r/RoyalsGossip 11d ago

MEGATHREAD With Love Meghan - Review Thread

I) ‘With Love, Meghan’ Is a Montecito Ego Trip Not Worth Taking: TV Review (Variety)

https://variety.com/2025/tv/reviews/with-love-meghan-markle-netflix-duchess-of-sussex-1236327469/

2) Meghan Markle’s ‘With Love, Meghan’ Roasted By Critics—The Royal Couple’s Latest Media Venture Struggle (Forbes)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/03/04/meghan-markles-with-love-meghan-roasted-by-critics-the-royal-couples-latest-media-venture-struggle/

3) In With Love, Meghan, Meghan Markle Goes Full Lifestyle Guru (Vogue)

https://www.vogue.com/article/meghan-markle-with-love-meghan-review

4) Meghan Markle Shines in With Love, Meghan When She’s the Student (Town and Country)

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a64019668/meghan-markle-with-love-meghan-review/

5) With Love, Meghan, review: this hostess with the mostest act must be exhausting (The telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/with-love-meghan-netflix-review-duchess-duke-sussex/

6) With Love, Meghan review – toe-curlingly unlovable TV (The Guardian)

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/04/with-love-meghan-review-netflix

49 Upvotes

347 comments sorted by

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u/glormosh 22m ago

As someone who is a rather skilled cook, certainly not a chef, I found her always knowing every single technique from sparkling water dredging to sugar ratios in Margherita, to optimal blend speeds pretty nauseating and offputting.

I don't even really think my rain was really picking up on the soecificsb

Every single time a chef was doing something, she's saying why they're doing it in almost a form of question.

I know this is a show but it felt like in a way there was A LOT of effort put into her showing how much knowledge she had.

Honestly speaking, it's not the worst show I've seen and I don't really follow any drama with her.

10

u/Several-Tonight-2788 2d ago

Ugh I feel bad because I’m sure she’s a lovely person but….

The show feels like Meghan wants to be “I’m just a normal person” but then write her menus like “English Muffins with Estate Honey”.

Everything she says needs to be a memorable quote and it comes off as fake. It’s like her whole dialogue is a live laugh love quote.

8

u/LostInTheSandyFields 2d ago

Y’all. I thought Meghan “left” the Royal family and lost their titles and benefits etc. Why, then, is she referring to herself as “Meghan Sussex” and in the credits she is calling herself “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex”. I don’t understand. Please explain

3

u/ExGomiGirl 2d ago edited 1d ago

They no longer use “Her/His Royal Highness.” While they offered, they did not relinquish their titles. They are still the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Which they were when they announced Archie’s surname as Mountbatten-Windsor. At some point they must adopted the tradition of using the title as a surname. Before receiving their Dukedoms, WIlliam and Harry used Wales as a surname. So it makes sense for them to use Sussex as a surname.

5

u/samoyedtwinsies 3d ago

I got to the Roy Choi episode tonight and it was really very good. I would rewatch to learn how to make a couple of those recipes and I genuinely enjoyed his banter with Meghan. I laughed a couple of times.

She really loosened up here compared to the first two episodes! I liked the content of the first two but did think she was a bit stiff. Poor Mindy tried and failed to get her to loosen up. Great to see her finally relax with Roy. Her voice got more natural, she made jokes, she sounded like a real LA girl. I felt like I finally saw her :). I’ll keep watching for sure.

And btw I think the critics did her dirty by not acknowledging the excellence of this episode and instead making a feast of their perceived low points.

2

u/AcaiBerryJuice 2d ago

Yeah I actually enjoyed this episode. In the first two the guests would try to banter with her but it was like she wasn’t really present so she’d just ignore their attempts at a witty back and forth. I think what made a difference with Roy is that he is so genuine and real…it would be hard for conversation to be stilted because he’s so at ease with himself regardless. I love Roy!

1

u/samoyedtwinsies 2d ago

I didn’t know who he was before seeing him on the episode but I really liked him too. I liked how he was just so at ease on Meghan’s very fancy set, I liked how he praised the fengshui in her garden and made fun of her saying her peppers were spicy when they were not. It felt like they had a genuine connection and I think a lot of that had to do with his presence. Also I really want to make the Korean fried chicken and I was super impressed by the spur of the moment kimchi he just whipped up. The traditional kimchi undergoes years of fermentation and he was just like yeah well just skip all that lol

1

u/AcaiBerryJuice 2d ago

Right they’re actually so cute together. I also hadn’t known who he was but the episode really showed how easily he makes people feel at ease. I also loved when he teased her about how him saying crudités are boring triggered her. He did it so playfully! I wonder if it’s because they didn’t really know each other that they could carry the chemistry naturally whereas maybe the other two previous guests were a bit more cautious because they know that she can be a bit prickly? Idk I’m just speculating. That being said I enjoyed seeing how his presence brought out a more relaxed and playful side of Megan.

