Meghan Markle has reportedly completed filming for a highly anticipated cooking and home show, although it currently lacks an air date as Netflix has yet to approve its release.
A Hollywood insider confirmed to The Daily Beast that everything went smoothly and the show is in the can. Meghan had previously mentioned that the show would celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. However, there are already rumors of tension behind the scenes. Some staff members have left the production, with whispers suggesting that Meghan and Harry's increasing demands and regal attitudes have contributed to the turnover.
According to Neil Sean, on the set of Meghan's new cooking show on Netflix, things have reportedly taken a different turn. Despite their earlier stance on titles and formality, the couple appears to be embracing a more regal demeanor. Production staff have noticed that Harry prefers to be addressed as "Sir" unless he explicitly says otherwise. Meghan, too, is initially referred to formally until she gives permission to use her first name.
Recently, Meghan was spotted filming in a Beverly Hills park by a TikTok user. While some speculated that additional shots might be needed for the show, insiders believed that the TikTok-filmed scene was unrelated, as the team had reportedly completed the required footage. For Meghan, this show represents an opportunity to establish herself as a home and lifestyle guru akin to Martha Stewart or Gwyneth Paltrow. This project is particularly crucial following a series of ventures that haven't fully materialized or succeeded.
One such venture was the 40x40 initiative, announced on her 40th birthday in 2021. Meghan invited 40 friends to offer 40-minute mentorship sessions to individuals re-entering the workforce post-pandemic. Despite the initial buzz, there were no subsequent updates or tangible outcomes, leading critics to question its impact and sustainability. An aide for Meghan did not respond to queries about the program's status.
This pattern of high-profile announcements with minimal follow-through has become a recurring theme for Meghan and Harry. Their exit from the royal family was marked by grand plans for a semi-private royal life, which weren't approved by the royal family and ultimately led to a retreat from many of their initial proposals. This included being stripped of the HRH titles and a ban on using the word "royal" in their branding. The pandemic further complicated their efforts, as global shutdowns affected many planned projects. Notably, their deal with Spotify yielded minimal content and failed to generate significant interest. Aside from the Harry and Meghan documentary, their Netflix output has also been limited.
Their latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, has faced challenges despite a strong social media presence for their jam. There are no products available in stores two months after the brand's launch, leaving potential consumers intrigued but unable to purchase. PR consultant Mark Borowski commented on Meghan's business ventures, emphasizing the importance of her ability to generate actual revenue. He noted that the success of the new show is crucial, given her representation by a powerful talent agency.
"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," Borowski said. However, he cautioned that another failure would make it difficult for Meghan, as she'd need to pivot to yet another new direction. Regardless of the outcome, Meghan's endeavors continue to attract significant attention. Borowski pointed out that her ability to draw public interest ensures that there will always be opportunities for collaboration. "She'll always attract somebody who wants to leverage her brand," he concluded.
