British celebrity chef Jameson Stocks recently shared his candid thoughts on Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” describing it as “painful to watch” and criticizing nearly every aspect of the show. In an interview with GB News, Stocks, a Michelin-starred chef and author, expressed his disappointment with the series, calling it “terrible” and suggesting that Markle should return to acting, a profession where he believes she excels. Stocks even revealed that Netflix had approached him to act as a consultant for the show, but he declined, fearing potential backlash for his involvement. Despite the negative reviews, the series, which debuted on March 4, has already been renewed for a second season, indicating that it resonates with audiences despite the criticism.
Stocks’ harsh assessment of “With Love, Meghan” was not limited to the content itself but also touched on the overall atmosphere of the show. He described the music as “slow” and “lethargic,” which he believed contributed to the series’ tedious pacing. He emphasized that while Markle is “quite a good actress,” both on screen and in real life, she should focus on what she does best rather than branching out into new ventures like this lifestyle series. Stocks, who has served as an ambassador for King Charles III’s Prince’s Trust, also shared that he turned down Netflix’s offer to consult on the show, citing concerns about the potential fallout of working with Markle. He explained that he didn’t want to be in a position where he might be perceived as teaching her something, only for it to come across as forced or inauthentic. Instead, he believes Markle should take on projects that feel more genuine and personal to her.
Meanwhile, the director of “With Love, Meghan,” Michael Steed, offered a different perspective on the series. In an interview with People, Steed defended the show, stating that it was never intended to portray Markle as a professional chef. Instead, the series highlights her passion for cooking and the joy it brings her. Steed described Markle as someone who is “constantly hustling and working,” a trait that shines through in the show. The eight-episode series features Markle cooking alongside friends like actress Mindy Kaling, actress Abigail Spencer, and chef Roy Choi. Additionally, Markle opens up about her home life with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, offering viewers a glimpse into her personal world.
The mixed reactions to “With Love, Meghan” reflect the polarizing nature of Markle’s public persona. While some critics, like Jameson Stocks, have found the series underwhelming, others have praised it for its warm and engaging tone. Steed’s defense of the show underscores the idea that the series is more about celebrating Markle’s love for cooking and herfectic energy than positioning her as a culinary expert. By focusing on her authenticity and passion, the show aims to connect with audiences on a personal level, rather than trying to establish her as a authority in a new field.
Despite the negative reviews from critics, “With Love, Meghan” has already found success, with Netflix renewing it for a second season less than a week after its premiere. This early renewal suggests that the series has struck a chord with viewers, even if it hasn’t won over all critics. The show’s blend of cooking, personal stories, and celebrity appearances seems to appeal to a wide audience, particularly those who are fans of Markle and interested in her life beyond the royal family.
In the end, the debate over “With Love, Meghan” highlights the challenges of creating content that resonates with both critics and audiences. While Jameson Stocks’ scathing review reflects his personal disdain for the series, Michael Steed’s defense and the show’s early renewal indicate that there is still an appetite for this kind of lifestyle programming. Whether or not the series ultimately proves to be a long-term success remains to be seen, but for now, it has sparked a lively conversation about the intersection of celebrity, authenticity, and entertainment.
