Expert Questions Meghan Markle’s Authenticity in ‘With Love, Meghan’—But Netflix Stands by Her
Meghan Markle’s With Love, Meghan debuted earlier this month, receiving mixed reactions from both fans and critics. While Netflix has already renewed the series for a second season, one expert claims a particular scene reveals Meghan’s “true colors.”
According to data from Samba TV, the show was watched by 526,000 households in its first five days after launching on March 4. The series follows Meghan as she shares recipes—including spaghetti, a honey and lemon cake, and a cooked breakfast—while also showcasing her various lifestyle projects.
However, PR expert Edward Coram-James, CEO of Go Up, has questioned Meghan’s rebrand, suggesting parts of the show feel “inauthentic,” particularly the opening scene.
Criticism of Meghan’s Beekeeping Segment
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Coram-James pointed out a moment in the first episode that raised doubts about Meghan’s hands-on involvement in her featured projects.
“When audiences watch a passion project, they expect to see that person fully engaged,” he explained. “But from the very first episode, Meghan visits her beekeeping project only briefly, while the beekeeper casually mentions that he’s there much more often than she is. This makes her involvement seem surface-level, reinforcing the idea that she is more about image than real action.”
In the episode, Meghan enters a garden and expresses her love for beekeeping but admits she hasn’t checked on the bees in at least two months.
“The last time we came and checked on the bees was a couple of months ago,” Meghan says. “But the last time you checked on them…”
The beekeeper responds, “I was here since, and they’re doing well.”
Has the Show Been a Success or a Flop?
Coram-James doesn’t believe With Love, Meghan is a complete failure, but he argues it falls short in showcasing Meghan’s strengths.
“While the show hasn’t been a smash hit, I wouldn’t call it a disaster for Meghan’s brand,” he said. “Netflix is a global platform, and the show keeps her in the conversation. Even with mixed reviews, it helps her position herself as a content creator and businesswoman rather than just a former royal. The issue is execution—the series lacks a compelling narrative and doesn’t fully highlight what Meghan does best.”
Netflix Continues to Back Meghan
Despite the criticism, Netflix remains committed to Meghan’s brand. Speaking to Variety, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that the streaming giant has a stake in her lifestyle business, As Ever, which sells products featured in the show, such as edible flowers, jams, and teas.
“We’re a passive partner in Meghan’s company, and it’s a big discovery model for us right now,” Sarandos explained. “I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture.”
Netflix has already announced plans to feature As Ever products in two of its upcoming retail stores, signaling continued support for Meghan’s growing lifestyle empire.
