Meghan Markle’s Netflix Series Faces Harsh Criticism as Experts Highlight Lack of Authenticity

Meghan Markle’s Netflix Series Faces Harsh Criticism as Experts Highlight Lack of Authenticity

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, has received a wave of criticism from reviewers and commentators alike. The series premiered on March 4 and has earned a disappointing 33 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer.

In this series, Markle showcases her favorite cooking recipes and entertaining tips, often joined by various celebrities, including Mindy Kaling, Abigail Spencer, Delfina Blaquier, and renowned chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters. However, the show has failed to resonate with critics who have noticed a distinctive absence of genuine warmth or connection.

Critics Weigh In on Missing Connections

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Kinsey Schofield, the host of the To Di For Daily podcast, articulated her disappointment with the show. Schofield stated that Markle needs to focus on empowering those around her instead of dominating the spotlight.

She commented, “Meghan appears completely self-absorbed and out of touch. You are next to someone as accomplished as Mindy Kaling yet you do not ask her how she built her empire? It raises questions.”

Mindy Kaling, known for her role on The Office, has successfully created multiple television shows through her production company, Kaling International. Her latest venture, Running Point, premiered on Netflix shortly before Markle’s show, gaining considerable attention.

Viral Moments Draw Critique

Kaling starred alongside Markle in the second episode of With Love, Meghan, where they hosted a whimsical children’s garden tea party. During the episode, Markle playfully corrected Kaling for referring to her by her maiden name, emphasizing her title as a duchess.

This moment quickly went viral, highlighting what many reviewers described as Markle’s lack of humility and genuine authenticity. Critics noted that if she had chosen a more personal approach, audiences may have felt more connected to her message.

The Call for Authenticity

Schofield further criticized the production, claiming it feels like a staged public relations exercise instead of a glimpse into Markle’s reality. She asked, “How can you claim to be close friends with Mindy Kaling yet not know fundamental details about her or even your own friends?”

Many agree that Markle’s portrayal of hosting and cooking is rather uninspired. Royal photographer Helena Chard expressed her belief that the series could hold more appeal if Markle showcased her true self and connected from a place of sincerity.

“Her guests seem to place her on a pedestal, which detracts from any authentic connection,” noted Chard. “Viewers would enjoy getting to know the guests better, allowing us to appreciate their contributions along with Markle’s.”

Staged or Genuine?

The criticisms deepen, as royal experts contend that Markle’s hosting tips are basic and unremarkable. Chard remarked, “The production feels bland and lacks the vibrancy that audiences seek. Viewers are hungry for authentic moments rather than polished, aspirational portrayals.”

Many believe that instead of elevating her guests, Markle keeps the focus on herself, fueling perceptions of entitlement and disconnection from real-life struggles.

A Missed Opportunity for Growth

Despite hopes that With Love, Meghan would reshape public perception of the duchess, the reception has largely been negative. As the show falls into a pattern similar to other past Markle projects, it raises questions about future endeavors.

The show initially faced delays due to fires in Los Angeles but is part of the multi-year deal Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, signed with Netflix in 2020. The streaming giant confirmed that a second season is scheduled for release this fall, despite the mixed reviews.

Comparative Failures in Recent Projects

In December 2024, the couple’s earlier production, Polo, similarly garnered criticism for a lack of authenticity. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich pointed out the shared weaknesses between Polo and With Love, Meghan, emphasizing the audience’s disengagement due to their portrayals of privileged lifestyles.

Fordwich highlighted that both shows failed to connect with the audience, noting Polo has an IMDb score of three out of ten, while With Love, Meghan scored slightly lower at 2.7. These ratings indicate a significant struggle for Netflix in terms of viewer engagement.

The Influence of Social Media

Amidst the backlash, Markle took to Instagram to promote her show, sharing behind-the-scenes images and urging followers to join the experience. However, her post received mixed responses, with some interpreting it as a desperation to draw in viewers.

“It is not desperate pleading, but she is clearly hoping to rally support after the disappointing ratings,” Fordwich stated. Despite the negativity, Markle celebrated her show reaching the Top 10 on Netflix, though it faced further drops in rankings shortly thereafter.

Looking Ahead

As With Love, Meghan embarks on its journey with plans for a second season, it remains pivotal for Markle to engage in genuine dialogue and showcase authentic moments. Without such connection, the series risks reinforcing existing perceptions of her as out of touch. Overcoming this perception will require a concerted effort to engage audiences genuinely and redefine what it means to connect with viewers.