On Thursday, Meghan Markle released the first trailer for her new Netflix lifestyle series, *With Love, From Meghan*. The show features the Duchess and celebrity friends cooking, arranging flowers, and offering hosting tips. It’s a clear attempt to establish herself as a modern-day Martha Stewart. However, the trailer’s reception has been far from celebratory.
Meghan’s vision of elegant entertaining has clashed with current realities. Dinner parties are less common than in previous eras, and many seeking culinary advice turn to platforms like TikTok. This perceived disconnect has led to significant criticism. YouTube comments blasted the Duchess as “tone-deaf” and “out of touch,” a sentiment echoed across social media.
Adding fuel to the fire is commentary from Meghan McCain, who, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), voiced her disappointment. McCain, once a supporter of Markle, now criticizes her for seeming out of touch with American sensibilities, especially given the current socio-political climate. She argued that the show’s curated, produced nature felt inappropriate given recent acts of terror, economic hardship, and ongoing global conflicts. McCain suggested Markle instead focus on projects that directly address pressing social needs, such as food insecurity.
McCain’s sharp criticism mirrors the negative online reaction to the trailer. While she perhaps overstated her claim that “the world doesn’t like you,” her sentiment reflects a widespread feeling that the show’s concept is poorly timed and insensitive.
While the eight-episode series doesn’t premiere until January 15th, the negative pre-release buzz presents a significant challenge for Meghan and Prince Harry. Their 2020 Netflix deal has yet to yield a major success, with their recent polo docuseries receiving poor reviews and low viewership. Following a disappointing 2024, *With Love, From Meghan* is crucial for their professional comeback. Whether it will achieve that goal remains to be seen, but the current negative reaction suggests a challenging road ahead.