Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show, With Love, portrays a picture of domestic bliss, featuring the Duchess picking flowers, slicing vegetables, and even harvesting honey.
It marks a shift from her previous image as a feminist and Hollywood actress to something more akin to the “tradwife” social media trend, often inspired by 1950s housewives.
This rebranding has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a return to her roots as a lifestyle blogger, while others see it as tone-deaf.
Public relations expert Chloe Franses praises Meghan’s new look as “authentic,” pointing out that the duchess had a lifestyle blog, The Tig, before marrying Prince Harry. But media relations expert Alex Silver criticizes it as an attempt to sidestep more important issues, like charitable work or world events.
One of the striking aspects of the trailer is Meghan’s solo presence, rather than appearing alongside Harry, indicating the couple might be separating their professional ventures.
“They seem to have separated their brands,” says Pauline Maclaran, a professor of marketing at Royal Holloway. This move may signal a departure from their royal life, with Meghan focusing on lifestyle and wellness, areas she previously explored in The Tig.
Despite her focus on lifestyle, which could appeal to an audience of mothers, some experts are skeptical. Silver suggests that Meghan could have used her platform to raise awareness for more significant causes instead of centering on herself.
Maclaran also notes that the show will likely resonate with certain groups, particularly in the US, but she acknowledges that the success of this venture will depend on whether it can maintain a strong following.
This new project is not Meghan’s first business initiative. She and Harry previously signed a multi-million-pound deal with Netflix, producing Harry & Meghan and serving as executive producers for The Polo.
Their Spotify deal also ended in 2023, with Meghan’s Archetypes podcast failing to capture a broad audience.
Meghan also launched a lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, in 2023, but it has had little activity since its debut.
Some have speculated that Meghan’s new show could be a strategic move to expand her commercial interests, potentially leading to partnerships with major brands. This has led to comparisons with Gwyneth Paltrow’s successful lifestyle brand, Goop.
However, critics like Silver argue that Meghan is motivated by the desire to maintain her lavish lifestyle as their income from royal connections diminishes.
The reaction to the trailer has been divisive. While Meghan’s fans support her return to the spotlight, her critics argue that the show is superficial and lacks substance.
The British tabloids have already scrutinized the trailer in great detail, which may be an indication of how the show will be received. For Meghan, this new venture will likely reinforce her existing reputation—either as a beloved figure or a controversial one.
Ultimately, With Love could resonate with Meghan’s supporters, but its long-term success will hinge on whether it can capture a diverse and engaged audience outside of her established fan base.
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