Launching in March, Meghan Markle’s Netflix debut, titled With Love, Meghan, initially sparked curiosity, briefly entering the top 10. However, that momentum quickly faded. The show ultimately ranked a disappointing 383rd with just 5.3 million views—far below expectations for a royal-backed streaming project.
PR Expert Reveals Why the Show Didn’t Resonate
According to Renae Smith, founder of The Atticism PR agency, the show was “doomed from the start.” In her interview with the Daily Express, Smith didn’t hold back when addressing Meghan Markle’s attempt to make a mark in the lifestyle genre.
“Was I surprised her Netflix debut flopped? Not even slightly,” she said. “Cooking or lifestyle shows only succeed if viewers either love the food or the host—and in this case, Meghan Markle’s show offered neither.”
Rubberneck Viewing: Viewers Checked In, Then Tuned Out
Smith also echoed sentiments shared by other experts who believe the curiosity factor led to initial views, but not retention. “I said from the beginning, this was going to be rubberneck viewing. People would log in once just to see what it was, then never return,” she added. “Even loyal fans admitted they struggled to keep watching.”
Big Names, But Still Missed the Mark
In the show, Meghan Markle’s signature touch included appearances by friends like Mindy Kaling. She was seen cooking, giving garden tips, and sharing interior design ideas. Still, the Netflix debut couldn’t escape criticism, with many reviews calling it uninspired and lacking emotional connection.
“The format felt forced,” Smith continued. “Meghan Markle’s presence wasn’t strong enough to carry the content. The show simply didn’t offer what audiences expect from high-quality lifestyle programming.”
What Meghan Markle’s Netflix Debut Can Teach Future Creators
This isn’t just a critique of one royal figure—it’s a lesson in understanding your audience. Meghan Markle’s Netflix debut may have failed, but the mistakes made can serve as a case study for others entering the streaming space.
Without authentic connection, engaging storytelling, or a clear focus, even celebrity-backed content can fall flat. In this case, Meghan Markle’s name wasn’t enough to overcome the show’s fundamental mistakes.
Conclusion
As viewers and critics continue to analyze Meghan Markle’s journey in entertainment, one thing is clear—her Netflix debut serves as a reminder that substance always matters more than status. Avoiding similar mistakes will be key to her future success in the media space.
