Initially, Netflix was not involved in Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard project, which may have seemed unremarkable.
However, according to Daily Mail editor Richard Eden, Meghan requested Netflix to help produce a cooking show, and the streaming giant agreed. Despite this, a Netflix cameraman described Meghan's performance on the cooking show as less than impressive. The insider, speaking anonymously, said that her cooking style was robotic and fake, heavily relying on off-camera assistance and struggling with even the most basic kitchen tasks. This raises questions about the authenticity of her on-screen persona and whether she truly possesses the culinary skills she portrays.
A magazine editor compared Meghan to Brooklyn Beckham, noting that neither is known for their passion or expertise in cooking. This suggests that Meghan's involvement in the culinary world might be more about image than genuine interest. It seems part of an attempt to create a relatable, homely persona like Gwyneth Paltrow or Martha Stewart, but it appears to be backfiring. Despite her royal status generating interest, many doubt the show would attract attention if Meghan weren't a member of the royal family. Without her royal connections, she wouldn't be landing multi-million dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify. Her most notable role before marrying Prince Harry was as a side character on "Suits."
The editor suggested that Meghan's cooking show might be a strategic move to soften her public image. However, it seems more likely to backfire. Meghan is described as ambitious and ruthless, and this cooking show was seen as another attempt to enhance her personal brand. Critics argue that Meghan has limited culinary experience; her only notable contribution was sharing a toast recipe years ago on a blog, which received little attention. Watching a toast recipe was described as akin to watching paint dry, further fueling doubts about her culinary prowess.
Additionally, Meghan's ex-boyfriend, Cory Vitiello, reportedly had issues with her primadonna behavior. During a dinner party, she took credit for a pasta dish recipe that was actually his, which led to their breakup. This story suggests that Meghan might not even have original recipes, casting further doubt on her culinary credibility.
Netflix is reportedly thrilled with the partnership. Meghan announced the plans in an artfully filmed social media video in April, though it faced criticism for its amateurish quality. Regardless, Netflix is now fully committed to the American Riviera Orchard Adventure, assuming all executive roles, including deals with wholesalers, designers, growers, and retailers. Meghan's lawyer has applied to trademark the "AR" brand in the US for various goods, including cutlery, recipe books, tablecloths, napkins, jams, edible oils, vegetable spreads, dairy-based spreads, and dog biscuits, though some applications are still pending. Speculation about Meghan's future commercial endeavors, particularly in the wine business, is rising. Critics argue that her involvement might be minimal, limited to branding rather than production.
With Netflix's support, both parties seem to believe that a lifestyle brand could be more lucrative than a television career. Netflix appears to have realized Meghan's limitations as an actress and producer and shifted focus to leveraging her brand. This aligns with Netflix's strategy of merchandising popular series, such as selling Bridgerton-themed items, Love is Blind-branded wine, and Stranger Things-themed food products.
Netflix's strategy is clear: capitalize on Meghan's brand through the American Riviera Orchard Adventure, aiming to recoup their investment through merchandising. This underscores the challenges that Meghan has faced in her entertainment career, prompting Netflix to explore alternative revenue streams.
