Five episodes into "With Love, Meghan" on Netflix, audiences have discovered three facts about host Meghan Markle: she cherishes making breakfast for her family, adores an eclectic mix of musical genres, and prefers being referred to as Sussex, a title she shares with her children and husband, Prince Harry.
Set in the scenic backdrop of Southern California, the series showcases Meghan's homely delights, attempts at gourmet delicacies, and candid conversations which however seem rather sequestered. Notable among these personal revelations is the show's predominant focus on Meghan's love for gardening, home-cooked meals, and hospitality. However, critics argue that the series falls short of its intention to provide a meaningful lifestyle program and tends to exude an air of disconnected opulence.
Meghan’s cooking series has faced backlash for being remote and disconnected following the trailer's release. The show's premiere was delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires, but even after its eventual release, it has struggled to earn relevance owing to the economic and political context it has been released into. For those struggling financially, a lavish cooking show feels somewhat irrelevant.
Furthermore, the series came under additional scrutiny for being ego-centric rather than being an honest and transparent exploration of Meghan's life. Critics pointed out that genuine discussions about the challenges of motherhood and relatable experiences were glaringly missing, making it hard for viewers to connect with the host on a personal level. The show has been unable to deliver relatability, which is what audiences seem to crave the most, making this series a difficult sell to viewers grappling with economic challenges and higher expenses.