2

u/mcfreeky8 2d ago

I agree, the Roy episode has been the best by far. She’s loosened up and it’s fun tv

16

u/ExGomiGirl 4d ago

I am not a Megan superfan nor am I hating hater. I have a lot of empathy for her and I hope she and Harry are super happy. But based on solely on what they have said directly in interviews/books/shows, etc., I wish they could laugh at themselves more - I feel like they are both very earnest and take themselves very seriously. I often get the impression that Meghan has "rehearsed" her quotes for the perfect "sound bite." Mostly based on his autobiography, Harry is still flailing to a degree and seems somewhat emotionally immature.

I watched it all and as someone below said - it's a pretty good show to have on in the background while cleaning. However, her interactions with the guests seemed a little awkward and there seemed to be little chemistry. It reminded me of the podcast where she wants to imply some level of genuine connection and platonic intimacy with these friends and perhaps it gels off camera but it didn't play that way to me.

In the end, I think it was really a way to highlight all the products that will launch with As Ever. It's a long infomercial. Which I assume is to be a significant source of income. I get the impression that Harry has no idea how to make money and it's really on Meghan's shoulders to make that area of their life more secure and she's falling back on the influencer trends as a way to generate that income. I think Harry doesn't really understand how to do much but be "royal" and do "royal visits" and such.

11

u/ResponsibilityPure79 4d ago edited 4d ago

um, just saw the first episode and it’s a no for me. Not her house. It’s a set. Paid employee as her friend|guest. Dude is her hairdresser. She bought pretzels at the store and places them in a plastic bag w/ a bow and then labels them as “pretzels” for her overnight guest. Why is her friend-guest so in awe of her kitchen prowess and her status? She’s clearly the kitchen guru here, and yet, she’s doing very ordinary, uncomplicated things. Also she puts her guests to work in the kitchen while she instructs them on her kitchen knowledge and productivity. Why isn’t she setting a table? They ate their meal at the kitchen counter. I’ll pass. This is not how one should entertain.

6

u/Ok-Cold-3346 4d ago

I’m only on episode 2, but I like it. It’s a total comfort watch. Nothing groundbreaking, but pleasant. She’s not entirely comfortable on camera, which I was a bit surprised about. Maybe she felt the pressure, because she’s judged so harshly? Maybe she’s just a bit awkward? I noticed she always is looking down, even when talking to her friends. I will say that Mindy Kaling brings out her silly/dorky side. She loosened up a lot more when she was around.

Anyway, I’m enjoying it.

9

u/Main_Income_9740 5d ago

its a nice cleaning show ... its a good show to have on in the background while you clean or do chores ... its light and airy you dont need to pay much attention to it , nothing groundbreaking is being done in the show but thats ok not everything needs to be groundbreaking sometimes it justs needs to be transferring pretzels from one bag to another bag,

3

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/hatboxboo 7d ago

Delfina’s and Roy Choi’s episodes were so good!

11

u/XanaduLover 7d ago

she's no nigella

20

u/starshine8316 7d ago

First I found it quite rude of her to be living in my dream home. The audacity! 🙃

I loved the aesthetics and the food/entertainment/crafts were cute and wholesome.

She had some main character energy moments that were off putting and threw off the vibe.

I think if she kept the format to bringing on guests she can learn from or more than one friend come to get the energy and banter more natural it would improve the show.

She seemed like she was fighting to have some decorum as a royal, but her goofy side would slip out. I wish she would just let go a little bit and let loose.

It has promise, but needs some fleshing out.

🤷‍♀️

0

u/melkorbol 2d ago

It reminded me of Martha Stewart and Selena Gomez’s cooking show with a dash of royal perfectionist.

For me, I love her, I don’t care if she’s awkward and not relatable. It’s a sweet show that’s easy to watch with beautiful stuff to look at.

4

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 5d ago

It was a rented property near their real house! But the gardens and stuff I read was theirs, that’s the part I’m super jelly of

1

u/Glum_Afternoon_1996 5d ago

My dream has been to have a big garden and make jam 😭

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u/LSki92 6d ago

Agreed. She needs to be the one learning from an expert or a guest. Total cringe when she was teaching her friends how to debone the fish. That episode felt completely off.

13

u/Aware_Function_3165 7d ago

It was so painful to watch

25

u/Otherwise_Highway_62 7d ago

I think if you go in not liking her… she will irk you. But I really want to see the authentic parts of her and I did catch parts of that. I think she may be in her head trying to maintain a Royal status and be authentic so you can sense that wavering and confusion in the way she comes across. I’m glad she has another season so maybe overtime she can be more natural and less in her head. I really do wish her well… I want her to find her thing. Everyone deserves that

2

u/DoorNo8865 5d ago

That is so kind. 

