Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has made her much-anticipated return to the screen with her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which premiered on March 4, 2025. The eight-episode show is not just about cooking; it’s also about community, family, and the joy of nurturing relationships through food.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Californian sunshine, the series features Meghan showcasing her culinary skills with the help of celebrity guests, including Mindy Kaling, Roy Choi, and Ramon Velazquez. Alongside food, Meghan’s vibrant personality shines as she connects with her friends and shares her passion for feeding people, declaring, "I love feeding people; it's probably my love language," as reported by the BBC.
Throughout the series, Meghan is seen preparing various dishes, throwing playful children’s garden parties, and emphasizing the importance of creativity and presentation. Among her culinary masterpieces, she makes lighthearted snacks such as heart and star-shaped cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, and colorful platters featuring things like caprese crostini styled to mimic ladybugs.
Critics have noted the show's aspirational themes—highlighting the charm of effortless living through intimate cooking experiences and engaging conversations. Meghan’s culinary approach mixes high-end flair with practicality, making it accessible for everyday viewers. She crafts dishes like garden pasta with fresh veggies and heirloom tomato quiche, combining simplicity with elegance.
Meghan’s transformation from actress to lifestyle mogul is underlined by her recent rebranding of her food business to as ever, which coincides with the show. Her product line includes raspberry jam and various preserves, all beautifully packaged and promoted throughout the series. Celebrity guests sample her creations, with Kaling humorously commenting she once received Meghan's preserves labeled with numbers, sparking playful conversations about celebrity hierarchies.
While viewers indulge in culinary delights presented with warm, sunny visuals, the show almost entirely sidesteps Meghan’s former royal life. There are no children, Archie and Lilibet, present, and only minimal mentions of Prince Harry, who makes his appearance near the end to congratulate her on launching her new venture.
The cookery show is praised for highlighting Meghan's community-oriented approach, depicting the importance of friendship and family through shared meals. Guest appearances come from figures well-known to Meghan, showcasing her pre-royal relationships, such as with her former makeup artist and various food experts.
While Meghan is frequently seen making food look stunning—using edible flowers and colorful arrangements—the series does not shy away from acknowledging the charm of homely cooking. Screens are adorned with gorgeous setups of seasonal fare and creative treats, echoing the charm associated with global chef icons like Nigella Lawson and Martha Stewart.
Meghan’s style also gets attention, reflecting her West Coast roots with the mix of high street and designer fashion. Throughout the series, viewers catch glimpses of her wearing pieces from brands including Loro Piana and Zara, showcasing the Duchess’s ability to blend luxury with casual comfort as she moves seamlessly between gardening and entertaining.
The concept of cooking becomes relayed as more than just creating meals; it’s about storytelling and bonding. Meghan demonstrates this beautifully, and even engages viewers with lessons on table settings and flower arrangements. Her unique approach to culinary experiences offers not just recipes but also insights on creating memorable moments through food.
Although not without its critics, who question the authenticity of her cooking skills, With Love, Meghan embraces its escapist quality, providing some audiences with the cheerful energy needed during challenging times. The show celebrates everyday joy, focusing on delicious home-cooked dishes and the shared happiness they cultivate among family and friends.
Some fans, particularly those who adore Meghan’s lifestyle, view the series as akin to tabloid recipes lightheartedly disguised as high culture spectacles. Indeed, it is filmed at some location other than her home, inviting viewers to see her as more relatable, yet still glossy. Through it all, she infuses her efforts with genuine warmth, prompting reflections on larger themes of home, community, and personal identity.
Meghan’s aspiration to create experiences rather than just meals, combined with her charm and friendships, lends the show its distinctive feel-good quality. It's perhaps no surprise, then, to find the series positioned as not just another cooking show, but as part of Meghan’s broader narrative—a rebranding of self after her much-publicized exit from royal life.
It remains to be seen how the audience at large will respond. Will they embrace the glittering narratives she weaves through her compelling culinary showcases? Or will they critique the show for perceived opulence when real-life struggles lie just beyond the screen?
What is certain is this: Meghan’s transition back to reality—one infused with cooking, community, and casual elegance—marks not just her return to familiar territory but her launch toward exciting new ventures.