Meghan Markle’s Culinary Dream Derailed: Netflix Cancels ‘With Love, Meghan’ After Chef Backlash

Imagine stepping into the spotlight as Meghan Markle, a global icon and former duchess, ready to unveil your new Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan.”

This eight-part show was designed to be your heartfelt re-entry into the public sphere, blending food, culture, and personal stories.

Yet, just as anticipation reached its peak, critics—especially from the culinary world—swooped in, leaving the project in ruins.

Award-winning chefs took to social media to dismiss it as a vanity project, leading Netflix to make the surprising decision to pull the plug.

So, what went wrong?

At first glance, “With Love, Meghan” appeared to have all the right ingredients for success.

The show promised to showcase Meghan exploring culinary traditions worldwide, reminiscent of Anthony Bourdain's adventures but with a royal twist.

Meghan has always expressed a passion for food, previously running a lifestyle blog called The Tig, where she shared recipes and wine recommendations.

Additionally, her cookbook collaboration with women from the Hub Community Kitchen exemplified her commitment to using food as a means to connect communities.

On paper, everything seemed poised for a hit.

However, the tide turned dramatically when respected chefs began to critique the show harshly before it even aired.

Their reviews were far from kind, with some declaring it more of a vanity project than a genuine food show.

One chef likened it to a Hallmark holiday special—only instead of festive cheer, it featured quinoa bowls.

Another asserted that it felt like an uninspired blend of culture and cuisine, akin to tossing random ingredients into a blender and calling it gourmet.

With such fierce criticism, it was clear that the show was in trouble.

Netflix, known for its willingness to embrace controversial content, decided to shelve the series.

The official reason given was the timing; the devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles made airing a food show seem inappropriate.

While this rationale might sound valid, it raises eyebrows considering other projects the platform has launched during crises, like “Stranger Things” amid the Ukraine war or “Squid Game” during a pandemic.

The negative buzz surrounding “With Love, Meghan” was likely too daunting for Netflix to ignore.

Bad press can be lethal for a show's prospects, and when a project intended to be warm and inviting gets labeled as stale and cliché, it poses a significant risk.

Instead of facing potential failure, Netflix appeared to play it safe by cutting their losses.

This isn't Meghan's first rodeo with Netflix; her animated series “Pearl” was canceled before it even began due to budget cuts.

Although her docuseries with Prince Harry initially attracted viewers, it soon faced backlash for being overly self-indulgent.

Netflix's decision to scrap “With Love, Meghan” signals a troubling trend for Meghan's Hollywood aspirations.

A pattern is emerging in Meghan's media endeavors.

They often start with high expectations but end up receiving lukewarm or outright negative responses.

When Meghan and Harry signed their lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix, audiences anticipated compelling content filled with royal drama or authentic storytelling.

Instead, they've mostly been met with polished productions that feel more like PR campaigns than engaging narratives.

Moreover, Meghan's relatability may be another hurdle.

Unlike beloved culinary figures such as Bourdain or Gordon Ramsay, Meghan's polished persona can come off as disconnected.

Viewers crave authenticity, and many perceive her as too rehearsed and controlled.

For food programming to resonate, it needs to capture the spontaneous joy of cooking rather than deliver perfectly curated soundbites.

Public perception of Meghan has also shifted dramatically.

Initially viewed as a refreshing royal outsider, she is now often seen as out-of-touch and strategic.

This change in sentiment makes it challenging for audiences to rally behind her projects.

If viewers aren't invested, even the most well-crafted show can falter.

Looking ahead, Meghan's Hollywood journey is far from over, but it's clear she needs a pivot.

To regain traction, she might consider branching out into more unexpected territories—perhaps a hard-hitting documentary or investigative journalism that showcases vulnerability and authenticity.

Audiences are hungry for real stories, raw emotions, and genuine struggles, not just polished PR narratives.

Could this setback be a wake-up call?

While “With Love, Meghan” was intended to be a heartwarming exploration of food and culture, it has inadvertently highlighted the critical need for authenticity in her future endeavors.

Hollywood loves a comeback, and perhaps Meghan's most compelling chapter is yet to come.

The cancellation of “With Love, Meghan” serves as more than just a failed show; it reflects broader issues regarding Meghan Markle's image in the entertainment industry.

She possesses fame, connections, and wealth, but the trust of the public seems to be lacking.

The pressing question now is whether she can turn things around or if she's lost her audience's goodwill for good.