Meghan Markle is embarking on an exciting new journey as she wraps up filming for an eagerly awaited Netflix cooking and lifestyle show.
This project signifies a major rebranding effort for Markle, who aspires to establish herself as a contemporary lifestyle guru, in the vein of Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart. The move has generated considerable interest and speculation about whether she can successfully reinvent herself in this new role.
Recently, Meghan completed filming for the show, which is anticipated to showcase her skills in cooking, gardening, entertaining, and fostering friendships. An unnamed Hollywood insider confirmed to The Daily Beast that "it all went well and it's in the can." This new venture follows the launch of her luxury lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which debuted with a website and promotional video earlier this year.
PR consultant Mark Borkowski expressed cautious optimism about Markle's new venture. Speaking to The Daily Beast, Borkowski acknowledged the challenges but also highlighted the advantages of Markle's association with the powerful Hollywood talent agency WME. "I expect that it won't be a car crash," Borkowski said. "There's too much riding on it, and she's being repped by the most powerful talent agency in the world who will have gathered the right people around her." He elaborated on the potential for success, contingent on Markle's ability to embrace her new role. "If she's listened and learned and is comfortable in this new role as a kind of sub-Martha Stewart, sub-Oprah, this could be a relaunch to something new and interesting," he explained. "If it's another fail, it'll be more difficult because she'll have to pivot to yet another new direction."
Despite the uncertainties, Borkowski emphasized the enduring interest in Markle. "The bottom line is that whatever Meghan Markle does will always generate massive interest," he stated. "She brings eyeballs, and that means there's a long line of people who would still want to align with her. She'll always attract somebody who wants to leverage her brand."
The idea of Markle rebranding herself as a lifestyle guru isn't entirely unexpected. In March, news broke that she was filming a cooking show shortly after she launched her luxury lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand's products, including a line of jams, are anticipated to feature in the show, integrating her entrepreneurial efforts with a new media presence. A statement on the Sussexes' official website provided further details about the show, stating it will "celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, and friendship." This aligns with Markle's broader strategy of positioning herself as a relatable yet aspirational figure in the lifestyle space.
The multi-year overall deal that Markle and Prince Harry signed with Netflix in 2020 includes a variety of content, with this cooking and lifestyle show being a key component. While an official release date hasn't yet been announced, the show is eagerly awaited by both fans and critics. Borkowski's comments reflect a broader industry sentiment that while Markle's transition to a lifestyle guru may be challenging, her high profile ensures that she'll have opportunities to continue evolving her public persona. "She'll always attract somebody who wants to leverage her brand," Borkowski reiterated.
However, not everyone is convinced of Meghan's potential for success in this new venture. Critics have pointed out that Meghan has had numerous rebranding attempts, dubbing her latest endeavor "another ripoff." The American Riviera Orchard brand debuted with a website featuring a squiggly logo resembling a cockroach. In an attempt to drum up publicity, Meghan sent out 50 jars of homemade jam to celebrities and influencers, hoping they would advertise for her. Some recipients, like Chrissy Teigen, praised the jam on social media, but others remained skeptical of Meghan's authenticity.
Business consultant Rachel Richardson questioned whether Meghan could succeed like Chip and Joanna Gaines, emphasizing that authenticity is key in the lifestyle arena. Critics noted that Meghan films her ventures at a rental house rather than her own home, raising doubts about her ability to present an authentic lifestyle.
