The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has made her highly anticipated return to the entertainment world with her new Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," which premiered on March 4, 2025. The launch of the show has generated significant buzz, sparking varied reactions from audiences and critics alike.
Set against the charming backdrop of Montecito, California, the series showcases Markle's culinary creativity as she invites celebrity friends to her temporary $8 million rental home. Over eight episodes, Meghan engages guests like Mindy Kaling and chef Roy Choi to share lifestyle tips, explore cooking, and engage in fun DIY projects, reminiscent of Martha Stewart’s homemaking shows.
Markle’s show seeks to highlight the joy of domesticity. Early episodes revolve around her preparing bath salts, arranging flowers, and crafting meals with ingredients from her garden. Each segment features Markle’s attempts to engage her guests not only through food but also through storytelling, recapping the work behind each dish to present to her star-studded companions.
Yet, "With Love, Meghan" is not without its criticisms. Many viewers and critics are quick to note the stark difference between the glamour presented within the show and the socio-political realities beyond it. For example, as she appears to seamlessly juggle cooking and homemaking, many question the authenticity of her narrative when conversations about California’s pressing issues linger.
Katie Rosseinsky from The Independent described the show as “queasy and exhausting,” highlighting how it might not resonate with all audiences. Others have echoed sentiments of frustration, labeling it as “an exercise of narcissism” and “gormless lifestyle filler.”
Conversely, some reviews have embraced the show, such as those from Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, which praised Markle's engagement and warmth as she navigates various simple tasks with enthusiasm. The blend of familiar faces and recipes showcases Markle’s passion for creating memorable moments.
Markle’s previous works, including the ill-fated podcast "Archetypes" and docuseries "Harry & Meghan," set lofty expectations for her Netflix venture. While pageantry swirls around her, there’s an undercurrent of desperation to retain relevance amid increasing scrutiny. Notably, Prince Harry makes only minor appearances throughout the series, culminating in his supportive toast at the final episode's brunch party.
Interestingly, the series is framed not only as entertainment but as Meghan's chance to reestablish her identity. Having distanced herself from the title of “Meghan Markle,” she embraces being “Meghan Sussex,” which she claims connects her more closely to her children. “It means so much to share my name with them,” she explains. This quest for identity explores her previous roles and how she wishes to craft her public persona moving forward.
The show also showcases her culinary skills, from simple projects like making bee-friendly delights to elaborate arrangements of edible flowers. Although Markle attempts to maintain authenticity during cooking segments, her efforts sometimes feel rehearsed, reminiscent of previous lifestyle shows. Nonetheless, there’s undeniable charm as she attempts to balance personal narratives with entertaining guests.
Many episodes touch upon Meghan’s previous struggles with public opinion, particularly the immense bullying she faced after breaking from royal duties. Critics have pointed out the difficulty of divorcing the woman from the established narrative of the infamous couple. This ambivalence leads to complex feelings toward the show; her attempts to present herself as joyful and empowered often clash with perceptions left by past media portrayals.
Despite imperfections, the series has formulated space for self-exploration within entertaining superficiality. The success of "With Love, Meghan" may very well determine the future of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix deal, which is reportedly worth $100 million and set to expire soon.
Throughout it all, Markle’s charm and warmth shine through, leaving viewers to grapple with whether they feel empathy or frustration. Her foray back onto the screen feels like more than just lifestyle content; it seeks to be relatable, aspirational, and perhaps even redemptive amid the chaos surrounding her life. Above all, it tells stories of dedication to personal interests and how happiness can be crafted from everyday moments, even if staged within the lavish façade of her life.
At the end of the day, "With Love, Meghan" may not change the world, but for those who resonate with her experiences and values, it might just serve as comforting escapism during tumultuous times.