The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is set to debut her highly anticipated lifestyle show, 'With Love, Meghan', on Netflix on January 15. This new series promises to be more than just another cooking show, as it aims to blend practical how-tos with candid conversations featuring various celebrities.
According to Netflix, the show spans eight 30-minute episodes, featuring guest appearances from well-known personalities such as actress Mindy Kaling and former 'Suits' star Abigail Spencer. The trailer, which was released earlier this week, reveals glimpses of Markle preparing dishes, including garnishing cakes with raspberries and harvesting honey at her California home, where she lives with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children.
“I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it,” Markle expressed on her new Instagram account, @meghan, where she now shares updates about her projects.
The trailer depicts Meghan engaging in various domestic activities, like shopping for flowers and hosting friends for meals, all underlining her thematic mantra: “We’re not in the pursuit of perfection; we’re in the pursuit of joy.” This message, echoed throughout the show, positions it as both relatable and aspirational.
Yet, reactions to the announcement have been mixed. While some viewers are eager to tune in, drawn by the charming aesthetics featured prominently throughout the trailer, others feel the concept may seem covetous, catering to an elite audience. One critic even commented on social media, "Who is this show for? It’s targeted to people with a ton of expendable income and time and feels tone-deaf." This sentiment resonates with previous critiques of Meghan’s ventures since stepping back from royal duties.
Markle's foray back to social media through her Instagram has also attracted attention. Her initial posts feature joyful moments set against scenic backgrounds, aiming to establish her candid persona. One video depicted her laughingly writing “2025” on the beach before moving sensationally to share news about her upcoming Netflix series.
The show promotes not just cooking but also entertainment and friendship, with the tagline, “Create wonder in every moment,” serving as its core appeal. The star-studded cast hints at Markle's effort to link her narrative to familiar faces who already have established rapport with audiences, including chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters.
Nevertheless, the show has faced skepticism. Commentators express concerns over its perceived superficiality, likening Markle's efforts to suggestions of past celebrity chefs and lifestyle brands, questioning whether it genuinely breaks new ground or simply replicates existing content within the lifestyle genre.
Markle’s media company, Archewell Productions, which she established with Prince Harry after their 2020 departure from royal duties, signed a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix. The deal aims to produce enlightening content focusing on compelling stories, yet some observers point out this latest endeavor seems more aligned with traditional celebrity culture than groundbreaking storytelling.
Despite Markle’s attempts at portraying authenticity and simplicity, especially after distancing herself from royal image constraints, many still view her initiatives through the lens of skepticism. She faces the persistent challenge of overcoming public perceptions stemming from her past and the narrative of the privileged life she’s opted to showcase.
Further complicity emerges as critics draw parallels between Meghan’s antics and her husband’s, Prince Harry, who has also sought to navigate the public sphere through various endeavors with mixed responses. Critics liken their PR mishaps to scenes from popular films where protagonists struggle with precarious decisions, pondering their impact on public reception.
Within the trailer, the warmth of friends laughing and eating together is meant to evoke relatable connection points. At one moment, Kaling quips, “This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life,” evoking laughter from Markle and viewers alike. Such moments seem crafted to counteract the more serious woes drawn from their previous PR experiences.
This attempt at creating connections through high-profile friendships, stunning scenery, and recipes may signify Markle's desire to stake out her niche beyond the royal platform. Yet, as she embraces cooking and lifestyle tips, audiences are left to wonder whether her content will resonate or whether it will merely reinforce criticisms of her depth as both creator and personality.
With 'With Love, Meghan', viewers will soon discover if her strategies will forge new connections or lead to more questions about the authenticity of her narrative and intentions. What remains to be seen is whether this lifestyle series will provide the joy Markle often emphasizes, or simply add another layer to the intricacies of her public persona.