Mark Wahlberg’s Reality Show: A Vanity Project on Steroids (2024)

I cannot tell you the precise moment when Wahl Street, HBO Max’s new Mark Wahlberg reality show, broke my brain—but I’m pretty sure my soul left my body right around when someone sincerely uttered the words, “We’re elevating the henley.”

HBO Max’s new reality series zeroes in on Wahlberg’s many, many business pursuits—and, although this was not the intention when filming began, it documents all of these enterprises grinding to a halt due to COVID-19. But Wahl Street, produced by one of Wahlberg’s own companies, Unrealistic Ideas, is too close to its subject to offer any insight beyond what he wants viewers to see. (Obviously, the series makes no mention of the racist assaults Wahlberg committed as a teen, for which he apologized in a 2014 court filing seeking a pardon.)

Instead, six half-hour episodes feed viewers a cherry-picked narrative that seems to serve little purpose beyond stroking Wahlberg’s ego and convincing all of us that somehow his businesses—which include a fussy water company and a fitness supplement line—are, as he put it at one point, “chang[ing] people’s lives for the better.”

    Wahl Street seems determined to sell us all on the idea of Mark Wahlberg: Entrepreneur, but mostly it just reveals that perhaps the indefatigable Bostonian at its center really could use a nap. In addition to his prolific career as an actor, Wahlberg is invested in eight businesses: Closest to the Hole Productions (a studio whose slate includes Boardwalk Empire and Lone Survivor); fitness water company (I know) AQUAhydrate; fitness supplement line Performance Inspired; gym franchise F45; clothing line Municipal (responsible for elevating henley shirts as we know them, apparently); Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group; fast-casual chain Wahlburgers; and the unscripted production shingle Unrealistic Ideas. Wahlberg also mulls over investing in another venture: convenience store chain Green Zebra.

    Throughout the series we see the former frontman of the Funky Bunch flying across the world, taking meetings for various businesses on set, and, once the pandemic hits, sinking into that oh-so-familiar Zoom vortex. We see him working out a lot, in scenes that reveal Wahlberg is definitely that guy who won’t stop grunting loudly at the gym. And in slower moments, the actor coaches his kids on entrepreneurship and relaxes as his daughter paints his nails. (He also has an ongoing beef with the family dog, Champ, who just can’t stop defecating in inappropriate places.)

    But much like Wahlberg’s portfolio amid the pandemic, this series is a mess.

    The one thing Wahl Street seems to want us to understand is that Wahlberg is good at business—or at least, that he’s on the right track. A Greek Orthodox priest and hedge fund manager the actor befriended notes with awe that the actor read all 10 books he recommended to him, and episodes often punctuate various meetings Wahlberg has taken with talking-head interviews in which business titans including former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, UFC President Dana White, and FUBU founder Daymond John gush about a business fundamental that Wahlberg just demonstrated. Unfortunately, their advice is often so condescending that it borders on actually insulting.

    A sample: “Here’s something I think a lot of people don’t get,” ActOne Group founder Janice Bryant Howroyd says. “Success is transferrable. You can be highly successful in one industry and transfer it to a different industry, as long as you’re willing to put the work in and honor what you don’t know.”

    In other words: If you can make a lot of money in one business, you can invest it in another, and probably find someone to help check your work. Groundbreaking!

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    In other moments, however, Wahl Street seems determined to paint Wahlberg as a confused underdog. The series adopts a strange gambit of rolling clips from Wahlberg’s film catalogue—particularly older action roles—to act as something like a running commentary slash interior monologue. Often, these play as Wahlberg sits in a mind-numbing meeting or faces a major business obstacle; they depict the actor in peril, overwhelmed by something he cannot understand or control.

    Often, these play as Wahlberg sits in a mind-numbing meeting or faces a major business obstacle; they depict the actor in peril, overwhelmed by something he cannot understand or control.

    As the episodes wear on, the clips feel less and less related to what’s actually transpiring—but even from the beginning, it’s a clunky device that serves basically no purpose.

