The release of With Love, Meghan could mark a pivotal moment for the Duchess of Sussex as she transitions into the role of a lifestyle influencer, drawing comparisons to Martha Stewart. However, this series might also be her last collaboration with Netflix unless it unexpectedly captures the audience’s attention and achieves significant ratings—something that seems increasingly unlikely given the trajectory of her past projects.
In 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix, aiming to produce high-caliber, prestige programming akin to the Obamas’ successful projects. However, the reality has fallen far short of these ambitious expectations.
With Love, Meghan is the fourth project released under the Archewell Productions banner and marks the third consecutive underwhelming effort. Last year’s Polo attempted to delve into the lives of polo players but felt like a derivative copy of F1: Drive to Survive. The series struggled to engage viewers, largely due to Harry’s noticeable absence and the lack of excitement surrounding the sport itself.
Before Polo, there was Heart of Invictus, released in 2023, which also failed to generate significant interest outside of Netflix. Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, ran for 12 episodes in 2022 and represented the entirety of their $20 million Spotify deal. While it showcased her voice and perspective, it failed to capture a substantial audience, leaving many to question the couple’s ability to connect with viewers in a meaningful way.
So far, the only project that truly resonated with audiences was Harry & Meghan, the documentary series that aired during their media blitz in 2022. This series was compelling because it laid bare their grievances against the royal family, creating a narrative that was both personal and dramatic.
Meghan’s candid revelations during the Oprah interview—where she identified a single royal family member as racist—coupled with Harry’s raw accounts in his memoir, Spare, struck a chord with the public. Their willingness to share intimate details of their lives and struggles made Harry & Meghan stand out amidst their other projects.
The series possessed a reality TV flair, reminiscent of early 2000s VH1 shows, filled with sharp comments and a palpable desire for visibility. Had they taken a more strategic approach, releasing their grievances gradually rather than all at once, they might have sustained viewer interest for years. Unfortunately, the opportunity for ongoing engagement was missed, and the couple’s desire for attention became glaringly apparent.
Unless there’s a sudden surge of interest in long-form television focused on a woman organizing children’s party bags filled with seeds and Manuka honey, With Love, Meghan is unlikely to reverse the trend of disappointment. The series feels more like bland filler content—the kind that British broadcasting networks might use to pad out episodes of cooking shows like Saturday Kitchen.
There’s a more compelling version of Meghan that audiences would embrace—one that reflects her fiery spirit and authenticity. Instead, With Love, Meghan presents an overly cheerful persona that feels sanitized and disconnected from reality. Viewers seem to crave the passionate, assertive Meghan showcased in Harry & Meghan. They want to see her tackle real issues and express genuine emotions, not prepare whimsical dishes like decorative ladybird crostini with celebrities such as Mindy Kaling.
Rumors are circulating that Netflix may not completely sever ties with the Sussexes but might retain them at a significantly reduced rate. This could be advantageous for the development of content that has been created but not yet released, such as the adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake and the previously aborted animated series, Pearl.
For audiences, this development holds promise. If this really is their last opportunity to make a significant impact, it may be time for Harry and Meghan to confront the reality of their situation and embrace a new identity—one that could be likened to the Osbournes, known for their chaotic and candid family dynamic.
While With Love, Meghan may attempt to position the Duchess of Sussex as a lifestyle icon, the true potential lies in exploring her deeper narratives—her struggles, triumphs, and unfiltered reality. Only time will tell if they can pivot effectively and reclaim the public’s interest, but there’s certainly a palpable desire for a more genuine portrayal of Meghan that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
