Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show Slammed: Critics Call It ‘A Painful Farce’

Meghan Markle’s Netflix lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” is struggling to find love from critics and viewers alike. The show, which debuted on March 4, currently sits at a dismal 33% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, signaling a rough reception for the Duchess of Sussex's latest venture.

The 43-year-old royal brings recipes, hosting tips, and celebrity friends like Mindy Kaling, Abigail Spencer, and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters to the screen. But according to critics, the glossy production lacks authenticity and feels more like a curated PR exercise than a genuine peek into Markle’s world.

Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, didn’t hold back, saying, “Meghan needs to elevate the people around her instead of hijacking all the oxygen in the room.” She elaborated, “You’re next to Mindy Kaling, a powerhouse, and you’re not digging into her incredible career journey? Instead, we get overly polished ‘hacks’ that everyone already knows.” Ouch.

Schofield also pointed out a viral moment from the show where Markle corrected Kaling for using her maiden name: “It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now.” While Markle might have meant it lightly, critics suggested it reflected the show's tone—more about Markle than meaningful connections with her guests.

Royal photographer Helena Chard echoed the sentiment, noting, “As far as I see, Meghan lacks charisma and connection with her guests and audience. The production feels bland, staged, and stilted.” Chard suggested the show would’ve hit better if Markle had showcased her true personality rather than trying to project perfection.

Even Markle’s cooking and hosting tips came under fire. Schofield called them “unoriginal and basic,” while Chard described the activities as “a painful farce” — think wasting 60 pounds of fruit for decoration or using a pencil to trace lines on menus so they can be erased later. It’s a bit like Martha Stewart meets Stepford Wife, but without the charm.

Despite the criticism, Markle celebrated the show’s initial success, sharing on Instagram that it climbed to No. 5 on Netflix’s Top 10 shows. However, by Friday, it had slipped to No. 7, signaling that its buzz might be short-lived. Notably, this isn’t the first Netflix project from the Sussexes to face backlash. Prince Harry’s earlier documentary, “Polo,” was also poorly received for similar reasons—viewers found it tone-deaf and lacking substance.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich summed up the situation bluntly: “Neither Netflix show has resonated with audiences. Both have been universally derided.” She added that for Netflix, which invested heavily in the couple, these lukewarm responses are a tough pill to swallow.

As the second season of “With Love, Meghan” is already in the works, Markle may have an opportunity to pivot and show audiences a more candid, relatable side. For now, though, it seems the Duchess’s hosting chops are as polarizing as her royal exit.