In a troubling turn of events for Meghan Markle, her new cooking show, “With Love, Meghan,” is reportedly receiving a frosty reception from Netflix executives.
This development marks another hurdle in the Duchess of Sussex’s quest to make her mark in the entertainment world.
Insiders suggest that the streaming giant’s hesitancy to promote the show stems from serious doubts about Markle’s ability to engage with audiences.
A source close to the production, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the initial viewership numbers have been alarmingly low, even by Netflix’s typically secretive standards.
It’s a situation where the powerful Netflix marketing machine seems unable to revive what many are calling a vanity project.
The authenticity that viewers seek is notably absent, leading to a disconnect when someone accustomed to palace life attempts to appear relatable in the kitchen.
The show, which reportedly cost Netflix millions to produce, features Markle sharing family recipes and cooking tips while intertwining stories from her life.
However, early critics have described the episodes as painfully forced and lacking relevance.
One industry veteran pointed out that the issue isn’t merely the cooking; it’s the entire presentation.
Markle appears to be playing a role rather than being her genuine self, and audiences can perceive that instantly.
This predicament comes at a particularly inopportune moment for Markle, whose $100 million deal with Netflix alongside Prince Harry has faced intense scrutiny.
With the streaming service tightening its budget and canceling even successful shows, there seems to be growing frustration among Netflix executives.
They anticipated that the royal connection would translate into significant viewership, but the reality has been far less enthusiastic.
Originally, “With Love, Meghan” was intended to showcase a more personal side of Markle, yet it has instead been perceived as out of touch and contrived.
The show’s premise itself has raised eyebrows; unlike other successful cooking shows that feature hosts with culinary expertise or a passion for food, Markle’s sudden emergence as a cooking authority has left many questioning her qualifications.
A former royal correspondent noted that this feels like yet another attempt at reinvention, which viewers are not buying.
Concerns about Markle’s approach to the show have also surfaced among production staff.
One crew member described filming sessions as challenging, with Markle obsessively controlling every detail, from lighting to camera angles.
This resulted in what they termed “manufactured moments,” rather than genuine cooking interactions.
In one instance, she reportedly spent nearly an hour adjusting the placement of herbs in a bowl, seeking a more authentic look.
Critics have also pointed out that the show’s content seems disconnected from the current economic climate.
For example, in one episode, Markle demonstrates a weeknight meal using ingredients that would cost the average family over $100.
A food critic remarked on the tone-deafness of such choices, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, highlighting the absurdity of casually tossing truffles into mac and cheese.
Netflix’s decision to scale back promotional efforts for “With Love, Meghan” suggests a potential shift in their relationship with the Sussexes.
Industry analysts speculate that this could be Netflix’s way of quietly distancing itself from what increasingly appears to be a faltering partnership.
A media analyst explained that while the streaming service has heavily invested in the Sussex brand, they will not hesitate to pull back if they see no returns.
The lack of promotion for the cooking show signals that it is being left to succeed or fail based on its own merits—and so far, it seems to be failing.
This situation is particularly concerning given Markle’s previous attempts to establish herself in content creation.
Her animated series, “Pearl,” was scrapped before it even began production, and other proposed projects have stalled at the development stage.
Royal observers note that this setback fits a pattern of Markle’s unsuccessful attempts to reshape her public image since stepping back from royal duties.
A royal expert commented that there seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding of public desires.
People crave authentic stories and genuine connections, yet what they are being offered feels like calculated attempts at relevance.
As the future of the Sussexes’ deal with Netflix hangs in the balance, the streaming service’s recent implementation of stricter content standards adds pressure on Markle and Prince Harry to deliver something of real value.
An entertainment industry analyst noted that Netflix isn’t in the business of charity.
If they aren’t promoting a show, it’s typically because they lack faith in it, which often signals the beginning of the end.
In a shocking twist, Netflix has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Meghan regarding her cooking show, demanding significant changes before they consider any promotional efforts.
This news has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, leading many to speculate whether this could spell doom for Meghan’s ambitious plans to carve out a niche in television and media.
With the clock ticking, the Duchess faces crucial decisions that could determine the trajectory of her burgeoning media empire.