Meghan Markle appears to be stepping into the realm of homemaking, and many are drawing comparisons between her efforts and those of the legendary Martha Stewart.
Yes, that Martha Stewart—the one who turned her impeccable taste into a billion-dollar empire, authored more than 100 cookbooks, and even did time in federal prison without losing her crown as the queen of domesticity. Now, Meghan’s latest Netflix project, With Love, Meghan, has hit the scene, but not everyone is impressed. Critics have been quick to note striking similarities between Meghan’s show and Stewart’s signature brand. Unfortunately, the comparisons are less than flattering.
When the trailer for Meghan’s series dropped, social media erupted with opinions. Observers couldn’t help but comment on the eerily familiar vibe of the production. From the polished recipes to the cozy-chic aesthetic, it seems as if Meghan might have whispered, “Let’s do Martha, but on a budget.” Online critics didn’t hold back, with one quipping, “Living for Meghan Markle fully entering her Martha Stewart era.” The praise, however, was short-lived. What some call an homage, others dismiss as a knockoff—and not a very sophisticated one at that.
Adding fuel to the fire is the trailer’s soundtrack choice: Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin’ Spoonful. A fun song? Sure. But calling the show itself “magical” would be a stretch. Many viewers felt it was more akin to a Pinterest mood board come to life—lacking originality and brimming with borrowed charm. Some comments tried to soften the blow, labeling it “Martha Stewart-esque,” a polite way of saying, “Nice try, but we’ve seen this before.”
Let’s be clear: Martha Stewart remains the unrivaled queen of homemaking, gardening, and even “prison chic,” while Meghan—despite her former duchess title—has a long way to go before earning her stripes in the culinary world. Stewart’s culinary prowess is backed by decades of innovation, hard work, and undeniable flair. Meghan’s cooking skills, on the other hand, are… let’s just say, still in the seasoning stage.
Reports suggest Martha herself isn’t thrilled with the comparisons. Sources close to the icon claim she’s been rolling her eyes so much they’re in danger of getting stuck. After all, Stewart didn’t spend years crafting her empire to watch someone else attempt a low-budget imitation. When recipes that closely resemble Martha’s classics—like her iconic lemon-herb roast chicken—make an appearance with only minor tweaks, it’s safe to assume the queen of domesticity noticed.
At 83, Martha Stewart continues to push boundaries. She’s preparing to release her 100th cookbook, while her expansive product line remains both profitable and highly respected. Meghan, on the other hand, seems to be chasing relevance with a patchwork of career experiments: actress, check; podcast host, check; motivational speaker, check. Now, homemaking guru? The jury’s still out.
What’s next for Meghan? Perhaps a line of kitchenware? Unfortunately, Martha’s already cornered that market too. The real question is whether Meghan genuinely wants to be the next Martha Stewart or if she’s simply looking for a creative foothold in her post-royal life. Either way, it’s a no from Martha. And if the imitation goes too far, Stewart might just serve up something far less sweet than a lemon meringue pie—legal action, anyone? Let’s hope any royalties land where they belong.
