Move over, reality TV and lifestyle shows — Meghan Markle is back, and this time with the trailer for Part 2 of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan. Or as some might quietly call it, “Season 1 stretched out.”
The Duchess of Sussex shared the teaser on Instagram on Tuesday, but noticeably turned off comments, which is curious for someone seemingly craving constant applause and validation.
Despite framing the trailer release as a win, Netflix recently declined to renew Meghan and Harry’s reported $100 million deal.
The couple now operates under a “first look” agreement, meaning Netflix sees their pitches first — and that’s about it.
From Big Deals to Small Screens
While the Sussexes continue spinning setbacks into triumphs, the timing and fanfare of this trailer’s release hints at Netflix’s cautious enthusiasm.
Dropped mid-day on Tuesday with a modest August 26 premiere rather than a high-profile fall launch, it seems the streamer has limited faith in this iteration of the show.
Meghan captioned her post, “The best moments are made to be shared.” Some Netflix executives, however, might beg to differ.
According to sources, management was still irked when Harry’s memoir Spare appeared to overshadow their exclusive docuseries plans, leaving the original $100 million deal looking more like an expensive misstep.
Viewer Numbers Tell a Different Story
The first season of With Love, Meghan premiered in March and barely made a ripple in Netflix’s global rankings, coming in at 383, with only 5.3 million “views” from January to June — and Netflix counts just two minutes of watch time as a view.
Even guest appearances haven’t sparked excitement. Mindy Kaling’s cameo drew attention not for her work but because Meghan corrected her on how she should be addressed: “You know I’m Sussex now.”
Critics called the moment tense and unnecessarily imperious — not exactly the warm, inviting energy the show claims to promote.
Season 2 Brings Familiar Faces and Dubious Choices
Netflix describes the new season as “fun and heartwarming,” with celebrity chefs, artists, and friends joining Meghan for creative adventures.
Yet reports suggest some high-profile invitations, like Dolly Parton, were declined, leaving the series with a lineup of returning or lesser-known figures such as makeup artist Daniel, self-help influencer Jamie Kern Lima, and Chrissy Teigen.
Teigen’s presence has sparked controversy given her past cyberbullying of teen star Courtney Stodden.
While she later apologized, Meghan’s inclusion of Teigen in her “spread love and joy” kitchen moments feels at odds with her public anti-cyberbullying stance, critics say.
A Familiar Recipe of Activities and Advice
Part 2 largely retraces the same formula as the first: painting, baking, gift-wrapping, clapping, and offering generic advice like “I love the idea of spending time together” and “There are easy ways to show up lovingly.”
The show’s approach mirrors Meghan’s desire to remain relevant and embraced by culture, even amid professional setbacks.
Holiday Specials and Archewell Announcements
Adding to the series, Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Productions announced With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, set for December in Montecito.
Notably, Harry wasn’t mentioned, highlighting Meghan’s consistent focus on herself while promoting family togetherness in theory.
Whether audiences will embrace the new season and special edition remains to be seen, but Meghan continues to present herself as the domestic goddess in her own Montecito kingdom, inviting viewers to follow along — criticisms and all.
