Social media has been buzzing with excitement and speculation after eagle-eyed fans noticed striking similarities between Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, and Pamela Anderson’s upcoming Food Network Canada cooking series, Pamela’s Cooking With Love. The comparison sparked a lively debate online, with some accusing Markle of copying Anderson’s concept, while others dismissed the claims, arguing that similarities in cooking and lifestyle shows are common. The discussion has shed light on the challenges of originality in the entertainment industry and the fine line between inspiration and imitation.
At the heart of the debate are the eerie similarities between the two shows, starting with their names. The titles With Love, Meghan and Pamela’s Cooking With Love share a similar theme and structure, which fans were quick to point out. But the resemblance doesn’t stop there. The trailers for both series have drawn comparisons, with viewers highlighting their almost identical concepts, language, and aesthetics. Anderson’s trailer, released in October 2024, features the actress exploring a garden, laughing in her rustic kitchen, and expressing her passion for cooking. Similarly, Markle’s trailer, released nearly three months later, shows her cooking, picking fresh produce, and sharing her love for elevating ordinary dishes. The overlap in these visuals and themes has left many wondering if Markle took a page out of Anderson’s playbook.
The trailers’ opening moments are particularly striking. Anderson’s trailer begins with her enjoying her garden and kitchen, while Markle’s trailer mirrors these scenes, showcasing her cooking and harvesting fresh ingredients. Both women also invite friends and fellow cooks into their homes, emphasizing the art of hosting and the joy of sharing meals. Their statements in the trailers further fuel the comparisons. Anderson says, “I love to cook. I just have always wanted to take things to another level,” while Markle declares, “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.” The similarity in their words has led some fans to accuse Markle of mimicking Anderson’s approach, though others argue that the themes are too generic to claim plagiarism.
Social media users have been vocal about their observations, with some expressing disbelief at the similarities. One user wrote, “If you watch the trailer for Pamela’s new show, it’s a more authentic version of what Meghan was trying to achieve, and it looks as though Meghan has copied everything! The trailers are so similar it’s freaky.” Another user added, “The entire concept is strikingly similar,” while a third chimed in, “Markle’s show is a straight copy of Pamela Anderson’s cooking and entertaining show. Go look at the trailer!” A fourth person even tagged Netflix’s official account under a clip from Anderson’s trailer, asking, “Sounds familiar?” These reactions highlight the public’s fascination with celebrity culture and their eagerness to spot potential copycats.
Despite the backlash, some fans have come to Markle’s defense, arguing that lifestyle cooking shows often share similar themes and formats. They point out that the genre is crowded, and many shows naturally overlap in concept. Given the close release dates and production schedules, Markle was likely already working on her show when Anderson’s trailer dropped, making the similarities coincidental rather than intentional. Markle’s show, originally scheduled for release in January 2024, was postponed to March 4 due to the devastating California wildfires, while Anderson’s series is set to premiere on February 24. Some speculate that Markle may have pushed her release date to avoid direct comparisons, but others insist that the overlap is simply a result of the nature of the genre.
While both shows share a focus on cooking and hosting, they also have distinct differences. Markle’s series is centered around her California estate, where she welcomes famous friends and family to share tips on cooking, gardening, and hosting. The trailer for With Love, Meghan features her chatting with her pal Mindy Kaling, harvesting honey, and emphasizing the importance of joy and love in the details of hosting. Anderson’s show, on the other hand, brings together eight of the world’s most exciting chefs to her home in Vancouver, BC, with a focus on the meals and the “experience” of hosting. These differences highlight the unique perspectives each star brings to their respective shows, despite the surface-level similarities.
The controversy surrounding these two shows raises broader questions about originality in the entertainment industry. With so many similar concepts vying for attention, it’s inevitable that some shows will overlap in theme or style. While some fans are quick to accuse Markle of copying Anderson, others recognize that the lifestyle and cooking genres are inherently similar, and that inspiration often comes from multiple sources. Representatives for both Markle and Anderson have not commented on the matter, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions. Ultimately, the debate reflects the public’s keen eye for detail and their passion for the celebrities they follow. As the two shows prepare to hit the air, audiences will have the chance to decide for themselves whether the similarities are more than just a coincidence—or if they’re simply a natural result of the competitive and crowded landscape of modern entertainment.