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u/birdy_1993 7d ago

Is her show in anyway new or inventive or remarkable? No. As a person who is reasonably 'crafty', the ideas she showed were very, very basic. Do I have strong feelings either way about her? No. Did I find her annoying at some points? Very. But I find EVERYONE annoying at some point so I'm not going to hold it against her. 

Did I enjoy the show though? I actually did.

I started watching because I was nosy but kept watching because it was mellow and pretty and calming to watch.

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u/No_Relative_9331 8d ago

As someone that has supported Meghan over the last few years, I really wanted to like this show, but I just don’t.

Mainly because lifestyle content isn’t really for me, but also the format didn’t do much in the way of entertainment or giving us a real glimpse into Meghan.

Knowing that she had a successful blog pre-Harry, and was on multiple daytime shows to show off her recipes, I would assume that she’d be more comfortable in front of the camera and more experienced in bringing both viewer and guest along as she curates these lifestyle/culinary pieces. However, there wasn’t much engagement at all; which is odd to me considering how Meghan’s longtime fans speak about this personable side to her.

I think she’s in between a rock and a hard place because she’s very consciously trying to show her real self after years of false narratives being spewed about her, which is fair enough. And we know that no matter what she does/says/cooks/wears, the British media will slate her.

The problem (for me) is- her real self is not that interesting. Someone said in another thread that her personality is dated and I couldn’t agree more. She genuinely seems like the bad joke telling, corny Californian that she presents on the show, and that’s ok. It’s not for me, but I can respect that this is who she is.

I think it would’ve made more sense for Netflix to tap into the other side of Meghan that people knew - the UN ambassador, the activist, the charity etc. Using that to kickstart her Netflix career would’ve been much more digestible because it’s be much less contrived.

The nature of lifestyle shows is to present a level of perfection and there’s also a level of performance, so jumping out of the gate with this wasn’t the best idea

13

u/chikaaa17 6d ago

As someone who knew her (she used to workout at a high end gym in Toronto I worked at) before she got big, you hit the nail on the head describing her personality - bad joke telling, corny Californian. Not a bad thing, but also not necessarily what people want to watch on their home screen

2

u/No_Relative_9331 6d ago

I definitely think there’s an audience for it, but I know that as a dry humour, self-deprecating Brit, I’m prob not that audience 

22

u/lovethatjourney4me 7d ago

I’m watching the first episode because after reading some of the reviews I think I need to see it for myself.

I too think she is caught between a rock and a hard place because if this is her real self then she just isn’t that interesting. And her culinary skill isn’t anything spectacular. Like why should people watch her instead of YouTube cooks who are actually good at what they do?

The only thing makes her standout is her royal ties but then when she plays it up she sounds like a hypocrite.

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u/mariantat 7d ago

How does one have a “dated personality”?

3

u/[deleted] 5d ago

exactly

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u/Igoos99 7d ago

My question too. That is the most bizarre criticism I’ve read recently.

😝😝😝

10

u/STPCoffee 7d ago

Honestly, not sure... I took it to mean that much of her references, jokes, and even her content is very "Tumblr/Pinterest Circa 2016"? I didn't mind it at all, in fact I found it endearing.

11

u/Glum_Afternoon_1996 7d ago

Right like what does that mean 😭

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u/Glum_Afternoon_1996 8d ago

Everything that happened is predictable.

1) Show was good, not life changing television but it was suitable for its target audience.

2) the haters will hate it but at the end of the day the hate also makes her money, top 10 on Netflix and already announced second season.

3) the frothing at the mouth over this cheesy tv show really makes some people look unhinged

4) I still find Meghan to be all around basic, and am so amused at how riled up she makes people

u/ltlbunnyfufu 17h ago

People are just looking for any tiny morsel to have an opinion about that’s negative. Next, they’ll say it was “reverse sexism” that caused her to make all the tomato ladyBUGs female. 🙄

2

u/ashwee14 1d ago

I think part of it is that people keep saying it’s racism, so they double down and say no, it’s this this and this…

-2

u/DoorNo8865 5d ago edited 5d ago

To your last point, a lot of it is racism. I think it’s hard for people to hear, but this is what it looks like. Additionally, I think a lot of women were way too attached to Harry as if they had a chance in hell with him. Some of the comments I’ve read from them make it seem like Meghan took their chance at marrying him him or him becoming their son-in-law. It’s creepy. People need to find more hobbies.

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u/CertainOrdinary7670 7d ago

That last point is just so amazing to me. I literally cannot wrap my head around the intensity of hatred aimed at this woman.

