Netflix recently decided to cancel Meghan Markle’s new show after it faced intense criticism from celebrity chefs.
The project, titled With Love, Meghan, was supposed to be her heartfelt return to the public eye, an eight-part series blending food, culture, and personal storytelling. However, the show quickly became the subject of brutal reviews from some of the most respected figures in the culinary world. James Beard award-winning chefs dismissed it as uninspired and superficial, with some claiming it was less about food and more about self-promotion. The backlash grew so severe that even Netflix, a platform known for taking risks on controversial content, decided to pull the plug.
At first glance, With Love, Meghan seemed like a promising concept. The show aimed to explore culinary traditions from around the world, with Meghan at the center, sharing her love for food and cultural experiences. The idea wasn’t entirely random—she had previously run The Tig, a now-defunct lifestyle blog where she discussed wine, recipes, and travel. Additionally, she had a history of using food as a tool for community outreach, such as her collaboration on a cookbook with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen, which supported survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire. On paper, the show had potential, but it ultimately failed to win over industry professionals.
The most damaging blow came from high-profile chefs who mercilessly criticized the show before it even aired. Some described it as nothing more than a vanity project, lacking authenticity and culinary depth. One particularly scathing remark likened it to a Hallmark holiday special, but with quinoa bowls instead of Christmas miracles. Another chef bluntly stated, “You can’t just sprinkle truffle oil on mediocrity and call it gourmet.” The overwhelming negativity made it clear that With Love, Meghan had lost credibility among experts before it even had a chance to reach audiences.
Netflix, known for pushing boundaries with content ranging from The Crown to the chaotic reality show Too Hot to Handle, ultimately decided to cancel the series. Officially, the streaming giant cited the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles as the reason for postponement, arguing that a food show would be inappropriate given the real-world crisis. However, this explanation rang hollow, as Netflix had released content under far worse circumstances, including Stranger Things during the war in Ukraine and Squid Game during the pandemic. More likely, the decision was based on the overwhelmingly negative press surrounding the show. Netflix understands that bad buzz can sink a project before it even premieres, and when a show meant to be warm and inviting is widely mocked, it becomes a liability. Additionally, Meghan’s past struggles with Netflix projects, including the cancellation of her animated series Pearl and the mixed reception of Harry & Meghan, made it an even riskier investment.
A clear pattern has emerged in Meghan’s media ventures—they often start with high expectations but fail to deliver. When she and Prince Harry signed a $100 million deal with Netflix, audiences expected gripping content, whether in-depth royal revelations or genuinely engaging storytelling. Instead, many of their projects have been perceived as overly polished and lacking depth. This has contributed to a growing disconnect between how Meghan sees herself—as a thoughtful storyteller and advocate—and how the public perceives her: overly curated, out of touch, and struggling to create authentic content.
One of the biggest challenges she faces is relatability. Unlike figures such as Anthony Bourdain or Gordon Ramsay, whose love for food feels raw and unfiltered, Meghan’s approach seems rehearsed. Viewers connect with passion and imperfection, the unpredictable moments that make food shows exciting. If everything feels scripted and overly curated, the emotional connection is lost. Additionally, public sentiment toward Meghan has shifted significantly. Once viewed as a modern and refreshing royal outsider, she is now frequently seen as overly strategic, making it difficult for audiences to root for her. Without public goodwill, even the best-conceived projects can struggle to succeed.
Despite this setback, Meghan’s Hollywood ambitions are far from over. However, if she hopes to regain credibility, she may need to rethink her approach. One option is to shift towards more raw and unfiltered storytelling, moving away from glossy, PR-driven projects. Figures like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama have successfully built trust by balancing poise with vulnerability. If Meghan wants to reestablish herself as a compelling media figure, she may need to take a similar approach, sharing real struggles and experiences instead of controlled narratives.
Another potential path is to take on a bold and unexpected project. Hollywood has always embraced comebacks, and many stars have revitalized their careers by stepping outside their comfort zones. Meghan could consider producing a hard-hitting documentary on a serious global issue, taking on a scripted acting role, or developing a passion project that feels deeply personal and removed from royal associations.
Alternatively, she could pivot away from Hollywood altogether and embrace a more exclusive, high-society lifestyle. With significant wealth, luxury real estate, and elite connections, she has the means to shift her focus toward philanthropy and strategic partnerships with luxury brands. This route would allow her to maintain influence while stepping away from the public scrutiny that accompanies mainstream entertainment ventures. However, it would also require her to accept that her Hollywood dreams might not materialize as she once hoped.
If Meghan is determined to remain in the public eye, she may need to embark on a strategic PR rehabilitation effort. This could involve forming partnerships with respected media figures, making unscripted appearances to showcase authenticity, and engaging in charitable efforts without the fanfare of publicity. The goal would be to reshape public perception and rebuild trust, allowing audiences to see her as more than just a brand.
Ultimately, the cancellation of With Love, Meghan is more than just one failed project—it’s a reflection of Meghan Markle’s broader struggle to find her footing in Hollywood. She has fame, wealth, and influence, but she lacks the public’s trust when it comes to her creative ventures. The question now is whether she can turn things around or if audiences have already made up their minds. Hollywood loves a comeback story, but for Meghan, the path to redemption will require a serious shift in strategy.
