Byron Bay locals react to Netflix Byron Baes 2022 second season rumours

They called the first season embarrassing, cringe and insulting, now Byron locals are worried Netflix is doubling down for a rumoured second season. Here’s why.

The first season of Netflix’s reality show ‘Byron Baes’ was surrounded by controversy and now locals are putting the foot on the gas against a possible renewal of the show.

Byron Bay locals labelled the first season cringe, insulting - even uncomfortable - because of what they believe was an inaccurate representation of Byron Bay.

The program saw Netflix follow the lives of 13 influencers and glamorous personalities in the Northern NSW beachside town.

The show focused on the expensive and illustrious lifestyle of its characters but locals say they neglected the true psyche of Byron.

While the show hasn’t yet been renewed for a second season, Audrey Lohr, who was born and bred in the area said the show doubled down on a stereotype of the Byron character.

Audrey Lohr wasn't a fan of the first season of Netflix series 'Byron Baes' and says it “over exaggerated” the lifestyle of Byron Bay Picture: Nicholas Rupolo.

She fears that if they push through with a second season it will cement that stereotype across Australia.

“I thought it wasn’t realistic at all,” she said.

“It felt like it was kind of insulting Byron and the stereotypes of what they think Byron is about but it’s not like that at all.”

Ms Lohr believes the show neglected the fact Byron is a community of many different cultures that is very family-friendly.

She said it was dramatic and over exaggerated and believes a second season would be a waste of time.

“I feel like people would only watch it because it is kind of funny,” she said.

“This is not what Byron is actually like.”

Most locals either have a negative feeling about Netflix pushing forward with another season or are indifferent to it.

Amanda Hasson is originally from Brazil but has been living in Byron for almost ten years.

She watched the entire series and said the gossiping and drama drew her in.

However she wouldn’t be impressed if a Byron Baes sequel omitted the true challenges that face regular people not just in Byron but in the region.

“I would like to see the reality that there is a housing crisis here and many people have nowhere to live,” she said.

“I would like to see the truth and the real Byron with the community being generous and working together like when I first got here.”

Mrs Hasson admits however that if a second season of Byron Baes was released that she would most likely view it.

Richard Molano, a business owner in Byron, is the complete opposite.

Richard Molano says he was uncomfortable watching the first season of the Netflix series 'Byron Baes' Picture: Nicholas Rupolo.

He says he could barely sit through two episodes of the show before switching it off, saying it made him feel uncomfortable about how Byron Bay was portrayed.

When asked about a potential second season he was resolute in his response.

“Each to their own, but I won’t be watching,” he said.

Netflix declined to comment when asked if ‘Byron Baes’ was set to be renewed and if they would consult the community should they choose to film another season.