Meghan Markle’s much-anticipated Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, has failed to make a positive impact on critics, receiving widespread criticism for its lack of authenticity and engaging content.
The show, which was part of the Sussexes’ rumored $100 million deal with the streaming giant, has become the subject of heated debate.
Negative Reactions Pour In From Major Outlets
Many media outlets, including Variety, The Guardian, and Time, have given the show scathing reviews.
Variety was particularly sharp, stating that the show is filled with love, but the love seems directed more at Meghan herself than anything else.
They wrote, “With Love, Meghan is made with a great deal of love – in the sense that the greatest love of all is the one that a person has for herself.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian reviewer described it as “toe-curling,” criticizing the show for its lack of humor and self-awareness.
The review went on to state that Meghan’s attempt to present herself as an unapproachable, “extremely special” person fell flat.
Time echoed similar sentiments, calling the show a “rigid propaganda machine,” suggesting that Meghan and Harry had simply replaced one set of constraints for another, this time geared toward promoting their personal narrative.
Viewers Respond with Disappointment and Low Ratings
On Rotten Tomatoes, the show scored a dismal 29% from critics and a mere 12% from the audience.
Many viewers expressed frustration, hoping for a more authentic portrayal of Meghan’s life, but instead found it to be filled with overly stylized depictions of her daily routine.
One critic even noted that it was a “disappointment for those of us hoping for something more authentic.”
Too Much Lavishness and Little Relatability
The Hollywood Reporter referred to the series as an “unrelatable lavish lifestyle show” that made Meghan appear more distant from the average viewer.
The review went on to highlight trivial details about Meghan’s personal life, such as her penchant for making breakfast or listening to soft rock music, making it hard for audiences to connect with the show on any meaningful level.
In The Times, the show received a two-star review, describing it as “smug” and “endlessly spoofable.”
The critic, Carole Midgley, pointed out the absurdity of Meghan presenting her extreme wealth and exclusive lifestyle as if it were accessible to the masses.
This portrayal only served to make the show feel out of touch with its intended audience.
A Narcissistic Attempt to Regain the Spotlight
The Telegraph also gave it a lukewarm two-star rating, calling it an “exercise in narcissism” and criticizing Meghan’s attempt to appeal to viewers by showcasing her extravagant lifestyle, celebrity connections, and business ventures.
The review humorously pointed out the inconsistency in Meghan’s approach to accessibility, given her strained relationships with certain family members, including her father and in-laws.
An Overly Earnest Show That Strains for Relatability
In The Independent, a one-star review expressed disappointment over the show’s overly earnest tone, stating that Meghan’s desire to teach life lessons felt forced.
The show tried to balance aspiration and relatability but never quite succeeded, leaving many viewers feeling disconnected from what was meant to be an inspiring series.
Meghan’s Desperate Attempt to Stay Relevant
Spectator reviewer Alexander Larman took a more cynical view, suggesting that Meghan’s show was a desperate attempt to stay in the public eye.
He pointed out the sense of need that permeated the show, where every scene seemed designed to remind the audience of her struggle against negative headlines.
Larman suggested that Meghan’s team was trying to reinvent her image as the “all-American tradwife,” a role they hoped would resonate with the public.
Mixed Reactions, But No Competition for Celebrity Chefs
While not the most offensive show ever, Radio Times’ Caroline Frost jokingly noted that it would hardly compete with culinary celebrity chefs.
Meghan’s efforts to present herself as relatable and down-to-earth fell short for many, making it clear that the show’s charm has not been widely embraced.
A Challenging Road Ahead for Meghan and Harry’s Netflix Journey
With all the critical attention, it’s clear that With Love, Meghan has not made the lasting impression its creators hoped for.
As the show continues to spark conversation, it’s uncertain whether it will sustain its place in the public’s interest or be quickly forgotten.
For Meghan and Harry, the question remains: Can they salvage their Netflix deal and prove their place in the entertainment world, or will this be another missed opportunity?