Meghan Markle is set to debut her new Netflix cooking series, "With Love, Meghan," on January 15, 2025, bringing her culinary skills—and her star-studded friends—into the living rooms of audiences worldwide. The eight-episode show will feature Markle engaging with guests like celebrated chef Alice Waters, actress Mindy Kaling, and close friend Abigail Spencer, presenting not only recipes but also cooking tips, gardening advice, and craft ideas.
Markle, who has taken to Instagram to express her excitement about the series, declared, "I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it!" The Duchess of Sussex continued, "Beyond grateful for the support - and fun!" The trailer gives glimpses of Markle’s lavish vegetable patches, beautiful flowers for table arrangements, and even her attempts at beekeeping.
But with the glamorous teasers come sharp criticisms about the show’s relevance, especially amid financial strains facing many households. Royal expert Hugo Vickers remarked, "The sort of food she’s producing is not going to appeal to a lot of people who can’t afford to buy [the ingredients]." He questioned the potential impact of watching someone "in a white dress, and not even wearing an apron, putting together all this stuff."
The stark economic realities have left many Americans feeling financially pressed, with polling indicating most believe their situation has worsened over the past few years. Likewise, the cost of living crisis looms large over the UK, where many have had to adjust to rising prices and tightened budgets. This backdrop raises concerns about the appropriateness of Markle's opulent presentation style.
For her part, Markle seems to find joy and connection through her culinary endeavors. "I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and eleviating it. Surprising people with moments... I’m going to share some little tips and tricks," Markle states throughout the preview. The show's description promises an inspiring series blending how-tos with candid conversations. It emphasizes playfulness over perfection, capturing casual, relatable fun among friends as they cook and create memories together.
The trailer shows several behind-the-scenes moments, including Meghan humorously squeezing lemon juice in her eye and accidentally knocking baked goods off plates. "We’re not in the pursuit of perfection. We’re in the pursuit of joy. I have to get it totally wrong, to get it totally right," she stated, embodying the light-hearted spirit the show aims to promote.
Not only will Markle showcase her culinary skills, but she'll also leverage her vast network of celebrity friends to draw attention to her ventures. Mindy Kaling, who reflects on her time with Markle during the 2025 Golden Globes, recounted, "When you hang out with Meghan, you know the food is going to be good. So it’s just nice for somebody else to be cooking for me." ”
Critics also suggested the series could reinforce stereotypes of wealthy elites seemingly disconnected from the struggles faced by ordinary people, especially at this juncture of economic hardship. Vickers aptly summarizes this sentiment: "I don’t really quite know what we’re going to make of [this]."
Markle has chosen to film parts of the show on her property, which features stunning avocado and lemon groves, embodying the farmhouse aesthetic. An insider disclosed Markle’s desire to create something accessible for audiences rather than portraying her lavish lifestyle directly. This choice is likely to elicit varied responses, with some heralding her intentions as refreshing and others finding it tone-deaf.
Nonetheless, as Markle prepares for the show's launch, fans and critics alike will closely watch "With Love, Meghan," as it blends high-end cooking with personal touches and the warmth of friendship. Can she translate her glamorous world of celebrity and royalty to relatable kitchen tales? Soon, audiences will get to decide for themselves.