Meghan Markle’s latest foray into the world of streaming, a Netflix cooking show titled With Love, Meghan, seems to be falling flat, proving that even a media powerhouse like Netflix can’t transform uninspired content into a hit.
Released in January—a puzzling choice for a lifestyle series centered on fresh salads and tea parties—the show feels painfully out of sync with the dreary, winter-bound mood of its audience. Who wants to hear about outdoor brunches and vibrant meals when grappling with seasonal blues? It’s as if the timing alone set the show up for failure.
But timing isn’t the only issue. Netflix’s handling of the series feels oddly perfunctory. Unlike the high-profile rollouts that usually accompany new projects from the streaming giant, With Love, Meghan arrived with little fanfare. The lack of a significant promotional campaign was glaring, leading many to speculate that Netflix might be merely fulfilling contractual obligations rather than investing genuine faith in the project. One industry PR insider even suggested that the platform is content to air the show, weather the inevitable criticism, and move on without making waves—a stark contrast to the elaborate launches we’ve come to expect.
Adding insult to injury is Netflix’s decision to allow open comments on the show’s trailer—a rarity for the platform, which typically safeguards its most prominent projects from public critique. The comment section quickly devolved into a snark-filled feeding frenzy, with viewers mocking everything from the show’s lack of originality to Meghan’s perceived lack of authenticity. Accusations of copying recipes and concepts from culinary icons like Ina Garten only added fuel to the fire. Defenders of the Duchess, often referred to as the Sussex Squad, struggled to shield the show from the relentless ridicule.
The fallout extends beyond the show itself. Meghan’s public image appears to be taking a hit as her attempts to associate with high-profile celebrities seem increasingly strained. The absence of star-studded endorsements or glowing public support from former acquaintances suggests that even her Hollywood connections may be distancing themselves from the project. The optics are not flattering, with critics likening it to a slow-moving train wreck.
Netflix’s lukewarm approach to the show’s release further underscores its apparent lack of confidence. Rather than building anticipation with a gradual rollout, With Love, Meghan was quietly dropped onto the platform, almost as if to minimize attention. This no-frills strategy suggests that executives are bracing for low ratings and harsh reviews, already preparing for the day they can sever ties without much ado.
Ultimately, With Love, Meghan feels like a half-hearted effort destined to fade into obscurity. The show lacks originality, passion, and the strategic support needed to succeed. For Meghan Markle, this venture might signal the end of her Netflix cooking career before it truly began. The series has been likened to a generic holiday card with no personal touch—forgettable, uninspired, and bound to be discarded. Netflix, it seems, is just biding its time until this misstep becomes a distant memory.
