With Love, Meghan’ Falls Short of ‘Harry & Meghan’ in One Major Way on Netflix

Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” has garnered significant attention, though not all of it favorable. The show, which delves into Meghan’s lifestyle endeavors such as beekeeping, cooking, and crafting, has been met with mixed reviews. Critics have labeled it as “fake perfection” and “pretentious,” contrasting sharply with the reception of the earlier docuseries “Harry & Meghan.”

Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown criticized “With Love, Meghan” in her “Fresh Hell” Substack newsletter, describing it as a portrayal of “fake perfection” that seems out of touch with current public sentiments. Brown further commented on Meghan’s challenges in establishing a convincing public persona.

Similarly, renowned chef Richard Corrigan expressed his disapproval, labeling the series as pretentious and reflective of a Hollywood lifestyle. He also suggested that Meghan and Prince Harry have become a burden to King Charles, especially considering his health challenges.

In contrast, the 2022 docuseries “Harry & Meghan” offered an intimate glimpse into the couple’s lives, addressing their challenges within the royal family and their subsequent departure. While it received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out its one-sided narrative, the series achieved significant viewership. It became Netflix’s highest-rated show in the UK for 2022, with the first episode garnering 2.4 million views on its debut day. Globally, it amassed 81.6 million viewing hours within the first four days, marking it as one of Netflix’s most successful documentaries.

The primary distinction between the two series lies in their content and reception. “Harry & Meghan” provided viewers with personal insights and addressed controversies head-on, which, despite criticisms, resonated with a broad audience. Conversely, “With Love, Meghan” focuses on lifestyle themes but has been perceived by some as lacking authenticity and depth. This perception has led to a more polarized reception, with critiques highlighting its seemingly contrived content.

Despite the mixed reviews, “With Love, Meghan” has secured a spot in Netflix’s Top 10 globally and has been renewed for a second season, indicating that viewership numbers remain strong.

In summary, while both series have captivated audiences, “With Love, Meghan” appears to fall short of “Harry & Meghan” in delivering the same level of engaging and authentic content, as reflected in the critical responses.