Netflix is moving forward with a second season of *With Love, Meghan*, despite its lackluster reception. However, calling it a "Season 2" may be a bit misleading. According to reports, the reason for this new installment is not due to demand or creative vision but rather an excess of unused footage from the first season. Along with deleted scenes, Netflix also plans to shoot additional material by June, allowing Meghan Markle to spin the narrative that a true second season is in the works.
Internally, Netflix is facing division over Meghan Markle’s involvement. Some board members support her projects, while others are reportedly growing tired of the controversy surrounding her presence at Netflix headquarters. Despite these internal disputes, the streaming giant is pushing ahead with Markle’s series and incorporating more celebrity elements into the mix.
One of the biggest talking points, however, is Meghan’s attempt to feature global superstar Taylor Swift in the upcoming season—and the rejection that followed.
A major controversy recently erupted when Meghan Markle and her team attempted to recruit Taylor Swift for *With Love, Meghan*. Their pitch? To have Taylor appear in a segment showcasing her cooking skills. However, this move was met with swift rejection (no pun intended) from the Grammy-winning artist.
Swift had already turned down Markle’s invitation to appear on her now-defunct podcast *Archetypes*, and this latest offer was no different. Taylor’s management immediately informed Netflix executives that she had no interest in being involved with a project perceived as highly controversial.
Taylor reportedly made it clear that she had no desire to associate her name with Meghan’s brand, fearing potential backlash from fans and the public alike. When Markle and her team attempted a second round of negotiations, offering Swift an exclusive opportunity to drop major news on the show, she and her representatives once again refused.
Despite these repeated rejections, Markle and some Netflix board members supporting her show refused to take no for an answer. Reports suggest that a third attempt to woo Taylor Swift is already in the works, with plans to shoot a scene in June at Malibu’s Zuma Beach. The proposed concept involved Swift performing a song at a barbecue event for Markle’s friends and their children—an idea that has raised eyebrows for its seemingly forced and awkward nature.
Many observers believe this desperate attempt to bring Swift on board is an effort to boost ratings for a show that has struggled to find an audience. Critics argue that rather than improving the series, such tactics may only worsen its reception.
With Swift refusing to participate, Markle and her team are now scrambling to find another high-profile singer for *With Love, Meghan* Season 2. However, this is just one piece of a larger strategy. The upcoming season is reportedly set to feature appearances from politicians and Hollywood A-listers. One name already confirmed is California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is expected to appear in Episode 3.
The inclusion of political figures and celebrities suggests that Markle is attempting to elevate the show’s profile, but whether this will translate into success remains to be seen. Some critics argue that the involvement of controversial figures may alienate audiences even further, pushing more subscribers away from Netflix.
Observers have noted that Markle’s persistence in securing high-profile guests—despite clear disinterest—demonstrates a pattern of behavior. Taylor Swift’s repeated rejections should have been a clear indication that she wanted no involvement, yet Markle remains determined to bring her aboard.
Even those who are not Swift fans acknowledge her reasoning. The pop star has managed to carefully navigate her career without unnecessary controversy, and associating with Meghan Markle’s divisive reputation would not be in her best interest.
Despite Netflix’s efforts to rebrand excess footage as a "new season," *With Love, Meghan* faces an uphill battle. With internal Netflix disagreements, Taylor Swift’s blunt rejection, and an ongoing scramble for new celebrity cameos, the show’s future remains uncertain.
Will Meghan Markle’s persistence pay off, or will her attempts to force high-profile names into her projects continue to backfire? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Hollywood’s biggest names are becoming increasingly wary of associating with her brand.
