With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s new Netflix lifestyle series, is not going to break new ground, and it doesn’t aim to. Part of the multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix, this eight-part series marks Meghan’s return to her roots as an aspirational lifestyle blogger, after her time running The Tig. This series is exactly what it set out to be: a light, feel-good offering, in contrast to the high drama of Harry & Meghan, the couple’s controversial reality series.
The show presents Meghan attempting basic, practical activities like cooking with chefs, assembling balloon arches, or harvesting honey—hardly groundbreaking content, but it’s gentle and accessible. Guests like Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer join Meghan to help add flair to everyday tasks, with a tone of simplicity and sincerity. The goal is clear: celebrating the beauty of imperfection in life, which Meghan reiterates through moments of candid humor.
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The content is refreshingly low-key. Meghan doesn’t present herself as a culinary expert or a perfectionist. In fact, she openly admits, “It’s not rocket science. Clearly, I’m not a rocket scientist.” She’s not attempting to deliver grand revelations or serve up gourmet dishes, but rather shares practical tips with a sense of warmth and relatability. There’s a conscious decision to avoid pretension, as evidenced by her self-deprecating remarks and focus on thoughtful yet simple concepts.
Despite the show’s critics, who have already panned it before its release, With Love, Meghan doesn’t come off as an ego trip. Meghan’s attempts at making life’s little tasks a bit more whimsical and beautiful aren’t as obnoxious as some might have feared. It’s a reflection of her personality and background, offering small pleasures, not grand spectacles.
While there are some moments of unintentional humor—such as Meghan’s love for “yacht rock” or her enthusiasm about affordable beauty at the grocery store—the series also touches on deeper, progressive topics. Episode three features chef Roy Choi discussing the history of Korean fried chicken and the impact of racism on MSG avoidance. Later in the series, Vicky Tsai, the founder of a skincare company, shares her family recipe for potsticker dumplings, adding cultural depth to the show’s otherwise light content.
The series builds up to a celebratory brunch in the final episode, marking Meghan’s “next chapter,” though the specific nature of this new phase isn’t fully clarified. This lack of clarity leaves some wondering what exactly that next chapter entails, but it doesn’t detract from the beauty of the event. The thoughtful production and attention to detail are evident in the show’s final moments.
In essence, With Love, Meghan is the kind of show you watch when you want to unwind without demanding too much from your screen time. It’s perfect for putting on the background while doing something else or when you want something light and visually pleasant. The series fits into the category of content that’s ideal for zoning out, much like a longer-form Instagram reel.
The show isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s not trying to be. It’s simple, pretty, and thoughtful, offering a break from the more intense and critical media around Harry and Meghan’s public lives. There’s nothing wrong with that.
With Love, Meghan is now streaming on Netflix.
