The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle‘s latest venture into lifestyle content has finally dropped on Netflix, and let’s just say critics are more divided than ever. With Love, Meghan premiered on March 4, 2025, after a delay due to California wildfires, and it’s already got people up in arms.
What is With Love, Meghan about?
Picture this: Meghan Markle, former Netflix star, turned royal, turned once-again Netflix star, inviting you into her not-so-humble abode for a crash course in How to Live Like a Duchess 101. Except it’s not actually her house – it’s a swanky $8 million rental in Montecito, because, you know, privacy.
Over eight episodes, Meghan’s serving up lots of lifestyle content that would make Martha Stewart sweat. We’re talking cooking with celeb chefs, getting her hands dirty in the garden, and even dabbling in beekeeping.
Meghan’s invited her A-list pals along for the ride, so expect to see faces including Mindy Kaling, Roy Choi and Abigail Spencer.
It’s Meghan’s big comeback to the lifestyle scene, reminding us all of her pre-royal blogging days – just with a much bigger budget and fancier friends.
The not-so-good reviews of With Love, Meghan
Some critics are already giving the show a pretty hard time. The Independent‘s Katie Rosseinsky gave it a one star out of five, calling it “queasy and exhausting”. Ouch.
The Guardian‘s Stuart Heritage wasn’t much kinder, dubbing it “gormless lifestyle filler” and the “third consecutive disappointment” Markle and Prince Harry have produced for Netflix.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph‘s Anita Singh reckons it’s an “exercise in narcissism”, slamming the concept: “Meghan invites people to her pretend house” and “they tell her how amazing she is. This happens for eight episodes”.
Variety wasn’t super impressed either, calling the show “a Montecito ego trip not worth taking”.
The good reviews of With Love, Meghan
But hold up, not everyone’s throwing shade at Meghan’s new gig. Some reviewers are actually vibing with her domestic goddess energy. Harper’s Bazaar said the series depicts Markle going “back to her roots”, adding the series strikes a “fine balance between friendly lifestyle voyeurism” and “true service content”.
Vogue chimed in, saying some segments, like flower arranging and cooking, are “interesting and relatable” and show Meghan’s passion.
“Markle clearly has a passion for it, and carefully takes the viewer through each and every step, from selecting the flowers at the flower market to the final bloom put in the (quite impressive) arrangement. You might even find yourself taking notes,” the review read.
Mashable‘s review probably hit the nail on the head, saying: “Look, With Love, Meghan will not be everyone’s show. If it’s not yours, you can watch something else. But for people who feel empathetically tired for the Duchess of Sussex, enjoy watching one of the most vilified women on the planet find personal happiness and empowerment, and regularly binge-watch TikTok videos about hosting guests that you’ll probably never actually implement yourself, this show is for you.”
I’ve never felt more seen of called out by a review TBH and I’m here for it.
Harry and Meghan’s deal with Netflix
The success of With Love, Meghan could have big implications for the Sussexes’ future with Netflix. Their initial deal, reportedly worth $100 million, is set to expire this year. Since signing the deal in 2020, Harry and Meghan have released several projects on the streaming platform, including Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus, Live to Lead, and POLO.
The verdict
At the end of the day, With Love, Meghan isn’t going to change the world, but it might be just what some viewers are looking for. The show features Meghan inviting celebrity friends to her home, offering tips about homemaking and cooking, it’s not far removed from shows of other lifestyle guru’s like Martha Stewart or Nigela Lawson or Ina Garten.
Anywho, whether you’re here for the lifestyle porn or just to see Meghan living her best life, With Love, Meghan might just be your next guilty pleasure. Or not. It’s literally your life, just don’t be a dickhead about it, please and thank you.
Lead image: Netflix / X
