Meghan Markle’s long-anticipated cooking show has finally hit the screens—yet there’s an undeniable element conspicuously missing.
The real question? Where are all of Meghan’s so-called A-list friends? Given her royal title and high-profile connections, one might expect a star-studded guest list. Instead, the trailer reveals a familiar but somewhat underwhelming roster. Sure, Mindy Kaling makes an appearance—but let’s be honest, she’s not exactly at the pinnacle of Hollywood’s A-list elite. Where’s Oprah? Where’s Serena Williams? You know, the real heavy hitters, the ones who are more than just casual acquaintances popping in for a quick photo op before moving on to their next big gig. And let’s not forget Ellen DeGeneres, who is conspicuously missing—though perhaps that’s due to her waning popularity in the UK.
Regardless, the point stands: If Meghan had genuine, close ties to these A-listers, wouldn’t they have shown up for her grand cooking show debut? Of course, unless the Duchess of Sussex is a bit too frugal to offer a paycheck, it’s hard to imagine the likes of Oprah, Tyler Perry, or Serena Williams volunteering their time to whip up culinary delights for free. Unless, of course, they’re true friends who would happily support her without compensation. But instead of a lineup of household names, we get a collection of lesser-known personalities. Her “friends” seem more like occasional acquaintances—people who stop by for a staged photo op every few months or snag a bit of screen time. If Meghan truly had the A-list connections she wants the world to believe, she wouldn’t need to scrape together whoever was willing to show up.
Take Abigail Spencer and Mindy Kaling, for instance—both present, but hardly the kind of star power one associates with Hollywood royalty. And where are George and Amal Clooney? Where’s Tyler Perry? Where’s Oprah? The absence of these notable figures leaves a glaring void. Even Meghan’s former Suits co-star, Patrick J. Adams, seems too preoccupied with his own life to make a cameo. It raises the question: Could it be that the true A-listers are simply too busy—or too savvy—to participate in a carefully staged kitchen scene?
Then there’s the curious cast of characters who did show up. Her makeup artist, Daniel Martin, is reportedly her closest friend. And Delina Blaquier, the wife of a polo player, makes an appearance too. These are hardly the captivating names one might expect from a show with such royal fanfare. Even more telling is the noticeable absence of Meghan’s own family. Her parents? Nowhere to be seen. Prince Harry’s family? Not a chance. Her children? Unsurprisingly, they’re missing as well—likely too busy being kept out of the public eye to make a guest appearance. Calling this a “family affair” is more than a stretch.
Ultimately, the show feels like a contrived attempt to hold onto relevance in a Hollywood landscape that appears to have moved on. Trends are passing Meghan by, and it’s easy to see why. Despite the glossy production and curated persona, this project comes across as another cringeworthy attempt to cash in on her royal notoriety. If Oprah won’t even stop by for tea and a slice of cake, it might be time for Meghan to reconsider her social circle—and her approach to fame.
