Holly Willoughby’s move into YouTube has sparked a wave of mixed reactions, with several television critics delivering harsh verdicts on the launch of her new lifestyle series, Together.
While viewers have praised the former This Morning presenter’s return to screens, many reviewers have described the debut episode as underwhelming and lacking direction.
The 45-year-old presenter premiered the first episode on Tuesday, welcoming actor Stanley Tucci as her inaugural guest for a relaxed cooking session centered around a classic pasta recipe.
However, what was intended to feel casual and conversational has instead drawn criticism for its pacing, tone, and attempts at creating a more informal image.
Comparisons Drawn With Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Series
Several reviewers compared Holly’s new venture with Meghan Markle’s Netflix lifestyle program, With Love, Meghan, which itself faced a lukewarm reception when it debuted last year.
Among the most critical was The Telegraph, which awarded the show just one star.
Reviewer Anita Singh argued that the 50-minute episode became bogged down by awkward conversation, forced humor and lengthy stretches of trivial discussion, even suggesting that Meghan’s series appeared stronger by comparison.
The Guardian also referenced similarities between the two shows, describing Together as a slightly more watchable version of Meghan’s lifestyle project while still criticizing its slow pace and focus on everyday cooking.
Long Runtime and Casual Style Come Under Fire
Another common complaint centered on the episode’s length.
Critics questioned whether nearly an hour was necessary to prepare a relatively straightforward pasta dish.
Reviewers at The Mirror suggested the program would have benefited from tighter editing, arguing that trimming the runtime to around 30 or 40 minutes could have created a faster-paced and more engaging viewing experience.
They also felt that relying on a single guest limited the conversation, proposing that future episodes featuring multiple guests might inject more energy into the format.
Similarly, The i argued that the show struggled to define its identity, describing it as an uncertain attempt to present Willoughby as more relatable while failing to fully embrace either authenticity or polished lifestyle television.
Attempts at a More Relaxed Persona Receive Mixed Response
Part of Holly’s rebrand involves adopting a noticeably more casual style than audiences became accustomed to during her years on daytime television.
The episode opens with stronger language than viewers would typically associate with the presenter, while playful double entendres also feature throughout the conversation.
One moment that attracted particular attention came when Stanley Tucci handed Holly a colorful courgette during the cooking demonstration, prompting a remark that critics interpreted as an obvious innuendo.
Some reviewers argued these moments felt overly deliberate, suggesting the relaxed tone appeared manufactured rather than natural.
Stanley Tucci Wins Praise Despite Critical Reviews
Although the series itself received a frosty reception from many critics, Stanley Tucci emerged as one of the episode’s most widely praised elements.
The Times offered one of the more favorable assessments, noting that Tucci’s natural charisma and ease in front of the camera helped carry the episode.
The publication also complimented the featured spaghetti recipe, suggesting the celebrity guest brought warmth and credibility to the format.
The review also predicted that Holly’s profile could continue attracting high-profile guests, giving the series room to develop despite its rocky start.
Fans Offer a Much Warmer Reception
While professional critics were largely unimpressed, audience reactions online painted a very different picture.
Many viewers welcomed Holly’s return, praising her chemistry with Stanley Tucci and describing the show as warm, enjoyable and easy to watch.
Fans also expressed excitement for future installments, with several saying they looked forward to trying the featured recipes themselves.
Others encouraged Holly to publish recipes on a dedicated website alongside each episode, while many praised her transition from traditional television to online content.
More Celebrity Guests Already Lined Up
Despite the divided response to its launch, Together is already preparing for upcoming episodes featuring a range of well-known guests.
Preview clips reveal that Holly will be joined by close friends Nicole Appleton and Emma Bunton, as well as comedians Katherine Ryan and Joanne McNally, as the series continues to explore cooking and conversation in a relaxed home setting.
Whether the show wins over more critics remains to be seen, but its opening episode has already succeeded in generating widespread discussion—and highlighted the contrast between professional reviews and audience enthusiasm.
