Meghan Markle’s New Lifestyle Show: A Risky Venture or a Resounding Success?

As Meghan Markle prepares to launch her new Netflix series, critics are divided on whether her return to lifestyle content will succeed in updating her brand or if it will fall flat amid current global issues.

Meghan Markle is stepping into new territory with her upcoming eight-part Netflix series set to premiere on January 15. Entitled "With Love," the show features her engaging in domestic activities such as flower picking, vegetable slicing, and cake decorating, as well as harvesting honey alongside her husband, Prince Harry. This apparent rebranding reflects a shift to what public relations expert Chloe Franses calls the “trad wife” social media trend inspired by 1950s homemakers.

While some see this move as a departure from Meghan's established identity as a feminist and actress, others, like Frances, consider it a return to her earlier lifestyle blogging days before marrying into royalty. However, reactions vary widely; while some critics praise her for authenticity, others like Alex Silver deem the approach "tone deaf."

For many observers, one significant change is the portrayal of Meghan as an independent figure in the show's trailer, suggesting a desire from both Harry and Meghan to carve out separate professional paths. According to marketing professor Pauline Maclaran, “They seem to have separated their brands,” indicating the potential for greater success compared to their joint ventures.

This latest venture also marks a distinct move away from royal life. Since stepping back as senior royals, the couple has discussed the monarchy openly, but "With Love" seems more grounded in lifestyle and wellness, reminiscent of Meghan’s previous blog, The Tig, which focused on beauty, diet, and travel before it closed in 2017. Experts suggest that this direction could align better with Meghan’s public persona, although skeptics question the relevance of lifestyle content amid pressing global issues.

Meghan's journey in the business realm has seen ups and downs, including a lucrative Netflix deal and a podcast partnership with Spotify that recently concluded due to low audience engagement. Meanwhile, her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, remains in limited activity since its launch earlier this year.

Some analysts propose this show could be a strategic move to foster further business opportunities and potentially emulate the successful lifestyle brand of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. However, critics remain unconvinced, arguing that a focus on personal commercial pursuits may not engage wider audiences, particularly when larger societal topics need addressing.

Royal expert Victoria Murphy believes the show will initially attract viewers, but the real challenge will be sustaining a strong global following beyond first impressions. Maclaran shares this sentiment, suggesting the show’s appeal might particularly resonate with mothers in the U.S.

Despite the mixed reception following the trailer release, Meghan's endeavor seems likely to reinforce existing opinions about her. For supporters, this new chapter exemplifies the creativity the Royal Family may be missing, while detractors view it as another instance of Hollywood superficiality.

With a devoted social media following and relentless media scrutiny, the real question remains whether "With Love" will successfully redefine Meghan’s public image or simply serve as fodder for ongoing debates surrounding her character and intentions.