    Wahl Street also declines to grant viewers a comprehensive profile of Wahlberg’s many business investments. As eager as I was to learn more about the fitness water company, for example, we never hear about it again after the first mention. The series is similarly uninterested in providing any specific figures—which makes the stakes of the entire production somewhat difficult to grasp.

    “You know why this show is gonna be such a hit?” Wahlberg says in the finale, as he grasps the havoc COVID-19 has wreaked on his businesses and the series meant to capture them. “’Cause it’s a f*cking sh*tshow. It’s f*cking disastrous. I mean, holy sh*t. People are gonna love watching me just f*cking implode.”

    The moment is meant to drive home how severe the toll on Wahlberg and his portfolio has been. But at the end of the day, we all know Wahlberg won’t implode; come what may, he and his family will probably be fine financially.

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    The real trouble with Wahl Street is that it has almost nothing to say about Mark Wahlberg or about business that we haven’t heard before. It’s a drooling love letter to the idea of “rise and grind” that, after a year of COVID-induced burnout, feels out of touch. And if it taught me anything, it’s simply that Mark Wahlberg and his many interconnected investments exist for little reason beyond pitching us all more Mark Wahlberg.

    Mark Wahlberg’s Reality Show: A Vanity Project on Steroids (2024)

    FAQs

    Is Mark Wahlberg a billionaire? ›

    As of March 2023, Mark Wahlberg's net worth is $400 Million, and he's one of the richest actors in the world. Mark is an American actor, producer, businessman, former model, and former rapper. He went from a gang member, and drug dealer; to a famous, well-known actor.

    What does Mark Wahlberg invest in? ›

    His hamburger chain, Wahlburgers, now has more than 50 establishments. He also has a sneaker line, a reality show, a podcast, stakes in Chevrolet dealerships, the Aquahydrate bottled water company, countless investments in supplements for athletes… and, like many of his fellow actors, a tequila brand.

    Where can I watch the Mark Wahlberg documentary? ›

    Wahl Street (2021 - 2023)

    Wahl Street featuring Mark Wahlberg has one or more episodes streaming on HBO MAX. It's a biography and documentary show with 16 episodes over 2 seasons.

    Who is richer Matt Damon or Mark Wahlberg? ›

    Mark Wahlberg (No. 10, $32 million), Matt Damon (No. 20, $25 million), and Ben Affleck (No. 22, tied with Liam Neeson, $19.5 million) unsurprisingly topped the list as well.

    Who is richer Donnie Wahlberg or Mark Wahlberg? ›

    As has been previously written, Mark Wahlberg has a net worth of $400 million. His older brother Donnie Wahlberg, who was extremely instrumental in Mark's early career, has a net worth of $25 million.

    How many dealerships does Mark Wahlberg own? ›

    Three Wahlberg dealerships now are Chevrolet-branded, with a GMC/Buick dealership and an Airstream and RV dealership also in the mix. So why the Chevrolet brand?

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    Dwayne Johnson, the wrestler turned actor formerly known as the Rock, has again topped Forbes's list of the highest-paid actors having made an estimated $87.5m (£67m) in the fiscal year ending June 2020. Next on the list were Ryan Reynolds and Mark Wahlberg, with $71.5m and $58m respectively.

    Why does Mark Wahlberg own car dealerships in Ohio? ›

    "I love cars and the chance to work with an experienced, proven dealer-operator like Jay and represent an iconic brand like Chevrolet inspired me to get involved."Wahlberg owns a variety of car dealerships across Ohio, including Chevrolet locations in Columbus and Worthington, and Buick GMC in Columbus.

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    Netflix has a bountiful of great documentaries that cover a diverse range of subjects, from true crime to sports to even filmmaking.

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    Does Mark Wahlberg own a jet? ›

    My business jet is really my personal 21st century transporter that takes me directly to locations anywhere in the world,” Mark said.

    Does Mark Wahlberg like Jenny McCarthy? ›

    “She's made a career out of being brassy and talkative and oversharing details about her personal life. It rubs them the wrong way and they don't see her as one of them.”

