Meghan Markle's Netflix Show "With Love, Meghan" Faces Uncertain Future Amid Mixed Reviews

Image credits: Jake Rosenberg/Netflix

Meghan Markle's new Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" has premiered, but its future remains uncertain due to mixed reviews and the couple's previous projects underperforming. The show, which marks a rebrand for the former "Suits" star as a lifestyle guru and domestic goddess, consists of eight glossy episodes, each centered around Meghan hosting a different friend, offering helpful tips and tricks for being the ultimate hostess, cook, and homemaker. However, the series has been met with lukewarm reception, with some critics labeling it as "gormless lifestyle filler" that fails to deliver the dramatic monarchy revelations that audiences crave.

The terms of the deal Harry and Meghan signed with Netflix in 2021 were reportedly wildly favorable, with a five-year deal worth $100m, in the expectation that they would become Obama-style prestige-content producers. However, their previous projects, including the documentary series "Polo" and "Heart of Invictus," have underperformed, raising concerns about the couple's ability to deliver high-quality content. The only successful content produced by Harry and Meghan so far has been the reality show "Harry & Meghan," which was a ratings smash and provided a glimpse into the couple's personal lives. The show's success can be attributed to its unapologetic and unfiltered portrayal of the couple's experiences, which resonated with audiences and sparked a national conversation about the monarchy and its role in modern society.

Despite the mixed reviews, Meghan has expressed her enthusiasm for the show, stating that it feels like a breath of fresh air to be getting back to doing what she did with her lifestyle blog, The Tig. The show's format, which features Meghan sharing her tips and tricks for hosting, cooking, and crafting, is reminiscent of her blog, which was shut down prior to her marriage to Prince Harry. However, the show's lack of drama and controversy may be a turn-off for some viewers, who have come to expect more from the couple. The show's future remains uncertain, with rumors that Netflix may not cut its losses with the Sussexes completely, instead preferring to keep them on at a vastly reduced rate.

The show's premiere has also sparked a conversation about the couple's brand and their ability to connect with audiences. Meghan's decision to rebrand herself as a lifestyle guru has been met with skepticism by some, who view it as an attempt to distance herself from her royal roots. However, others see it as a savvy move, which allows her to connect with a new audience and build a brand that is separate from her royal ties. The show's success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences and provide a unique perspective on the world of lifestyle and entertainment. As the couple navigates the challenges of producing high-quality content, they will need to be mindful of their audience's expectations and deliver a show that is both authentic and engaging.

In conclusion, the future of "With Love, Meghan" remains uncertain, and the couple's ability to deliver high-quality content will be closely watched. The show's success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences and provide a unique perspective on the world of lifestyle and entertainment. As the couple navigates the challenges of producing high-quality content, they will need to be mindful of their audience's expectations and deliver a show that is both authentic and engaging. The couple's $100m deal with Netflix is a significant investment, and the pressure is on to deliver a show that meets the streamer's expectations. Only time will tell if "With Love, Meghan" will be a success, but one thing is certain - the couple's journey into the world of lifestyle and entertainment will be closely watched and scrutinized.