A Ratings Epic Failure
While the first season of With Love, Meghan managed to briefly find its way into Netflix's Global Top 10, its longevity was short-lived. The second season, however, completely failed to make an impact, reportedly falling short of a Top 10 ranking in any country, signaling an epic failure. This latest disaster follows a pattern of faltering media ventures for Meghan Markle, including the short-lived podcast Archetypes with Spotify, which was not renewed for a second season. In fact, one report noted that the viewing figures were so low for Meghan Markle's show that it was surpassed by reruns of her old series, Suits.
Echoes of the Podcast Disaster
The reception to the second season has brought to mind the earlier podcast disaster with Spotify. The partnership ended after Meghan Markle produced only 12 episodes of her podcast Archetypes, a far cry from the content output required by the multi-million dollar contract. Netflix's latest data report showed similar low engagement for With Love, Meghan, with the show ranking a dismal 383rd in viewership during the first half of 2025. For some, this pattern suggests a deeper issue than just bad reviews. The sustained lack of interest in Meghan Markle's recent projects seems to confirm that initial viewing curiosity, while present, is not translating into long-term engagement or positive word-of-mouth.
Criticism of Authenticity
A central theme in the critical response to both of Meghan Markle’s recent ventures is a perceived lack of authenticity. Observers note that the duchess's various projects, from her podcasts to her lifestyle show, appear carefully curated and detached from reality. For the second season of With Love, Meghan, this came to a head, with one UK newspaper reviewer describing it as "like being gaslit by a multimillionaire". Another called the lifestyle show "baffling" and irrelevant. This stark criticism suggests that audiences are not connecting with the carefully constructed persona presented by Meghan Markle, a significant branding disaster.
What Next for the Duchess?
With a second-season disaster on her hands and her reputation for media flops growing, what does the future hold for Meghan Markle? The initial Netflix deal has been scaled back, and her ventures are failing to gain traction. There is a risk that Meghan Markle’s brand could be irrevocably damaged if this trend continues. The hope for a future epic hit appears to be diminishing with each new project. The royal couple’s future media strategy remains uncertain, particularly in the wake of this ratings disaster. The continued underperformance of Meghan Markle's projects raises important questions about her long-term viability in the entertainment industry.
