Meghan Markle's Netflix Drama: Critics Call It 'Staged and Stuffy'!
The Duchess of Sussex's Netflix Debacle: Critics Slammed Meghan Markle's New Series, But One Reviewer Found a Glimmer of Authenticity
Meghan Markle's highly anticipated second series on Netflix has hit a snag with critics delivering scathing reviews, labeling the Duchess of Sussex "needy" and "narcissistic." The eight-part show, "With Love, Meghan," has been met with disappointment, despite pulling in millions of viewers for its debut run. However, one reviewer from thescholarlynote.com found a glimmer of authenticity in the series.
The Mail's Liz Jones, known for her sharp tongue and keen observations, was among the first to pan the show, calling it "staged, fake, and dull." However, she surprisingly praised Meghan for being "genuinely earnest," unlike many other critics who found the series lacking in substance. Jones noted that Meghan's genuine enthusiasm is undeniable, even if her attempts at creating a cozy atmosphere are as contrived as a rented mansion.
But what's behind Meghan's need for validation through this show? Has she been trying to recreate the magic of her royal life, now that they've left the UK behind? The answer may lie in her past struggles with feelings of isolation and disconnection. As she revealed in an interview with Bloomberg, Meghan had previously spoken about struggling with suicidal thoughts and feeling like she had no one to turn to during her royal role.
The show's lackluster reception has raised questions about the couple's five-year contract with Netflix, reportedly worth $100 million. While the terms have changed since the first series' success, it seems that Meghan is still trying to recapture the magic of their royal life through this show. But critics are calling foul, accusing her of being insincere and self-indulgent.
The Guardian's Lucy Mangan gave the series a scathing review, describing it as "gormless lifestyle filler" with Meghan at its center. She noted that Meghan's attempts to appear relatable fall flat, as she sprinkles flowers over everything and serves up beverages like a "lavender grey latte." But what's more cringeworthy is her admission of using pre-measured puff pastry for apple pie.
The Times' Hilary Rose was equally unimpressed, calling the show "baffling" and an "ego trip in a sun hat." She noted that Meghan's bookbinding segment, which she described as watching glue dry, was particularly grating. But what's more egregious is her lack of authenticity, given her background in acting and scripting.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the series is its attempts to humanize Meghan. In one episode, she talks about being a mother, revealing that she always wanted to have children since she was a girl. She even shares a heartwarming anecdote about her son Archie's gentle nature and his desire for a pet cat.
But what's most telling is her nostalgia for the UK, which she has largely shunned since leaving the royal life behind. In one scene, she wistfully talks about missing Magic FM, her favorite radio station in the UK. Her love story with Prince Harry is also revisited, including their romantic safari trip to Botswana and her revelation that he was the first to say the "L word."
Throughout the series, Meghan's conversations are stilted, making it hard to distinguish between scripted lines and genuine moments. It's as if she's trying too hard to connect with her audience, but ultimately falls flat.
Radio Times' Caroline Frost noted that Meghan failed to be authentic by cooking and gardening in an $8m farmhouse down the road from her own home. She described the setup as "impersonal as a supermarket ad," which is ironic given Meghan's claims of being more relatable now than during her royal role.
The Telegraph's Anita Singh added fuel to the fire, calling Meghan "the Montecito Marie Antoinette" and criticizing her absence from the UK since September 2022. She noted that Harry's absence from the show was becoming increasingly weird, especially given its focus on their California home life.
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle is still trying to find her place in the spotlight. But will this series be her ticket to redemption, or just another misstep in her attempt to recreate her royal fame? Only time will tell.
The Bottom Line
Meghan Markle's new Netflix series has been met with scathing reviews from critics, labeling it "needy" and "narcissistic." While one reviewer found a glimmer of authenticity in the show, most agree that Meghan is still trying to recreate her royal life through this series. But will it be enough to win over her audience? Only time will tell.
Sources:
- The Mail's Liz Jones
- The Guardian's Lucy Mangan
- The Times' Hilary Rose
- Radio Times' Caroline Frost
- The Telegraph's Anita Singh
