With, Love Meghan graced screens earlier this month but one scene appeared to show her true colours according to one expert. Meghan Markle‘s Netflix offering has been met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. The Duchess of Sussex’s show has been renewed for a second season with Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, insisting Meghan has been « underestimated ».
With Love, Meghan was watched by 526,000 households in the first five days it was available on Netflix since its release on March 4, according to data gathered by Samba TV. The show sees the Duchess share a number of recipes throughout the series, including for spaghetti, a honey and lemon cake and a cooked breakfast. PR expert Edward Coram-James, CEO of Go Up has questioned Meghan’s recent rebrand as he feared parts of the show came across as « inauthentic », most notably in the opening scene.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he explained: « Another issue is that it doesn’t feel authentic. When audiences watch a show about someone’s passion project, they expect to see that person fully engaged and hands-on.
« But from the very first episode, we see Meghan visiting her beekeeping project only for a brief moment, while the beekeeper casually mentions that he’s there much more often than she is.
« This makes her involvement seem surface-level, which fuels the perception that she is more about image than real action.”
At the start of Meghan’s eight-part series she is seen entering a garden where she revealed her fondness for beekeping.
But admitted she hadn’t been to visit the bees for at least two months.
Meghan remarked: « The last time we came and checked on the bees was a couple of months ago, but the last time you checked on them… »
The beekeeper replied: « I was here since and they’re doing well. »
The expert has since suggested that while Meghan’s show has not smashed records it has not been a « disaster » but doesn’t fully show her strengths.
“While the show hasn’t been a smash hit, I wouldn’t say it’s a complete disaster for Meghan’s brand, » Edward commented.
He added, « Netflix is a global platform, and the show still keeps her in the conversation. Even with mixed reviews, it allows her to position herself as a content creator and businesswoman rather than just a former royal.
« The issue is execution — the series lacks a compelling narrative and doesn’t fully showcase Meghan’s strengths. »
Despite this, the series has been renewed for a second season – with Netflix standing firmly behind the royal.
Speaking to Variety, Sarandos revealed that Netflix has a stake in her lifestyle business As Ever, which sells the various products – from edible flowers to jams and tea – that are featured in her show.
« We’re a passive partner in Meghan’s company, and it’s a big discovery model for us right now, » he said. « I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture. »
Netflix has already said that it will set aside space in two of their brand-new stores for Markle’s As Ever products.
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