    Did Mark Wahlberg attend Donnie Wahlberg's wedding? ›

    'Blue Bloods' Star Donnie Wahlberg's Brother Mark Didn't Attend His Wedding to Jenny McCarthy: Here's Why. Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy tied the knot on August 31st, 2014.

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    Here's a look at Mark Wahlberg's $79.5 million L.A. compound.

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    Affleck's net worth is very close to that of his long-time friend. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he is worth an estimated $150 million in 2020. This is up from $130 million in 2019. Meanwhile, Damon's estimated net worth is $170 million.

    Has Jamie Foxx net worth? ›

    As of January 2023, Jamie Foxx's net worth is estimated to be $170 Million. What is this? Eric Marlon Bishop, known by his stage name Jamie Foxx, is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian from Texas. Foxx gained recognition when he started his career as a comedian in 1989.

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    Wahlberg and his wife picked up the land for around $8.25 million in 2009 and proceeded to build the 30,500-square-foot mansion that sits there today. This particular Richard Landry interpretation (Landry designed the Tom Brady and Giselle Bündchen mansion now owned by Dr.

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    However, despite their rocky start, Wahlberg took to Instagram on Thursday to reminisce about his friendship with DiCaprio, sharing an ET clip from our 1994 visit to the movie's set. "Are we friends? Yeah, we're friends.

    What did Mark Wahlberg pay for his mansion? ›

    Mark Wahlberg has sold his Beverly Hills home for $55 million. 30,500-sq-ft • 12 beds & 20 baths The backyard has a pool, skate park, tennis/basketball court & a 5-hole golf course. Wahlberg bought the property for $8.25 million in 2009 and completed construction in 2014.

    Who owns most of Wahlburgers? ›

    Wahlburgers (stylized as wahlburgers), is a casual dining burger restaurant and bar chain. It is owned by chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actors Donnie and Mark. As of January 2021, there are 49 Wahlburgers locations in the United States, two in Canada and one in Germany.

    Who is the richest dealership? ›

    1. Bill Gates. Company: AutoNation Inc. Gates may not be the first person you would expect to see on a list of automotive wealth, but his share of car dealer AutoNation contributes to his overall fortune, most of which comes from Microsoft Corp.

    Who owns the largest car dealership in America? ›

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    • Net Worth- $950 million.
    • Date of Birth- 29th April 1954.
    • Age- 67 Years.
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    • Best Movies- It Could Happen to You, The Hangover, Dumb and Dumber, and many more.
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    1. Tom Cruise – US$100 million.

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    Wahlburgers is the burger and drinks restaurant chain owned by actors and brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, along with chef Paul. The spot is known for their blend of angus beef, along with salads, sides, and frappes.

    Who owns the largest private car collection? ›

    The car collection of the 29th Sultan of Brunei is the largest private car collection in the world, consisting of approximately 7,000 cars, which have an estimated combined value over US$5 billion.

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    What jet Does Donald Trump own? ›

    The Boeing 757-200 is registered in the United States as N757AF and was built in 1991. It was originally delivered to Denmark's Sterling Airlines and by 1993 was operated by Mexico's TAESA. In 1995, it became a corporate jet for Paul Allen's enterprises. Trump's DJT Operations I LLC bought the plane in 2011.

    Does Tom Cruise own any jets? ›

    He also reportedly owns a Gulfstream IV G4 jet, which is more for his business and personal use. This jet is said to cost around US$20 million and can transport up to 19 people.

    Does Tom Cruise own a jet? ›

    Along with the P-51 Mustang, the actor also owns a Gulfstream IV jet valued at $20 million, which includes a Jacuzzi and a screening room. The commitment to realism has been a common theme in every Tom Cruise movie. Interestingly, Top Gun: Maverick isn't the only time he has piloted an aircraft on camera.

    Why wasn't Mark at Donnie's wedding? ›

    Mark Wahlberg missed his brother Donnie Wahlberg's wedding to Jenny McCarthy on Sunday, Aug. 31 — but not because he didn't want to be there. As the Ted actor explained in a video posted to Facebook, he couldn't attend because of his daughter's birthday.

