Zing Muse – Why did “With Love, Meghan 2” underperform despite Meghan Markle’s star power? Critics call it ‘flat’, viewers skipped it—discover what went wrong in this candid breakdown.
Netflix’s “With Love, Meghan 2”, starring Meghan Markle, aimed to captivate audiences with cozy cooking, gardening, and heartfelt conversations. However, its second season failed to strike the same chord as the first—prompting sharp criticism from critics and a notable drop in viewership. Here’s what went wrong.
Viewership Dip: A Statistically Notable Decline
According to Forbes, Season 2 premiered August 26, but did not crack Netflix’s global Top 10 between August 25 and 31—an alarming drop considering Season 1 tallied 2.6 million views in its first seven days, whereas even the 10th-ranked show Untamed reached 2.1 million. Analysts estimate that Season 2 fell short by at least half a million views compared to the debut season’s launch week.
Critics Were Unimpressed: “Flat”, “Awkward”, and “Tone-Deaf”
In the UK, critics were especially harsh:
Lucy Mangan (The Guardian) described the show as “boring” and “forced,” highlighting Chrissy Teigen’s appearance in Episode 2 as the only bright spot.
Anita Singh (The Telegraph) rated it 2/5, calling Meghan’s choice to make cocktails honoring wildfire rescuers “tactless” and noting an attention-seeking tone and repetitive mentions of Prince Harry—even though he never appears on screen. Singh did, however, acknowledge moments of charm when Meghan dropped her perfectionist facade for self-deprecating warmth.
What’s at Stake: Is This Glamorous Lifestyle Tone-Deaf?
The optics didn’t help. Critics questioned the sincerity of cultivating grandeur amid serious issues like California wildfires. The show’s lush visuals and curated domesticity felt increasingly out-of-touch to viewers seeking authenticity—especially following Meghan’s philanthropic stances.
Context: The Netflix Strategy and Contracts
With Love, Meghan is part of the Sussexes’ Netflix lineup—five projects launched since their 2020 signing: Harry & Meghan (2022), Live to Lead (2023), Hearts of Invictus (2023), Polo (December 2024), and now this series. Their original $100 million deal reportedly expired earlier this year, but has since been renewed at a lower rate, now including upcoming projects like a Meet Me at the Lake adaptation and a short documentary about a Ugandan orphanage.
Quick Profile: Who Is Meghan Markle Now?
Born in California, Northwestern graduate, rose to fame on Suits.
Post-royalty, she’s explored podcasting, children’s books, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle media. In 2023, she signed with WME (formerly WNE), a leading Hollywood talent agency.
Married Prince Harry in 2018; they have two children—Archie (born 2019) and Lilibet (June 2021)—and moved to California after stepping back from royal duties.
Glamour Isn’t Enough
With Love, Meghan 2 sought to deliver cozy lifestyle vibes with star power—but critics and audiences found it lacking in substance. As streaming fatigue grows and viewers crave authenticity, even established celebrities like Meghan Markle must go deeper than aesthetic charm to connect.
Linda (News)
