the escort former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer had hired, leading to his resignation. The publicity surrounding that scandal was then compounded when news broke of her affair with TJ, who was still married to Alisa.
Alix, who was around 7 years old at the time, remembers the moment vividly. “Paparazzi had shown up at my house and my mom quickly got me and my sister out of the house [and] over to my cousins. I didn’t know they were paparazzi,” she recalled in a 2023 interview. “It felt like my world crashed down in that moment.”
TJ and Ashley married in 2013 and have three children together: Izabel, 13, Penelope, 11, and Thomas, 9. Alisa has since moved on and is in a relationship with Todd, who also appears in the series.
How Ashley Dupré Became Part of the Earle Family
The sisters have been open about their initial resistance to Ashley joining their family. In a 2024 episode of Alix’s podcast Hot Mess, the Earle sisters admitted they once pulled pranks on her, like filling her shoes with toothpaste and serving her a chocolate-covered garlic clove disguised as a chocolate-covered strawberry.
“We were little kids, and we didn’t wanna meet anyone. Like, I didn’t want my dad to ever be with anyone else ever,” Alix said.
But over time, that dynamic shifted. “These are things we laugh about now. Ashley’s like our sister,” Alix said. Today, Ashley is an integral part of the family. “She’s like another sister to us,” Alix told Netflix’s Tudum, adding that the sisters often raid her closet when they’re home in New Jersey.
In the series, both TJ and Ashley speak directly about the affair and its consequences. “I’m very disappointed that I didn’t handle myself better, as a person, as a man, and that I let so many people down to get to this point,” TJ said. Ashley added, “We had an affair, and it was not the right thing to do. It definitely wasn’t fair to Alisa. But then again, you can’t go back and say, ‘Well if this happened or that happened,’ we wouldn’t have what we have now — three amazing kids. I have two amazing step-kids, and I can’t go back and say, ‘What if things were different?'”
Alix and Ashtin Earle Open Up About Filming the Family Story
Alix and Ashtin Earle had previously touched on their family history in podcasts and interviews. But filming “Earle Meets World” meant addressing those sensitive topics on camera — with everyone in the same room.
Alix told PEOPLE that addressing those sensitive parts of their past gave them the opportunity to show the world what really happened from their point of view. “It feels good, even though it is scary letting people in a sense. But I think our family’s done such a good job of coming together and really being like, ‘This is our story, this is who we are. We are not perfect all the time, but this is our reality,'” she explained.
She added that everyone had to be on the same page for the process to work. “We definitely all had to be on the same page going into this process or it wouldn’t have gone great.” Alix highlighted the family’s progress: “We’ve done a really good job to get our family to the place it’s in where we are all able to have a family dinner together, travel together, be together and just show up for one another.”
‘Nearly Tore Us Apart’
Despite the family’s current closeness, filming was not easy. Ashtin admitted that there was a point during production when tensions were so high that she feared the show would destroy their relationships.
“I think there was a point halfway through the season when we were filming, [and] we were like, ‘This is going to tear our family apart,'” Ashtin said. “But we came out on the other end of it so much stronger.”
The sisters’ willingness to show the uncomfortable moments — the arguments, the tears, the unresolved tension — is what ultimately allowed the family to heal. By forcing difficult conversations into the open, the cameras created a kind of accountability that might not have existed otherwise.
Alix described the experience as “quite therapeutic,” noting that being able to voice her feelings and “say it out loud” helped her process the emotions she was going through, both in her personal life and within the family.
Why the Sisters Compared the Experience to Family Therapy
The Earle sisters have characterized the filming process as therapeutic, and in many ways, it functioned like family therapy with cameras rolling. Cameras created a sense of accountability; difficult conversations had to happen; unresolved tensions were addressed; and family members had to communicate openly — even when it was uncomfortable.
Alix opened up about how much of her own emotional journey was captured. “I went through so many emotions throughout the four or five months we were filming,” she said. “I didn’t know I was capable of crying that much.”
While reality television is no substitute for professional therapy, the series forced the Earles to confront issues they had kept private for years. The result, the sisters say, was a stronger, more honest family dynamic.
What Alix Earle Was Going Through During Filming
In addition to the family drama, Alix Earle was navigating a major personal transition while cameras rolled. She had recently finished second on Dancing with the Stars and was in the early stages of launching her skincare brand, Reale Actives. She was also processing a very public breakup with NFL player Braxton Berrios, whom she had dated for nearly three years.
Berrios, 30, had been a constant presence in her life and content, and his absence from the show was notable. Alix admitted she was “freshly single — and admittedly fragile” at the time of filming. The show captures her navigating that emotional period while continuing to build her career and maintain her public persona.
What Ashtin Earle Was Figuring Out
Ashtin Earle’s storyline in the series centers on a different kind of uncertainty. Several episodes see her questioning the future of her career on social media and exploring whether she wants to pivot toward modeling and the fashion world.
Ashtin has described herself as more private than her sister, making filming the show “more challenging” for her. She also made efforts to step out of her comfort zone by going on several dates throughout the series — though she later announced she was “done” with dating, saying, “Everyone’s a freak and a weirdo and a creep.”
