Meghan Markle’s latest venture into lifestyle and cooking television, With Love, Meghan, debuted on Netflix, aiming to showcase a different side of the Duchess of Sussex. This show arrives at a crucial time for the Sussexes as they attempt to solidify their $100 million streaming deal following a series of lackluster projects. With the spotlight firmly on Meghan, the show’s reception could be a defining moment for the couple’s media ambitions. Through this series, Meghan shares her personal approach to cooking, family life, and heartfelt storytelling — offering a glimpse into her life beyond royal controversies.
One of the standout moments from the show’s first episode was Meghan’s unique take on a pasta dish she calls “skillet spaghetti.” Departing from traditional Italian methods, she prepares the spaghetti by pouring three cups of boiling water over it and covering it with a lid — a technique sure to leave Italian cuisine enthusiasts puzzled. As she chats with her longtime friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin, Meghan reveals this unconventional recipe is a favorite of her children, Archie and Lilibet. The moment adds a personal touch to the series, highlighting Meghan’s joy in creating comforting, family-friendly meals, even if her approach raises a few eyebrows.
The show also touches on Meghan’s passion for homemade creations and thoughtful gestures, which she demonstrated with her American Riviera Orchard brand of homemade strawberry jam. The gifting of these jams to close friends like Mindy Kaling sparked curiosity when recipients noticed numbered labels on the jars. Meghan clarified that the numbers weren’t rankings but simply a way to share her limited batch of homemade preserves. This anecdote underlines the theme of personal connection and hospitality that With Love, Meghan strives to present, giving audiences a peek into the Duchess’s creative spirit and warmth.
While With Love, Meghan has its fair share of supporters who appreciate its laid-back and heartfelt vibe, critics haven’t held back. Some viewers have described the show as lackluster, with a few even joking it serves as an effective cure for insomnia. Despite the mixed reviews, others praise the show’s celebration of family, food, and storytelling, with its focus on creating memories through shared meals. This divided reception reflects the public’s ongoing fascination and polarization when it comes to the Sussexes’ media endeavors.
Beyond the kitchen, the series also captures tender and playful moments, like Meghan’s reflection on her late rescue dog, Guy, and a lighthearted prank from Prince Harry during a hiking trip. These segments add emotional depth and authenticity, showing the Duchess’s more vulnerable and playful sides. With personal stories, unconventional recipes, and intimate glimpses into her life, With Love, Meghan sets out to redefine Meghan Markle’s public image. Whether it succeeds in winning over audiences remains to be seen, but it undeniably opens a window into the life and creativity of the Duchess of Sussex.