A Netflix cooking show starring Meghan Markle, With Love, Meghan, seemed poised to become a smash hit, blending elegance, culinary charm, and her signature lifestyle tips.
But according to rumors, the test screening results came crashing down faster than a soufflé in a storm. Early reactions were reportedly so dreadful that Netflix might already be regretting the deal they struck with Meghan and Prince Harry. This show was meant to mark Meghan’s triumphant return to television—imagine the glitz of Hollywood, a picture-perfect kitchen stocked with fresh ingredients, and Meghan dishing out cooking advice interspersed with nuggets of lifestyle wisdom and even tips about her beekeeping endeavors. However, what was envisioned as a polished culinary showcase allegedly turned into an unintentional comedy.
Audience members left the test screening baffled, questioning whether this was a cooking show or a parody of one. The editing, described as chaotic, was riddled with continuity errors. One moment Meghan was stirring a pot, and in the next frame, she magically appeared at a different counter with an entirely new dish in front of her. Such glaring mistakes would be surprising in an amateur production, let alone one backed by Netflix’s resources.
Unsurprisingly, Meghan was reportedly unhappy with the feedback. In what’s been described as her signature “panic mode,” she demanded a second test screening with what she called an “unbiased” audience. Netflix, however, allegedly refused to indulge her request, standing firm against her demands. The original release date of January 15 has since been pushed back to March 4, giving rise to speculation that the show may never see the light of day.
Adding to the chaos, Mindy Kaling, who was set to co-star alongside Meghan, is said to be equally distressed. There’s now talk of re-editing the entire show—or even reshooting significant portions of it. Such drastic measures underline the scale of the problem, with Netflix reportedly debating whether it’s worth salvaging the project at all.
Critics have pointed out that With Love, Meghan may have been doomed from the start. Beyond the production woes, the premise of a wealthy celebrity playacting in a lavish kitchen has been called tone-deaf, especially in a time when many people are facing financial hardship. The show’s PR stumbles have only worsened matters, including a poorly timed postponement blamed on the California wildfires—a gesture some viewed as hollow given Meghan’s history of questionable timing, like her infamous Oprah interview airing while Prince Philip was hospitalized.
Even Meghan’s supposed cooking skills have come under scrutiny, with industry insiders questioning the authenticity of the scenes. Was Meghan genuinely cooking, or was the entire setup just another layer of her carefully crafted public image? Critics argue that the attempt to showcase “authenticity” fell flat, leaving viewers unconvinced and unimpressed.
Behind the scenes, Netflix may be calculating the financial and reputational cost of continuing with this project. Reports suggest the streaming giant is considering canceling the show altogether. If true, this would represent not just a blow to Meghan’s personal brand but also another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Sussexes’ struggles to establish themselves post-royalty.
The fiasco surrounding With Love, Meghan is emblematic of a larger issue: Meghan and Harry’s perceived inability to deliver on the lofty promises they made when stepping away from their royal roles. Whether it’s crafting a relatable image, creating meaningful content, or even simply managing PR effectively, the couple has struggled to find their footing.
As Meghan’s cooking show teeters on the brink of cancellation, it serves as a stark reminder that crafting a successful career outside the royal bubble isn’t as easy as following a recipe. Timing, effort, and authenticity matter—and when any of those ingredients are missing, the results can leave a bitter taste.