Despite her reservations about the spotlight, Ashtin has embraced the opportunity to share her perspective alongside her sister.
How the Earle Family Says Their Relationships Changed
The sisters have said that the experience ultimately brought them closer — to each other, their parents, and the wider blended family. Alix and Ashtin have acknowledged that the process forced them to communicate more openly than they might have otherwise.
Addressing those more sensitive parts of their past gave them the chance to show the world what really happened from their point of view, and the vulnerability required for that was a key part of the healing process. As Alix told PEOPLE, “We’ve done a really good job to get our family to the place it’s in where we are all able to have a family dinner together, travel together, be together and just show up for one another.”
Why This Story Matters
“Earle Meets World” is more than just a celebrity reality show. At its core, it’s a story about a family learning to navigate complicated dynamics in the public eye — and finding a way to move forward together.
The Earle family’s experience reflects broader themes that resonate with many viewers: divorce and remarriage, blended family dynamics, public scrutiny, and the challenge of rebuilding relationships after betrayal. Alix Earle herself noted that her family’s story can feel both unique and universal: “We’re a fun, modern family, and people either think we’re insane or they’re like, ‘Wait, this is exactly like my life’ — and honestly, both are true.”
Growing Up With a Family Story in the Public Eye
The Earle family has experienced public scrutiny in ways few families could imagine. From paparazzi outside their home when Alix was in elementary school to tabloid coverage of her father’s affair and stepmother’s past, their family history has been documented and dissected for nearly two decades.
For Alix and Ashtin, growing up with that background shaped their approach to fame and privacy. By the time they became public figures themselves, they were already familiar with the pressures of media attention.
Alix said the experience of filming “Earle Meets World” gave them the chance to tell their story on their own terms. “It feels good, even though it is scary letting people in.”
Inside Alix and Ashtin Earle’s Sisterly Bond
Throughout the series, Alix and Ashtin’s relationship is a central focus. The sisters have described each other as best friends and have relied on each other since childhood, especially after their parents’ separation. “Because my parents separated when we were younger, we just learned to rely on each other whenever there is an issue,” Alix said in the series.
They’ve also been brutally honest about each other in interviews. Ashtin described Alix as “the blonde bombshell who is just an icon” but also “a mess.” Alix called Ashtin “the most stylish member of the Earle family” and added, “She’s also a wicked witch.”
That honesty extends to their relationship with their family. The sisters told InStyle that they’ve seen each other through some of their hardest moments, including Alix’s relationship anxiety and Ashtin’s struggles with their family’s past.
5 Things to Know About Alix and Ashtin Earle’s Family Story
- The family’s complicated past is at the center of “Earle Meets World”: The series addresses TJ Earle’s affair with Ashley Dupré and the end of his marriage to Alisa Maniaci.
- Filming was emotionally difficult: Alix and Ashtin Earle have admitted that the experience of filming the show nearly tore their family apart.
- The sisters ultimately grew closer: Despite the challenges, Alix and Ashtin Earle have said the experience forced necessary conversations and brought the family closer.
- The family feels ready to tell their story: Alix Earle has said that filming the series gave the family an opportunity to share their own perspective on their history.
- Privacy for younger siblings remains a priority: The three younger half-siblings — Izabel, Penelope, and Thomas — appear in the series, but the family has expressed concern about their privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Alix and Ashtin Earle?
Alix and Ashtin Earle are TikTok influencers and sisters who star in the Netflix reality series “Earle Meets World.” Alix is known for her candid “Get Ready With Me” videos and has over 13 million followers, while Ashtin has over 1.9 million followers.
What is Earle Meets World?
“Earle Meets World” is a Netflix reality series following Alix Earle, her family, and her friends as they navigate careers, relationships, and family dynamics. The eight-episode season premiered on September 4, 2026.
Where can you watch Earle Meets World?
All eight episodes of “Earle Meets World” are available to stream on Netflix.
How many episodes of Earle Meets World are there?
The first season of “Earle Meets World” consists of eight episodes.
What family history does Earle Meets World discuss?
The series addresses the affair between TJ Earle and Ashley Dupré, which led to the end of his marriage to Alisa Maniaci, and the public scandal involving Dupré and former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer.
Who is Ashley Dupré?
Ashley Dupré is Alix and Ashtin Earle’s stepmother. In 2008, she was identified as the escort involved in the scandal that led to New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s resignation. She later married TJ Earle after his affair with her ended his first marriage.
Why did filming Earle Meets World become difficult for the family?
Ashtin Earle admitted that halfway through filming, the family feared the show would “tear our family apart” due to the emotional intensity of revisiting past conflicts.
Did Alix and Ashtin Earle say filming brought the family closer?
Yes, the sisters have said that despite the challenges, the experience of filming ultimately forced them to address unresolved issues and brought the family closer together.
What is Alix Earle’s role in Earle Meets World?
Alix Earle is the central figure in the series. The show follows her career, her breakup with NFL player Braxton Berrios, her skincare brand launch, and her relationships with family and friends.
Is Earle Meets World available to stream now?
Yes, all eight episodes of “Earle Meets World” are currently available to stream on Netflix.