Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to debut her Netflix lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" on January 15, 2024. This highly anticipated series promises viewers not only practical tips on cooking and gardening but also intimate conversations with various guests. It presents Markle as she engages with well-known figures such as Mindy Kaling, Roy Choi, and her husband, Prince Harry.
The series, which consists of eight episodes, has been described by Netflix as reimagining the genre of lifestyle programming. It aims to weave together how-tos with candid discussions, showcasing how Markle embraces the everyday joys of domestic life. "I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it," Markle stated on Instagram alongside the trailer's launch.
Despite the enthusiasm expressed by Markle, the initial reaction from the public has been mixed, to say the least. Critics have swiftly taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some, like Meghan McCain, calling the series "utterly tone deaf to the moment." McCain, who had previously supported Markle, expressed her discontent, stating, "There have been two terror attacks in two days, major wars raging and Americans can’t pay for groceries. We are a country in rage, uncertainty, and intensity right now. This concept is ill-advised. I would have told her to do a show helping bring fresh food to food deserts... This is why the world doesn’t like you, nothing else. Just completely and utterly tone deaf to the moment."
Many critics have echoed McCain's sentiments, labeling the series as elitist and out of step with the current socioeconomic struggles many Americans face. Shana MacDonald, the O'Donovan Chair in Communication at the University of Waterloo, suggested the series arrives at a "wrong time, wrong place moment" due to rising conversations around class and income disparity. This response highlights the overwhelming feelings of class struggle and resentment present among populations today.
Adding to the criticism is the fact Markle chose to film the series not at her own home but at the neighboring home of philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla. The $8 million estate features extensive gardens of avocado trees and lemon groves, showcasing the wealth disparity many viewers might find unrelatable. Critics point out the luxuries featured throughout the series, such as the £15,000 Thermador cooker, £600 pans, and £60 chopping boards, as aspects emphasizing the discrepancy between Markle's lifestyle and everyday life for average Americans.
The series aims to blend luxurious living with accessible practical advice. But it raises the question: can viewers reconcile the opulence they see with the lifestyle tips being delivered? While Markle encourages viewers to find "joy" and embrace routine acts of cooking and gardening, many critics remain unconvinced. It appears there is skepticism about whether the audience will connect with the messages or feel alienated by her privileged approach.
Richard Fitzwilliams, royal commentator, described the series trailer as "an exercise in celebrity at its most superficial," criticizing the content as overly centered on Markle herself. He expressed concern over whether the series might genuinely engage with viewers or simply serve to inflate the Duchess's public persona.
Nonetheless, some commentators have expressed hope for Markle's show. They suggest it might offer visibility to home and garden-related work often undervalued, and the unique perspective of seeing a woman of color occupy this space could be refreshing. Despite the existing perceptions of Markle within royal circles, her presence as the host of this series can open up conversations around diversity and representation.
The show has drawn comparisons to other lifestyle influencers, particularly those with affluent backgrounds, raising the issue of whether Meghan's race factors significantly in the scrutiny she faces. Critics have pointed out the continued imbalance when comparing Markle to her white counterparts within the lifestyle genre, who often go unchallenged for promoting similarly luxurious lifestyles.
Markle's return to the public eye arrives after various setbacks, including the cancellation of previous projects and the struggle to establish her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The path back to prominence is fraught with challenges, including trademark issues and staffing problems. Her foray back onto familiar terrain with "With Love, Meghan" seems to be part of her strategy to reshape her persona away from the confines of royal life.
Despite the controversy surrounding her Netflix series, Markle remains determined. Many will be watching closely to see if this latest endeavor proves sustainable and whether it can help her achieve the level of acceptance she seeks both as an entrepreneur and as part of the cultural conversation. The series may well represent her personal reinvention. Time will tell if audiences are eager to embrace it or turn away.