Meghan Markle has once again reinvented herself—this time as a breathless, wicker-basket-carrying, salad-tossing, home-cooked-meal enthusiast.
If you just did a double take, you're not alone. Pamela Anderson’s fans certainly have, as they recognize a familiar scene. Just last week, Anderson launched Cooking With Love, a show packed with wholesome, idyllic moments of the former Baywatch star strolling through her charming country kitchen, picking fresh produce from her garden, and preparing delicious meals alongside famous friends. Then, only days later, With Love, Meghan debuted on Netflix, featuring Markle in an almost identical setting—harvesting fresh ingredients, chatting with carefully curated guests, and plating dishes with the kind of overzealous enthusiasm usually reserved for late-night infomercials. Coincidentally, both series have exactly eight episodes.
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Meghan expressed her passion for making even takeout meals look aesthetically pleasing. She also took the opportunity to promote her new signature phrase, "As ever," which she pivoted to after failing to secure a copyright for American Riviera Orchard. However, originality doesn’t seem to be the lesson she’s learned. Meanwhile, Pamela’s team took the high road. Jesse Fawcett, co-creator and executive producer of Cooking With Love, shrugged off the controversy, stating that they “take pride in planting the first seeds.” Translation: they saw it first but are too classy to say more. Pamela’s fans, however, aren’t feeling quite as diplomatic. Social media is buzzing with accusations that Meghan’s show is nothing more than a blatant copy-and-paste job.
The similarities are hard to ignore. Both series feature sun-drenched kitchens, perfectly rustic settings, and an air of effortless domestic charm. The main difference? Location. Pamela films in her own $5 million Vancouver Island estate, while Meghan reportedly rented a house near her $14.5 million Montecito mansion. Wicker baskets? Check. Slow-motion shots of honey drizzling? Check. Homemade ice cream? Check. The only thing missing is a synchronized dance routine. Even their philosophies sound eerily alike—Pamela declares she loves cooking and taking things to the next level, while Meghan claims she enjoys taking something ordinary and elevating it. It’s almost as if someone forgot to change the wording on their homework assignment.
Adding to the déjà vu, Pamela’s show was commissioned a full year ago, with a trailer released in October 2023—long before Meghan’s cameras even started rolling. If inspiration was involved, it seems to be a one-way street. This situation highlights Meghan’s ongoing branding struggle. One day, she’s an outspoken feminist advocating at the United Nations; the next, she’s channeling Martha Stewart, setting dainty tables, and floating through a Pinterest-worthy kitchen. Pamela, at least, has a consistent public image—what you see is what you get. Meghan, on the other hand, still appears to be figuring it out. She insists she’s learning, and maybe by season two, she’ll come up with her own original ideas. Until then, Pamela Anderson’s fans remain unimpressed—though, of course, only figuratively sharpening their knives.
