From Royal Kitchen to Screen: The Rise and Fall of 'With Love, Meghan'

Struggling to Spice Up the Screen: Why 'With Love, Meghan' Failed to Capture Hearts and Kitchens Alike

In the glamorous yet tumultuous world of celebrities, where public perception and personal branding intertwine, cooking shows presented by famous figures can seem like a dream come true. Such was the premise behind Netflix's ambitious project in 2025, "With Love, Meghan," hosted by none other than the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The idea itself was tantalizing: a lifestyle and cooking show led by a member of the Royal Family, promising to share culinary tips, personal anecdotes, and perhaps a glimpse into a palatial world. However, despite the high expectations, the show stumbled significantly, raising questions about the present and future of celebrity cooking shows.

Since the era of Julia Child, cooking shows have satisfied audiences with their combination of entertainment and education. They are less expensive to produce than scripted dramas and attract viewers through their charismatic hosts. With Meghan Markle at the helm, the hope was that her celebrity status and engaging personality would naturally draw in a large audience. However, things did not unfold as planned. Despite a star-studded lineup featuring renowned chefs like Roy Choi, Alice Waters, and David Chang, the show's reception was lukewarm at best. The first season ranked a disappointing #383 in Netflix's semi-annual report, leading to its cancellation after just two seasons and a holiday special.

While the premise was appealing, the execution left much to be desired. Meghan's approach to cooking and lifestyle advice often felt lacking in warmth and relatability. Critiques were particularly pointed, with Daniel D'Addario from Variety describing her on-camera persona as "well-tailored and beige." The show struggled to strike a balance between being aspirational and accessible. Many of Meghan's projects, such as her beekeeping endeavors, seemed far removed from the everyday lives of average viewers. The disconnect was palpable; rather than inviting audiences into the charming world of a domestic goddess, viewers felt like spectators looking at a lifestyle that felt unattainable. To compound the issue, Meghan revealed that the house depicted in the show was not her real home, further distancing her from the viewers.

The failure of "With Love, Meghan" can also be attributed to the prevailing public sentiment toward the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they've navigated their exit from royal duties. Their decision to step back as working royals in 2020 was only the beginning of an intense media spotlight that included a highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey and various projects with Netflix. As the couple continued to remain in the headlines, many began to grow weary of their ongoing saga, which felt relentless over the course of several years. While it’s natural for celebrities to attract both fans and critics, Meghan's repeated appearances in the media, often driven by sensationalist coverage from tabloids, painted her as a divisive figure.

Compounding this is the inherent challenge of celebrity cooking shows. While viewers might be eager to tune in for the iconic personalities, there is always the risk of losing engagement if the content fails to resonate. In Meghan's case, the mystical aura of royal life didn't translate into the relatable guidance or engaging content viewers crave. Rather than offering ideas viewers could genuinely replicate or find inspiring, the show often leaned into the extraordinary, which can alienate audiences. The stark contrast between the royal lifestyle and everyday cooking challenges created a barrier that not even the most loyal fans could overlook.

Positioning herself as a lifestyle guru, Meghan undoubtedly aimed to carve a niche in an arena dominated by veteran cooking show hosts like Martha Stewart and Ina Garten. It’s a challenging goal; these culinary legends built their careers on a foundation of approachability and relatability, qualities that were noticeably absent from Meghan's show. Her attempts to foster a connection with viewers didn’t quite land, leaving audiences feeling more like distant observers rather than friends in the kitchen.

Despite the disheartening outcome of "With Love, Meghan," the couple is not abandoning the entertainment landscape entirely. With a renewed focus on development, they are reportedly working with Netflix on a new scripted series centered on polo. This pivot signals their persistent commitment to engaging audiences, albeit through a different medium. In the competitive arena of celebrity-driven content, the key is not just about the star power of the host but also about creating material that feels meaningful and relatable to viewers. The royal pair may have not struck gold with their cooking show, but they continue to navigate their brand in Hollywood with resilience and an eye for the next opportunity.

In a society where the lines between celebrity and personal life often blur, Meghan's journey reflects the complexities of fame in the modern era. The mixed reception of her cooking show reinforces the idea that audience connection is crucial for success. In the evolving landscape of celebrity television, it remains to be seen how the Duke and Duchess will adapt their stories to align more closely with the expectations and desires of a diverse audience. In an industry where charm and relatability reign supreme, the challenge ahead is to redefine their narrative in a way that feels both genuine and captivating. As they chart their path forward, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and every foray into entertainment is a new chapter in their ongoing saga.