Meghan Markle, often described as a master of grandeur and self-promotion, has once again found a way to dominate headlines—this time by appearing on a massive digital billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square. The ad, promoting her Netflix project *With Love, Meghan*, has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about whether it was a strategic Netflix marketing move or a self-funded effort to stay relevant.
The billboard, a glowing testament to Meghan’s relentless PR machine, showcased her carefully curated image, accompanied by dramatic visuals and social media buzz. While some might see this as a bold statement of success, others are questioning the authenticity behind the stunt. Was this a Netflix-backed campaign, or did Meghan herself foot the bill to keep her name in the spotlight?
A quick Google search reveals that securing a spot in Times Square isn’t the monumental achievement it once was. For around $150, anyone can purchase a 15-second ad slot that runs every hour for a day. This means that even a teenager with birthday money can see their face on a Jumbotron—something K-pop fans have been doing for years to celebrate their favorite idols.
Given this accessibility, Meghan’s Times Square ad doesn’t exactly scream “Hollywood elite.” If Netflix truly believed in *With Love, Meghan*, wouldn’t they have rolled out a more comprehensive promotional campaign? Think appearances on *Good Morning America*, *The Today Show*, or even a sit-down with Oprah. Instead, we’re left with a single billboard in one city, leaving many to wonder if this was a last-ditch effort to generate buzz.
This isn’t Meghan’s first rodeo when it comes to high-profile projects that fail to deliver. Remember *Archetypes*, her podcast that received glowing billboards in New York and Australia? Despite the initial hype, the podcast flopped spectacularly, leading Spotify to cut ties with her. Top executives even labeled her a “grifter,” leaving her reputation in tatters.
Given this track record, it’s hard to believe that Netflix is fully invested in *With Love, Meghan*. Did they genuinely think this project deserved a second chance, or did they simply have leftover ad space and decided to throw her a bone before her contract expires?
If Meghan hoped the Times Square ad would set the internet ablaze with admiration, she might be disappointed. The reaction has been far from positive. Comments under the trailer for *With Love, Meghan* have been less than kind, with YouTube dislikes telling a brutal story. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with skeptical takes, and New Yorkers—no strangers to bizarre Times Square displays—seem largely unimpressed.
Some critics questioned the choice of the billboard image, calling it unflattering and disheveled. Others dismissed the stunt as yet another desperate attempt at clout-chasing. And, of course, there were those who couldn’t resist bringing up Meghan and Harry’s infamous “near-catastrophic” car chase—a story many believe was exaggerated to drum up sympathy and media coverage.
The big question remains: Will *With Love, Meghan* be a smash hit, or will it follow the same path as *Archetypes*, fading into irrelevance with a whimper? While Meghan may have the resources to buy herself a billboard, she can’t buy public interest. As the lights of Times Square continue to flash and flicker, so too does the illusion that Meghan Markle is Hollywood’s next big thing.
In the end, this latest PR stunt serves as a reminder that true relevance can’t be manufactured—no matter how big the billboard.