    Do Mark Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg get along? ›

    “Obviously we're brothers and partners in business and our relationship is fine, but it's different,” he said.

    Who was the love of Donnie Wahlberg's life? ›

    The actor has been married to The Masked Singer's Jenny McCarthy since 2014. February 03, 2023 - 11:36 GMT Megan Bull. Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy are officially couple goals!

    Who has more money Donnie or Mark Wahlberg? ›

    As has been previously written, Mark Wahlberg has a net worth of $400 million. His older brother Donnie Wahlberg, who was extremely instrumental in Mark's early career, has a net worth of $25 million.

    What did Alma Wahlberg pass away from? ›

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    Wahlberg Family Net Worth: $283 million

    The Wahlberg clan recently scored television success with A&E's “Wahlburgers,” but brothers Mark and Donnie have been making money together for decades.

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    Currently, Jami Gertz is the richest actor in the world with a net worth of $3 billion. Jerry Seinfeld and Tyler Perry are close behind, as each is worth $1 billion a piece.

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    Mark Wahlberg Gets $55 Million for His Beverly Hills French-Style Chateau. Mark Wahlberg has finally found a buyer for his colossal Beverly Park estate, according to Mansion Global.

    How much does Mark Wahlberg's house cost? ›

    The couple first listed the property for $87.5 million in April 2022 but lowered the price to $79.5 million in November, according to listing website Zillow. Mr. Wahlberg and Ms. Durham bought the property for about $8.25 million in 2009, records show, and commissioned construction of a chateau-style mansion.

    Are Mark and Donnie Wahlberg close? ›

    “He was the original member of the band with me.” He went on to say that he and Mark used to be very close. However, their careers, locations, and families have caused them to drift apart. “Obviously we're brothers and partners in business,” Donnie Wahlberg said, referring to Wahlburgers, the burger chain they co-own.

    Who is the richest female actor in the world? ›

    Top 10 Richest Actress in the World List UPDATED 2023
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    Tom Cruise

    With a worldwide gross of over USD 1.3 billion, Top Gun: Maverick is the highest-grossing film of 2022. With this one film, Tom Cruise sits at the very top of the list of highest-paid actors in the world with a stratospheric earning of over USD 100 million reportedly.

    Who is the most famous actor in the world? ›

    Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office
    RankNameWorldwide Box Office
    1Scarlett Johansson$14,519,686,681
    2Robert Downey, Jr.$14,393,065,668
    3Samuel L. Jackson$14,376,505,937
    4Zoe Saldana$13,374,681,325
    79 more rows

    What is Johnny Depp's net worth? ›

    According to multiple websites, Johnny Depp's net worth is $150 million (approximately Rs 1163 crore) and he charges approximately Rs 160 crore for a film.

    What is Tom Cruise's net worth? ›

    Tom Cruise net worth is around $620 Million and he is one of the greatest and richest American actors and producers. Tom Cruise is also counted among the highest-paid actors around the world.

    What is the net worth of Jennifer Aniston? ›

    Aniston has been included in numerous magazines' lists of the world's most beautiful women. Her net worth is estimated as $300 million, and her box office gross is over $1.6 billion worldwide.

    What celebrity has the highest income? ›

    The Highest-Paid Celebrities in 2021
    RankName2021 pre-tax earnings
    1Peter Jackson$580 million
    2Bruce Springsteen$435 million
    3Jay-Z$340 million
    4Dwanye "The Rock" Johnson$270 million
    6 more rows
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    What celebrity has made the most money? ›

    Movie director Steven Spielberg leads the top 10 list, followed by George Lucas, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan. Billionaires lost a lot of money in 2022.

    Who is the No 1 richest actor in Hollywood? ›

    1. Jerry Seinfeld
    • Net Worth- $950 million.
    • Date of Birth- 29th April 1954.
    • Age- 67 Years.
    • Awards- Shorty Award for Best Web Series, Honorary Clio Award, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, and many more.
    • Best Movies- It Could Happen to You, The Hangover, Dumb and Dumber, and many more.
    1 day ago

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