When Meghan Markle launched her Netflix cooking series With Love, Meghan, fans of Pamela Anderson noticed some uncanny similarities to Pamela’s own show, Pamela’s Cooking With Love, which premiered earlier this year.
The comparisons sparked plenty of buzz—and even accusations that Meghan had “ripped off” Pamela’s concept.
But Pamela, ever the cool-headed star, finally addressed the drama during a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen.
Pamela Rates the ‘Rip-Off’ Claims a Big Fat One
Andy Cohen didn’t hold back, asking Pamela to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, how much she felt Meghan’s show was a rip-off of hers.
Pamela’s response? A casual “One.”
She explained, “I didn’t really look, but I didn’t invent cooking shows,” adding that Meghan “is just doing her thing.”
There was no bitterness here—just a laid-back acknowledgment that cooking shows tend to follow familiar formulas.
How the Confusion Started
The drama kicked off earlier this year when Meghan shared some of her favorite cooking tips with People magazine to promote her show’s release.
She talked about how she likes to “elevate” even a simple takeaway meal—like plating Chinese food beautifully—and mentioned her trademark phrase As Ever after a mix-up with her original branding.
Meanwhile, Pamela’s show, which debuted on Prime Video and was commissioned by Canada’s Flavour Network, features similar scenes: cooking in bright country kitchens, picking fresh produce from gardens, sharing joyful moments with celebrity guests, and an overall wholesome vibe.
Two Shows, One Familiar Formula
Both shows run for eight episodes, feature wicker baskets of fruits and veggies, and highlight the joys of cooking with friends.
The similarities were so striking that some reviewers called Meghan’s series “freaky” and even labeled it “inauthentic” and a “copycat.”
But others suggest it might just be a coincidence since many cooking shows follow the same heartwarming, aspirational template.
Behind the Scenes: Which Came First?
Digging deeper, it turns out Meghan filmed her show last summer, with trailers dropping in January.
Pamela’s show, however, was commissioned back in February 2023, and her trailer has been available since October of last year.
So while the timing suggests Pamela’s series came first, it’s clear both shows share common ground in style and spirit.
Meghan’s Show Struggles Amid High Expectations
Despite a big Netflix deal reportedly worth $100 million for Meghan and Prince Harry, their recent shows—including With Love, Meghan—haven’t quite set the streaming world on fire.
The show failed to crack Netflix’s top 300 programs in the first half of 2025 and was outperformed by multiple seasons of Suits, the drama that originally starred Meghan.
Still, Meghan announced a second season as the first aired in March, continuing the couple’s partnership with the streaming giant before their deal expires later this year.
Final Thoughts: Cooking Shows Are a Well-Trodden Path
At the end of the day, cooking shows like these often share a warm, familiar vibe—cheerful hosts, fresh ingredients, and celebrity guests.
Whether you’re team Pamela or team Meghan, both series are all about celebrating food, friendship, and the joy of home cooking.