Meghan Markle could be approaching a turning point as she transitions into the role of a lifestyle influencer, drawing comparisons to Martha Stewart.
However, this latest venture may also mark her final collaboration with Netflix unless it unexpectedly captivates audiences and achieves strong ratings. Given the reception of her past projects, the likelihood of such success appears slim. In 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle secured a highly lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix, aiming to create prestige programming similar to the Obamas’ successful productions. However, the results have fallen far short of those lofty expectations. With Love, Meghan is the fourth project released under the Archewell Productions banner and the third consecutive disappointment.
Last year’s Polo attempted to explore the world of professional polo players but came across as an uninspired imitation of Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The series struggled to maintain engagement, largely due to Prince Harry’s limited involvement and the sport’s relatively niche appeal.
Prior to Polo, Heart of Invictus, released in 2023, also failed to generate significant interest. Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, which aired in 2022 as part of a $2 million Spotify deal, ran for just 12 episodes before it was discontinued. While it provided a platform for Meghan to share her perspectives, it failed to attract a substantial audience, raising doubts about the couple’s ability to connect with viewers in a meaningful way.
The only project that truly resonated with audiences was Harry & Meghan, the 2022 documentary series that coincided with their media blitz. This production stood out because it offered an intimate and dramatic look at their grievances with the royal family, providing personal and emotional storytelling that drew in viewers. Meghan’s revelations during her Oprah interview—particularly her claims about racism within the royal family—combined with Harry’s candid accounts in his memoir, Spare, struck a chord with the public. Their willingness to share raw, personal experiences made Harry & Meghan compelling, setting it apart from their other, less successful projects.
The documentary had a reality TV quality reminiscent of early 2000s VH1 shows, filled with sharp commentary and an unmistakable desire for visibility. Had they opted for a more gradual release of their grievances rather than revealing everything at once, they might have sustained public interest for years. However, that opportunity was squandered, and their pursuit of media attention became increasingly transparent.
Unless there is an unexpected surge in interest for long-form television centered around a woman curating children’s party bags filled with seeds and Manuka honey, With Love, Meghan is unlikely to alter the couple’s current trajectory. The series feels more like uninspired filler content, similar to segments used to pad out British cooking shows like Saturday Kitchen. There is a version of Meghan that audiences would be eager to embrace—one that highlights her fiery personality and authenticity. Instead, With Love, Meghan presents a sanitized, overly cheerful persona that feels disconnected from reality. Viewers appear to crave the bold, assertive Meghan they saw in Harry & Meghan, someone who passionately engages with real issues rather than preparing decorative ladybird crostini alongside celebrities like Mindy Kaling.
Rumors suggest that Netflix may not cut ties with the Sussexes entirely but could retain them at a significantly reduced rate. This arrangement could allow for the release of previously developed content, such as the adaptation of Meet Me at the Lake and the animated series Pearl, which was initially scrapped. If this truly is their final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, it may be time for Harry and Meghan to rethink their approach and adopt a new, more engaging public image—perhaps one reminiscent of The Osbournes, known for its candid and chaotic family dynamic.
While With Love, Meghan attempts to position the Duchess of Sussex as a lifestyle icon, her true potential lies in a different kind of storytelling—one that explores her struggles, triumphs, and unfiltered reality. Whether they can successfully pivot and recapture public interest remains uncertain, but there is undoubtedly an appetite for a more authentic portrayal of Meghan—one that resonates on a deeper, more meaningful level.
