Meghan Markle is making a big return to the small screen with a brand-new lifestyle series. “With Love, Meghan,” her upcoming Netflix show, will premiere on January 15. The eight-episode series is part of the $100 million deal she and Prince Harry signed with Netflix. The trailer, released by the streaming giant last week, gives a sneak peek into what’s in store. It shows Meghan in a beautifully maintained garden, picking flowers, collecting honey, baking bread, and cooking with her famous friends.
The show promises to mix practical tips with personal stories. Netflix says it will offer a fresh take on lifestyle programming, combining how-to moments with real, heartfelt conversations. Meghan herself explains in the trailer, “We’re not in the pursuit of perfection, we’re in the pursuit of joy.” She adds, “Love is in the details.”
Big names will make appearances on the show. Actress Mindy Kaling, chefs Alice Walters and Roy Choi, “Suits” star Abigail Spencer, and even Prince Harry will join Meghan. Kaling calls her time in Meghan’s kitchen “one of the most glamorous moments of my life.”
The series is directed by Michael Steed, known for his work on “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” Showrunner Leah Hariton, who also worked on the Emmy-nominated “Selena + Chef,” is behind the scenes as well.
What We Know So Far
Markle’s Netflix lifestyle show was first teased in April 2024. It follows her launch of a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard, which hasn’t yet produced any content or products. The brand promises to sell items like tableware, kitchen textiles, and even jams and oils. However, it’s still unclear when, or if, this will take off.
Surprising Fact
Before Meghan married Prince Harry, she had a lifestyle blog called The Tig. She interviewed celebrities, discussed fashion, and shared personal stories about her acting career. She shut down the blog in 2017, but the essence of that project seems to live on in this new show.
The Big Picture: The $100 Million Netflix Deal
Meghan and Harry’s Netflix partnership is part of their $100 million deal with the streaming giant. “With Love, Meghan” marks the fifth project from this deal. The couple’s first Netflix project, “Harry & Meghan,” a revealing documentary about their lives, became a massive success. The documentary earned 81.55 million viewing hours in its first week, making it Netflix’s most-watched documentary premiere.
They followed it up with “Heart of Invictus,” which focused on athletes in the Invictus Games, and the docuseries “Live to Lead,” about influential world leaders.
However, not all their projects have hit big. Their most recent Netflix release, a five-part series on professional polo titled “Polo,” didn’t make the streamer’s top 10. Still, Markle’s new series is expected to spark major interest, thanks to her star power and unique brand.
A Rocky Road Since Stepping Down From Royal Duties
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan shocked the world when they stepped down from their roles as senior members of the British royal family. The couple cited mistreatment, bullying from the media, and internal family issues. They moved to California, where they’ve since launched various ventures.
One of the biggest was Archewell Productions, the production company they created with their $100 million Netflix deal. While they’ve landed major projects, not all have been smooth sailing. In 2023, their Spotify partnership ended early after the couple reportedly didn’t meet “productivity benchmarks.”
Meghan also launched American Riviera Orchard in March 2024, but it’s faced several setbacks. For instance, the brand’s trademark request was denied, and reports suggest the company has yet to find a CEO. It’s been nearly a year since the announcement, and the company’s social media accounts remain dormant. The brand’s website is also still empty.
What’s Next for Meghan?
Despite the setbacks, Meghan’s Netflix series could be a game-changer. “With Love, Meghan” will allow fans to see another side of the Duchess of Sussex, one that’s more personal and hands-on. It’s clear she’s not trying to present a perfect lifestyle. Instead, Meghan’s goal seems to be to bring joy and authenticity to her audience, as she emphasizes in the trailer.
The trailer’s charm lies in Meghan’s relaxed, down-to-earth approach. Whether she’s baking, gardening, or sharing life lessons with friends, the show will reveal the softer, more relatable side of the former royal. Fans are eagerly awaiting what could be Meghan’s most successful project yet.
Meghan’s Return: A Perfect Fit?
As Meghan embarks on this new chapter, she taps into a familiar territory. Her lifestyle roots run deep, and “With Love, Meghan” looks like a natural extension of her earlier endeavors. Will the show be the breakthrough hit Netflix is hoping for? Early buzz suggests it will be. Whether or not it matches the success of her previous documentary projects remains to be seen.
But with big-name friends and a beautiful, relatable concept, Meghan’s lifestyle show is set to be a must-watch. Will it live up to expectations? Fans will find out when it drops on Netflix on January 15.
