In what seems to be another miscalculated move in Meghan Markle’s post-royal journey, her foray into the culinary world has not gone as planned.
The former “Suits” star, eager to add the title of celebrity chef to her already extensive résumé, faced a harsh reality check during recent test screenings for her upcoming Netflix cooking show.
This venture, intended to mark her grand return to the streaming platform after the tepid response to “Harry & Meghan,” has instead turned into a recipe for disaster.
Sources close to the production have revealed that the yet-to-be-titled show has left viewers feeling more than a little underwhelmed.
It appears that Markle’s attempt to blend her personal narrative with cooking has been perceived as overly contrived and self-indulgent.
Test audiences in Los Angeles reportedly found themselves disengaged, with one viewer expressing frustration over what they described as forced attempts at relatability and frequent name-dropping.
During a recent screening, Markle’s efforts to connect her dishes to significant moments in her life—such as the roast chicken she made the night Prince Harry proposed—came off as desperate rather than relatable.
One insider noted that she seemed intent on tying every culinary experience back to her royal connections, which many found exhausting.
“It felt like she was trying too hard,” said the source, highlighting how Markle even mentioned teaching Kate Middleton her special avocado toast recipe.
The tension escalated dramatically when Markle, having observed the audience’s reactions from behind the scenes, burst into the screening room.
Insiders claim she was taken aback by the negative feedback regarding her on-screen presence, insisting that viewers simply did not grasp her vision.
This outburst prompted a flurry of activity among production staff, who were left scrambling to address her concerns about the show’s format.
As Markle pushed for immediate changes, crew members noted her growing agitation whenever suggestions arose to shift the focus away from her personal story and towards actual cooking techniques.
“It was like watching someone who had never been told no before,” recounted one crew member, reflecting on her insistence that the narrative of the show was not what she had anticipated.
This situation has reportedly created a rift between Markle and Netflix executives, who now face a challenging decision about whether to continue with the project or cut their losses.
Industry insiders have indicated that Netflix is increasingly frustrated with the Sussexes’ endeavors, which have consistently failed to meet the viewing expectations set when their lucrative deal was inked.
Marketing experts have identified a phenomenon they refer to as “Meghan Fatigue,” suggesting that audiences are becoming weary of her constant reinventions.
Media analyst Sarah Richardson explained that the public has witnessed Markle transition from a royal to a podcaster, then to an animated series creator, and now to a cooking show host.
“At some point, people start to question the authenticity of someone who seems to be throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks,” she remarked.
The timing of this culinary misstep couldn’t be worse for Markle, who has struggled to maintain her relevance in the entertainment landscape since stepping down from royal duties.
With her Spotify deal already terminated and previous Netflix projects receiving lukewarm responses, this cooking show was meant to showcase a more relatable side of her personality.
However, audience feedback suggests otherwise, with one viewer commenting on the discomfort of watching someone with a private chef feign a passion for home cooking.
The fallout from the test screening has led to urgent meetings between Markle’s production team and Netflix executives, who are contemplating significant reshoots.
Despite this, Markle reportedly remains resistant to altering the core concept of the show, firmly believing that the audience is misinterpreting her intentions.
Critics have pointed out that this incident exemplifies a broader pattern of behavior, highlighting Markle’s apparent inability to accept criticism and her disconnect from public perception.
Royal expert Richard Palmer noted that such scenarios could have been avoided had Markle still been under the guidance of palace advisors.
As Netflix grapples with how to salvage the project, questions loom over the future of the Sussexes’ partnership with the streaming giant.
With their contract nearing review, this latest debacle could significantly influence potential future collaborations.
Social media has erupted with reactions to Markle’s culinary crisis, with many users mocking the irony of someone who sought to escape public scrutiny now facing it in the entertainment realm.
The hashtag #MeghansCookingCrisis has gone viral, with memes and jokes flooding platforms, showcasing the public’s mixed feelings about her latest endeavor.
As Meghan navigates this turbulent chapter in her career, the pressure is mounting.
While her supporters argue that she is being unfairly targeted, critics assert that this latest controversy serves as evidence of her disconnect with reality.
Whether Markle can rebound from this setback remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the world will be watching closely as her journey continues.