Meghan Markle’s latest venture into the world of Netflix with her series With Love, Meghan has sparked significant attention, though not entirely positive. The show has been met with criticism, most notably from well-known writer and former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown. In her Substack newsletter, Fresh Hell, Brown did not hold back in her assessment of the series, calling it a misguided attempt at showcasing “fake perfection.” She argue that Meghan’s timing couldn’t have been worse, as the cultural tide has turned against such ideals. Brown, who has been critical of the Sussexes in the past, believes Meghan has struggled to find a genuine public persona and that her efforts often feel inauthentic and disconnected from the times.
Brown’s critique begins with the show’s opening scene, which she describes as absurd and off-putting. In it, Meghan appears dressed in a beekeeper’s suit, speaking with an apiarist about the wonders of bees. Brown suggests that this moment sets the tone for a series that feels out of touch and overly theatrical. She writes that the show fails to recover from this initial misstep, emphasizing that it reflects how far Meghan has distanced herself from the public image she had when she first entered the spotlight over eight years ago. Brown’s harsh words highlight her belief that Meghan’s attempts at reinvention have fallen flat, and that the duchess’s efforts to position herself as a relatable figure have only made her seem more removed.
Digging deeper into her analysis, Brown expresses regret over what she sees as missed opportunities for Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry. She argues that the couple made a mistake by stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family when they did. Brown believes they would have been better served by waiting until Queen Elizabeth II passed away before making such a move. She suggests that patience and a lower profile during that time could have positioned them for greater opportunities, such as new roles and increased visibility, once Prince William ascended to his current position as Prince of Wales. Instead, Brown argues, Meghan’s impulsive nature has led the couple further away from the royal family and the public’s favor.
Brown’s criticism extends beyond With Love, Meghan to the couple’s broader strategy since leaving their royal duties. She points to their Netflix series Harry & Meghan, Harry’s memoir Spare, and even their recent lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, as examples of their relentless pursuit of prestige and fame. Brown questions Meghan’s judgment, particularly in her eagerness to promote her personal brand without proper planning, as evidenced by recent trademark issues. She paints Meghan as someone constantly trying to rehabilitate her reputation, yet repeatedly stumbling in the process. According to Brown, this approach has alienated the couple from both the royal family and the public, leaving them isolated in their pursuit of fame.
This is not the first time Brown has spoken out against the Sussexes. In a previous appearance on The Ankler podcast in October 2024, she accused the couple of being “addicted to drama,” suggesting that their constant need for attention has overshadowed their more positive efforts. Her sharp words for With Love, Meghan are part of a larger pattern of criticism from Brown, who has been vocal about her disapproval of the couple’s choices since they left their royal roles. Her opinions, however, are not without bias, as she has long been a vocal commentator on the royals and their evolving dynamics.
While Brown’s review has been particularly scathing, she is not alone in her disappointment. Critics in the UK have also panned With Love, Meghan, with some labeling it as self-indulgent and overly narcissistic. Despite the negative reviews, however, the show has still managed to rank in Netflix’s Top 10 in multiple countries, and it has already been renewed for a second season. This mixed reception underscores the polarizing nature of Meghan and Harry’s public image, with some viewers drawn to their content despite—or because of—the controversy surrounding it. Representatives for Meghan declined to comment on the backlash, but the show’s performance suggests that, even if not universally loved, With Love, Meghan has found an audience willing to engage with it.
