Meghan Markle’s Netflix venture, With love, Meghanfaces his final curtain call.
Despite high hopes and a reported $100 million deal, the lifestyle series has struggled to win over critics, and the celebratory special released earlier this week has done little to change that narrative.
The show, which debuted in March and followed up with a second season in August, has been widely panned, with commentators suggesting Meghan’s trademark optimism may have backfired.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams offered an honest assessment, claiming that the Duchess appears to be trying to capture some of the “magic” that Princess Kate effortlessly brings to royal events.
“She displayed an almost relentless positivity that actually gets tiring to watch,” he noted.
“It seems like she wants to be a sort of California Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way, but the show just doesn’t have the substance that Kate brings to her carol concert.”
Fitzwilliams also cast doubt on the show’s future, pointing to Netflix’s recalibrated partnership with the couple and the relatively unknown status of some guests.
“While Naomi Osaka is a big name in her field, many viewers may not know her,” he said.
The duchess, who has also come under scrutiny for her handling of personal family matters, could face further public judgment as she navigates her estranged relationship with her father.
“Normally any child would want to be with their parent during difficult times. But this is clearly a complicated situation and, despite previous tensions, the public is watching closely,” he noted on this sensitive issue.
As the series teeters on uncertain ground, royal watchers wonder if she’ll get another chance to win over viewers.
