Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show Flops After Being Eviscerated by UK Critics
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” returned for its second season on August 26, 2025, but was met with a wave of criticism that left many wondering if this was the end of her Netflix venture. The latest eight-episode run failed to make an impact in Netflix’s Top 10 for the week ending August 31, showing a concerning drop in viewership with approximately 500,000 fewer viewers in its opening week compared to the inaugural season, which initially attracted 2.6 million viewers when it premiered in March 2024.
Critics Have Spoken: A Disappointing Reception
Since its debut, “With Love, Meghan” has struggled to capture the attention of audiences, leading to numerous scathing reviews from UK critics. The consensus has been grim, labeling the show as “boring,” “contrived,” and “tone-deaf.” Lucy Mangan, a critic from The Guardian, went so far as to describe the program as painfully whimsical, indicating that the charm of celebrity guest appearances, including notable personalities like Chrissy Teigen, only further emphasized the show’s glaring shortcomings. The Times and The Telegraph joined the chorus of disapproval, pointing out that Markle’s presentation was poorly executed and lacked relevance to contemporary viewers, with some even suggesting that Markle appeared as a “woman in need of some cash.”
Reactions from Meghan Markle and Future Prospects
Amidst the storm of negative reviews, Markle has come to the defense of her series. In an interview with Emily Chang, she indicated that both her audience and partners enjoyed the show. Markle seemed to suggest that the critical backlash might not accurately represent her viewership or the show’s actual reception. Despite this assertive stance, the series’ struggling numbers reflect a tumultuous relationship with audiences that could pose significant hurdles for its future.
This series is part of a broader deal with Netflix reportedly valued at around $100 million, which was forged following Meghan and Prince Harry’s exit from royal duties. However, after the disappointing results of this season, it has been reported that the couple has renegotiated their partnership with Netflix at reduced terms. This raises questions about whether the streaming giant will continue to prioritize their projects moving forward.
Factors Behind the Decline in Popularity
The sharp drop in viewership can be attributed to a mixture of factors. While Markle’s celebrity status initially drew viewers, the novelty seems to have faded, leading to dwindling public interest. Critics argue that audiences are seeking content with more depth and authenticity, something they feel “With Love, Meghan” lacks. Furthermore, the rise of competing lifestyle content from various influencers who offer genuine insights into their lives has made it harder for Markle’s show to hold its ground in the saturated streaming market.
Another aspect contributing to the declining ratings is Markle’s complicated perception in the media landscape. The couple’s highly publicized departure from royal duties—meant to provide them with more control over their narrative—has been met with mixed reactions. As their story has evolved, it seems some segments of the audience are growing increasingly indifferent towards their projects, leading to an apparent disconnect between Markle’s aspirations as a public figure and the expectations of her viewers.
Ultimately, the show’s struggle to resonate with audiences raises questions about what the future may hold for Meghan Markle and her ventures. With an underwhelming response to the second season of “With Love, Meghan,” it remains to be seen if the series can rebound or if it’s destined to exit the streaming scene entirely. As the entertainment industry continues to shift and evolve, Markle will need to find a way to reconnect with her audience or pivot to new projects that better align with viewer interests.
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