Meghan Markle’s latest endeavor into the world of television has taken a serious hit, one that may have significant consequences for her ongoing media ambitions. Her recently released Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has been met with an overwhelmingly negative response from both critics and audiences. Garnering a surprisingly low score of 2.5 out of 10 on IMDb, the show has quickly become a focal point for widespread criticism and disappointment.

This eight-episode cooking series, which Markle had previously described as a heartfelt passion project, was intended to showcase a blend of culinary exploration and personal storytelling. However, it has instead triggered a storm of backlash that threatens not only her personal reputation but also the broader media strategy that she and Prince Harry have been building since stepping back from royal duties.

The series debuted with high expectations, as fans and industry watchers alike were curious to see what direction Meghan would take in her solo creative ventures. Initial excitement was palpable, and many believed that her public profile and storytelling background would provide a fresh take on a well-loved genre. Unfortunately, those hopes quickly unraveled as viewers tuned in.

Despite a somewhat warm reception to the first episode, titled Hello Honey, which offered an inviting look into Meghan’s kitchen and family recipes, the series failed to maintain momentum. The episodes that followed were criticized for lacking authenticity, cohesion, and the emotional depth that had been promised. The finale, Feels Like Home, was especially poorly received, described by many as uninspired and lacking the personal warmth that audiences had expected from a show meant to celebrate food, culture, and connection.

One of the main points of contention among viewers was the show’s tone. Many felt that the series came across as overly scripted and disconnected, making it difficult for the audience to form a genuine connection with Meghan or the stories she was trying to tell. Instead of feeling like an intimate invitation into her life and kitchen, the episodes appeared highly produced and lacking in spontaneity.

Viewers and critics alike pointed out that the narrative felt forced, with Meghan often sounding as though she were reading lines rather than speaking from personal experience. This disconnect became more apparent as the series progressed, with later episodes struggling to convey any emotional authenticity or culinary substance.

The premise of With Love, Meghan — which aimed to mix heartfelt storytelling with cooking segments rooted in cultural traditions — sounded promising on paper. But in execution, it failed to resonate. Unlike successful culinary personalities who manage to engage audiences with warmth, relatability, and a strong command of the kitchen, Meghan seemed unable to bridge the gap between personal narrative and culinary expertise. Critics observed that the show neither provided meaningful cooking instruction nor delivered the kind of compelling storytelling that viewers crave. Instead, it often felt like a showcase for Meghan herself, rather than the diverse cuisines and cultural histories it purported to explore.

The broader implications of this failure are significant. When Meghan and Prince Harry signed their high-profile, multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix, it was seen as a bold step toward building a new identity independent of the British royal family. Their move to the United States and subsequent media ventures were meant to carve out a space where they could define their narrative on their own terms.

However, the disappointing reception of With Love, Meghan casts doubt on whether they are succeeding in that effort. Netflix, known for investing heavily in content and being selective about renewals, may now be reassessing the value of its partnership with the Sussexes, especially if this project is viewed as an expensive misstep.

The backlash to the series also comes at a time when Meghan’s public image is already highly polarized. Her complex relationship with the royal family, numerous high-profile interviews, and ongoing media scrutiny have created a divide in public opinion.

For some, she represents a strong, independent figure trying to forge her own path. For others, her ventures seem overly self-promotional and lacking in substance. With Love, Meghan appears to have further deepened this divide. Instead of shifting the narrative in her favor, it has reignited skepticism about her authenticity and her capacity to deliver compelling content outside the royal framework.

As news of the show’s poor performance spread, social media erupted with commentary. Viewers expressed everything from mild disappointment to outright ridicule. Parody videos and critical memes began to surface almost immediately, and the series became more of a punchline than a cultural moment. Even those who were initially curious about Meghan’s attempt at a lifestyle program began to question her credibility in the genre. Industry insiders speculated whether Netflix would even consider a second season, given the weak performance and the mixed-to-negative press.

Moreover, the pressure was intensified by the knowledge of the substantial financial backing behind the show. Netflix had placed a significant bet on Meghan’s star power being enough to attract viewers. That gamble seems to have backfired, leading to questions about whether future collaborations with high-profile figures lacking a content creation background are worth the risk. Reports suggest that Netflix executives were disappointed not only by the poor ratings but also by the disparity between the hype surrounding the series and its actual reception.

Internally, Meghan’s team now faces a significant challenge in managing the fallout. While there has been no official statement from her regarding the show’s reception, insiders indicate that she was deeply discouraged by the response. It’s likely that this experience will prompt a reassessment of her media strategy.

Whether she decides to pivot toward projects that align more closely with her philanthropic work and documentary-style storytelling, or whether she remains committed to lifestyle content, remains to be seen. Either way, the failure of With Love, Meghan will serve as a case study in the challenges of transitioning from public figure to content creator in an era where audiences demand authenticity and substance.

In conclusion, the series was intended to serve as a soft reintroduction of Meghan Markle, not just as a former royal but as a relatable, creative voice in the media landscape. Instead, it has become emblematic of the difficulties she faces in forging a new identity that resonates with a broad audience.

The show’s failure is not merely a misstep in programming — it’s a reflection of the high expectations placed on public figures in the streaming age, and the unforgiving nature of audience response when those expectations aren’t met. As the dust settles, it remains uncertain whether Meghan can regain her footing and win back the trust and interest of viewers, or if With Love, Meghan will be remembered as a turning point that exposed the limits of celebrity-driven content without the substance to support it.