Netflix hoped for a "runaway success" with Meghan Markle's new show, but disappointing reviews and plummeting ratings are raising questions about the future of her lucrative deal. What went wrong, and what does this mean for the Duchess's media ambitions?

Did Meghan Markle's Netflix Show Fail to Deliver the Royal Treatment?

Netflix reportedly harbored high hopes for Meghan Markle's new lifestyle and cooking show, "With Love, Meghan." However, early signs suggest the show is far from a royal success. According to the Daily Mail, Netflix executives are "worried" about the show's reception, which has been largely negative.

From Top 10 to Topless? The Show's Rapid Decline

The show's troubles don't end with critical reviews. In less than a week, "With Love, Meghan" has already fallen out of the Top 10 most-watched shows in both the United States and globally. This raises serious questions about the future of Prince Harry and Meghan's $100 million deal with the streaming giant.

Season 2 Already in the Can: A Glimmer of Hope or a Strategic Ploy?

Meghan Markle excitedly announced a Season 2 of "With Love, Meghan," but a Netflix insider suggests this doesn't necessarily signal a renewed production deal. The new episodes were reportedly filmed concurrently with Season 1.

"It's like with lots of Netflix shows. It is already in the bag at the same time as the first one."

This strategy allows for edits and adjustments based on feedback from the press and viewers, making it a "clever and cost-effective" approach. However, it also implies that the overall contract hasn't been renewed yet.

Critics Sharpen Their Knives: What Are They Saying?

While the Daily Mail, known for its critical stance on the Duchess of Sussex, reported on Netflix's disappointment, even typically pro-Meghan outlets in the United States haven't been kind. The show garnered a mere 33% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an even lower 20% audience score. It also failed to crack Rotten Tomatoes' Top 100 Netflix shows for March 2025.

Highlights from the Critical Pile-On:

• Vulture: The show "pioneers new frontiers in unrelatability," calling it "an utterly deranged bizarro world voyage into the center of nothing."
• Variety: Criticized Meghan's bee-keeping, lettuce-picking, and branzino baking as a "Montecito ego trip," existing as "a sort of celebration of all things Duchess of Sussex."
• Vanity Fair: Suggested the show aims to counter staff bullying allegations that have plagued Meghan since her time as a working royal.

Damage Control: Meghan's Positive Spin

Over the weekend, Meghan attempted to put a positive spin on the situation. She shared clips from her show on Instagram, highlighting viewers who recreated her recipes and flower arrangements. In an interview, she admitted to "making mistakes and learning from" them, emphasizing her focus on finding joy in the creative process.

Controversy Sells? Netflix's Love-Hate Relationship with Debate

Despite the negative reviews, Netflix reportedly appreciates the publicity generated by the show, even if it stems from Meghan's polarizing persona. "One thing which Netflix loves is controversy — and this show certainly created a lot of debate," the insider stated.

Is This the End of Meghan's Media Mogul Dreams?

The Daily Mail framed "With Love, Meghan" as a "make-or-break" moment for Meghan's ambitions as a media mogul. Spotify severed ties with her and Harry in 2023 after she produced only one podcast in two years. While their 2022 series, "Harry and Meghan," was a hit due to its royal revelations, subsequent projects have been met with disappointment.

Trademark Troubles: Another Obstacle for Meghan's Brand

"With Love, Meghan" was intended to boost interest in Meghan's upcoming line of jam, dog biscuits, and other home products. However, the launch has been delayed due to trademark disputes and accusations of stolen ideas and logos. She even switched the brand name from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever at the last minute.

Despite these challenges, Netflix plans to showcase Meghan's products in their new "Netflix Houses" department stores, alongside merchandise from popular shows like "Bridgerton" and "Squid Game."

The Verdict: A Royal Flop or a Strategic Setback?

Only time will tell if Meghan Markle can turn the tide and salvage her Netflix deal. The initial reception of "With Love, Meghan" is undeniably disappointing, but Netflix's appetite for controversy and Meghan's resilience may yet surprise us.