Meghan Markle's Cooking Show: A Make-or-Break Moment

Meghan Markle's new cooking show, "With Love, Meghan, " is premiering on January 15. This series is reportedly the last part of her multi-million dollar Netflix deal with Prince Harry, which is set to end this year. The couple's previous projects haven't been well-received by critics. Their docu-series "Polo" was met with lackluster reviews, and their earlier show "Harry & Meghan" was just a limited series despite setting a record for documentary views on Netflix. The duo has also faced setbacks with their Spotify podcast deal being dropped in 2023. An entertainment executive suggested that Markle's new show might be the last chance for the couple to stay relevant in streaming. The trailer for "With Love, Meghan" shows Markle in a rented $5 million mansion, wearing floral dresses, and serving cake to friends like Mindy Kaling. The show has been viewed nearly 50 million times on X and covered widely by media outlets. However, some coverage has been harsh. Critics argue that the show feels inauthentic, with comparisons made to British socialite Emma Thynn's YouTube series "Emma's Kitchen. " The show has also been accused of copying Kate Middleton's beekeeping hobby and using a common recipe. Some industry experts question whether the Sussexes can create engaging content beyond their personal story. Despite these challenges, Markle's show could serve as a launchpad for her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which will sell products directly on Netflix.