I’m finding it a little odd that a non-political, non-taboo subject TV show is considered controversial, but here we are! I’m well aware of the British media’s tirade against Meghan ‘Markle’, but it’s stepped up a gear again for the release of Meghan’s latest project. Her recently released programme showcases cooking, baking, gift-making, and hosting. It’s been reviewed as unattainable, boring, unlovable, and even an ‘exercise in narcissism’. In fact, despite extensive searching and having about 30 tabs open with reviews, I struggled to find ‘good’ ones. If you’re open to opinion, read on for my honest review of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix show, ‘With Love, Meghan’.

First things first…

The only ‘tea’ Meghan serves is from a teapot. If you’re looking for any information about the Royals, you’re not getting it here. It is not really mentioned and Meghan only refers to Prince Harry as “my Husband” throughout.

I want to pre-face this post with the fact that I have no interest in the Monarchy and any of the drama associated. I am quite indifferent to it all, with respect. My opinions are not in any way jaded by my view of Meghan as a person or by the UK media. As much as the media makes us think that we know people, we don’t, so I have no real judgment of her and am judging this show alone.

Having said that, and I’m aware people can play characters very easily (especially actresses!), Meghan seemed very considerate, kind, and respectful throughout. When there were experts, she would step back and learn from them. When her friends visited, she would remember small details about them to make their experience with her better, such as their favourite drinks. I can barely remember if family members take sugar in their tea and I see them all the time!

Is ‘With Love, Meghan’ showcasing an unattainable lifestyle?

I love aspirational shows so I’m exactly the target audience, but there are so many reviews and comments online saying it is out of touch. This is where my confusion begins – out of touch with what? I can’t currently afford a big house with giant garden full of fresh food – the dream! I also don’t have a Le Creuset casserole dish (this was mentioned in a review too). However, everything shown within this one is definitely attainable. If people can’t get their heads around growing a few herbs or using a (non-branded) casserole dish, then that’s on them.

One comment I saw was this: Some of the advice is beyond simplistic — she suggests breaking apart a store-bought bouquet to create an arrangement tailored to your own taste (really).

Now, am I mad for loving that idea? Am I the only person that will happily create my own bouquet that way? I’ve also wrapped my own pretty paper around a supermarket bought one. Obviously, not everyone is up for that or even cares, but to me those little touches make things special!

In the show, Meghan made candles, baked, cooked, made gifts, and arranged flowers. Those are some of my favourite things! Maybe I am living a crazy unattainable life and I don’t even realise it! And even if it was unattainable, so what? Some of us love that! Selling Sunset is a huge hit and I know you’re not all living in those houses! Where was the media for that in these tough times?!

I do understand how this can be seen as just PR- of course it is, so is every show! – but she did have a lifestyle blog years ago, so it seems like a natural progression. She also has products to sell, of course, and while I doubt I’ll be buying any of them, it seems a pretty good way to show them off if you get the chance.

Negative critique of the show…

I’m finding it hard to find anything to be mad at. I do think that the friendships and even Meghan when alone could look a little uncomfortable on camera, but if every little thing you say or do is scrutinised so deeply, I can imagine you’d be super careful about how you speak. Some of the friendships and her relationship with Prince Harry do seem genuinely lovely though.

There was a moment – if you didn’t get this far – where she corrected Mindy Kaling about her last name. Why wouldn’t you if someone keeps calling you the wrong name? She wasn’t rude about it despite what the media says. It was a brief moment, and she mentioned wanting to have the same last name as her children, which many people do. We seem to be rightly bothered about people being correctly identified, but when it comes to Meghan it doesn’t matter?

There is also critique of her clothing, but she is undeniably well-dressed! I love the mix of styles she has and the fact she mixes high street with high-end – something Kate (not Middleton) is highly praised for btw!

The show is apparently tone-deaf, but I’d argue most are if that’s the case. Isn’t that the point of entertainment? Escapism for the mundane of everyday life? If I wanted reality and ready-meals, I’d pop to Tesco.

Some negative critique that seemed reasonable is that it didn’t seem to fulfil a purpose or niche, but I think the niche is just that little details make a difference, and I live by that! I can understand that it didn’t quite seem to have found its place though, even if I enjoy that mix of content. I don’t tend to watch cooking shows, or floral shows, but I loved getting a glimpse of everything so it worked for me personally.

I’d love to understand the critique because my views are always unbiased, but I have actively looked, while enjoying the show, and cannot find a fault! And I’m really good at finding those!

Are people hate-watching?

The only reason I can think of for the hate is that people went into this hate-watching. I truly believe anybody who enjoys that easy-breezy Californian style of life will love this show. It fits my criteria for easy watching and inspiration perfectly. If that’s not the kind of show you enjoy and you don’t usually watch anything like that, then what are you doing watching this?

If you’re not into crafts, cooking, hosting, and gardening, then it’s not for you. But many people are. I’d actually love to see another season as it fit the gap in my programming perfectly. I hope media-fuelled hate doesn’t stop that from happening for those of us that have enjoyed it, but I’m aware that people will write poor reviews even if they didn’t watch it out of spite.

What did you think?

I’d love to hear others’ thoughts on the show itself. I’m always up for an honest debate, but remember to be respectful to others if you do comment.

Did you like it? Do you think bias is tainting people’s view of the show or am I into truly awful content?

Let me know! In the meantime, I’ll be making the pasta dish from the first episode and adding dried flowers to every plate!