Meghan Markle's new Netflix series roasted: What are users on social media saying?

Meghan Markle has celebrated her Netflix series With Love, Meghan entering the streaming site's top 10 list. In an Instagram story, the duchess of Sussex reportedly shared a reel of moments from the show with a caption thanking to those around the world who tuned into the show. This is despite the scathing reviews the programme received from critics and netizen. 

With Love, Meghan debuted on Tuesday and joined Netflix's top 10 list in just 24 hours. The series marks Markle's and Prince Harry's latest media venture to connect with viewers and sees the duchess of Sussex sharing personal tip and tricks and practical how-tos, as well as candid conversations with old and new friends. It also features guests including Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, Alice Waters and acclaimed chefs.  

According to The Economic Times, netizens had made fun of Markle's one-pan pasta dish, calling it "basic" and "punishment" rather than food. The U.K.’s The Independent gave the show one star, calling it “queasy and exhausting,” noting that “visiting the Sussexes might not be a fun experience,” reported Forbes. 

Don't miss: Prince Harry and Meghan launch emotive campaign to protect children online 

On X, formerly known as Twitter, viewers shared mixed reactions. One reviewer (@Katrinalou123) purchased the same La Creuset pan Markle used in the show, while a user identified as @valleygirl629 pointed out how the same pan is now sold out on the brand's website following the show. Meanwhile, users have also taken a jab at the show with one X user (@quickqspod) calling Markle "The people's Martha Stewart" for repacking pretzels in time for a guest's arrival. 

Similarly, analysis by media intelligence firm CARMA revealed that sentiments of social media conversations globally on Markle's Netflix series were mixed, with 48% of conversations being positive and 26.4% being negative. The show received mixed reviews, with some praising it and others criticising it. 

According to CARMA, social media users have characterised the show as "narcissistic", a "ratings disaster" and "sad and ridiculous". 

Specific criticisms also revolved around the portrayal of Markle, as well as Prince Harry's limited appearance in the series, said CARMA. According to the firm, users had also deemed the content as "highly offensive" to the Royal British Family. 

In conversation with MARKETING-INTEARCTIVE, Asiya Bakht, founder of Beets Public Relations said that Markle has been a hugely polarising figure ever since she got married into the British Royal family. "Her every move is dissected and analysed with a rare passion and as a celebrity, this is what she has signed up for," added Bakht.

By sheer volume of press coverage, With Love, Meghan would be called a successful attempt, explained Bakht. However, ratings on IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes deem it otherwise. 

"As a comms professional I see her experimentation in different content forms as a natural extension of her personality. She is an actress and a public figure and she is following the playbook of other celebrities by positioning herself as a brand and creating commercial opportunities for herself," stated Bakht. 

This rings true for Markle, having partnered with Netflix to launch her new lifestyle brand As Ever on top of the series. Dedicated to curating crafted essentials for the home, the line was brought to life in With Love, Meghan. The new brand includes a collection of products such as raspberry spread in specialty canister, herbal lemon ginger tea, herbal peppermint tea and more. 

Markle and Prince Harry have a record of setting the internet abuzz, when the couple gave up their royal titles and moved to Canada in 2020. Brands rolled out cheeky ads amidst their move with Saatchi & Saatchi London posting a one-page ad that had "Canada" on its search bar with a tactical tagline, "Escape the family". The ad was placed beside an article written about Markle and Prince Harry titled Duchess drops in again as Harry faces press. 

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