Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated cooking show has found itself in trouble even before its official release.
Originally set to premiere on January 15, the show promised an enticing combination of stunning Montecito scenery and Meghan’s self-proclaimed culinary expertise. However, when the trailer dropped, the response was far from favorable. Instead of praise, the internet responded with biting criticism that spread like wildfire. Social media users labeled the show as entitled, tone-deaf, and an outright bore.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) bluntly wrote, "Uh, no thanks," while another dismissed it as "terrible." In a particularly harsh jab, a viewer remarked that they would rather watch paint dry, a metaphor that paints a painful picture for anyone who poured effort into creating the show.
Even royal commentators jumped on the bandwagon. Richard Fitzwilliams, a noted royal analyst, called the trailer a “superficial exercise in celebrity” and added that it exuded a self-centered "me, me, me" tone. Given the ongoing scrutiny Meghan faces, such critiques only add more fuel to the fire.
If anyone expected Meghan to take the criticism in stride, that assumption was quickly dashed. Reports suggest she has been in full meltdown mode, storming into Netflix meetings and demanding drastic changes. The marketing team was reportedly her first target, accused of failing to convey her vision effectively. Next in line were editors and writers, with no one in the production team safe from her frustration. Adding to the drama, YouTuber Mike Zeroh claimed that Netflix received over 20,000 complaint emails about the series. This staggering number highlights just how polarizing the project has become. Some subscribers have even allegedly canceled their Netflix accounts, choosing to forgo the platform entirely rather than risk encountering With Love, Meghan.
Behind closed doors, tensions reportedly simmer at Netflix. Rumors suggest a rift between the CEO and the board of directors over the show’s future. While the CEO reportedly favors canceling plans for a second season, the board remains supportive of Meghan, allowing her to revamp her marketing team. Critics, however, see this move as futile, comparing it to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.
The creative decisions that shaped With Love, Meghan have done little to win over the public. Some online reviewers suggested the show caters only to women with excessive time and money, spending hours on frivolous recipes and elaborate crafts. One scornful remark described it as "incredibly entitled," showcasing a masterclass in passive-aggressive criticism.
Whether Meghan can recover from this misstep remains to be seen. Redemption is possible, but only if she trades her current approach for one that feels more authentic and relatable. A step back from the limelight might also help her reconnect with audiences, who seem fatigued by her high-profile projects. Until then, viewers will keep their popcorn or paintbrushes ready, waiting to see if With Love, Meghan can endure the backlash or if it will end up as a cautionary tale in the annals of Netflix misfires.