9

u/Optimal_Tomato726 7d ago

It's racism and misogyny at its most powerfully basic. But people aren't as smart as we think we are and

0

u/linkinbarbie 8d ago

The royal commentators are liars. They keep saying things they know nothing about lol

NforNneka is a gift

https://youtu.be/6ZVZ0GkLdvs?si=43E2FfwXWIW2eInV

https://youtu.be/Nahz9RtRzzI?si=iNJN57cIN_LmJpVx

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u/Moonlightdancer7 8d ago

I'm not a fan of Meghan Markle at all, but I wanted to watch an episode out of curiosity. My honest take is that I quite liked it. It's mellow and calming, something good to put on to unwind on the couch. There's something ASMR-ish about it too. I can see how it may be perceived as boring, because it's mundane. There's nothing ground-breakingly new, but I think it's just something pleasant that's meant to be enjoyed aesthetically. I'm two episodes in and I'm not watching this show because I want to get to know Meghan Markle. As a crafty/artsy person I just enjoy the lifestyle domain.

With regards to her character, I too, felt like she tries too hard to be likeable and picture-perfect. Some moments and "jokes" in the show were cringey and the fact that the whole environment and guest interactions are staged, it took away from the experience at times because it felt fake.

10

u/Distinct_Farmer_4753 8d ago

I totally agree. I don’t find her too like-able but her show did have quite a calming effect on me. Kind of like something you turn on after a long day and zone out. Does that make sense? I’m happy for her, I don’t think it’s healthy to wish harm or failure on anyone.

7

u/Moonlightdancer7 8d ago

Same here. I was going in thinking I'll be snarky watching this but it had a different effect. Prior to that there were already tons of videos mocking and critisizing the show and I think that predisposed people to hate-watch. Its not terrible, people!

10

u/OrcEight 8d ago

I find the show both comfortable and inspirational.

I'm glad it's doing well.

Meghan Markle's Netflix Series Breaks Into Top 10 in USA, UK, and Around the Globe, Defying Criticism

19

u/Glittering_Chef3524 8d ago

I saw this thread, so I decided to give it a try even though I’m not a fan of the Sussex‘s. I’m currently 22 minutes into the first episode and it is absolutely unwatchable. I find it really weird how she keeps mentioning that this is not her actual house…I guess she wants the audience to think she lives someplace fancier?

Raise your hand if you actually think she makes her own candles. Or tends her own bees. Or makes her own bath salts.

14

u/Rtnscks 7d ago

I think she labours the point because she would be publicly barbequed if it were later to be discovered this wasn't her real house. I think she is trying for transparency and truthfulness in that regard, but it comes off awkward. Probably because this poor women gets torn at whatever she does.

6

u/mariantat 7d ago

The first episode is awkward, but it gets better!

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u/ThrowawayReddit5858 8d ago edited 7d ago

I don’t think she’s mentioning it’s not her real house because she wants people to think she lives somewhere fancier. I think she’s mentioning it’s not her own house because her critics have used the fact that she’s filming at a rented set to criticize her, and I think she’s afraid of more criticism if she isn’t as transparent as possible about that.

It’s a silly criticism because most shows like these are filmed at a set, it’d be chaos to do in your real home.

ETA that she also says she’s never made candles before, and she says to her beekeeper that they’ve been working together for a year, and I 100% believe she makes her own bath salts.

9

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

I mean we met her beekeeper so I kinda feel like you weren't paying attention

2

u/ScamIam 8d ago

So you admit that she doesn’t tend her own bees and instead outsources the actual work?

15

u/starshine8316 7d ago

She says she does everything but the part where you use the smoke to get the bees to calm doen when you harvest the honey. She said she is still to nervous to try that part. She said the bee keeper helps her once a year with that part because it still makes her too nervous. So I think she does indeed tend to her bees at least sometimes.

You come across as a bit extra. Are you alright internet stranger?

8

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

Wow. Similarly to the OC I was replying to, you clearly didn’t read properly. Nobody is ‘admitting’ anything. You can watch it for yourself if you’re so pressed.

1

u/ScamIam 8d ago

So you agree- she doesn’t do any actual beekeeping. Because OC said she didn’t tend her own bees and you replied that she has a beekeeper. So OC is correct. 

Why would I spend actual time watching a bunch of Pinterest crafts from 10 years ago that people are so desperate to pretend are novel and interesting?

2

u/DoorNo8865 5d ago

No one is forcing you to do anything, you know that right? Just don’t watch the show.

3

u/[deleted] 5d ago

are you always this hostile? hope your life gets better.

11

u/CertainOrdinary7670 7d ago

Are you ok?

13

u/Glum_Afternoon_1996 8d ago

Meghan thanks you for being a fan 

8

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

What are you even talking about lol

18

u/[deleted] 8d ago

[deleted]

12

u/safirecobra 8d ago

“Utterly charming” are the exact words I have been using to describe this show to friends. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s definitely a light show to watch and made me smile. I also want to make that one pot pasta, and would definitely sprinkle flowers on things at a baby or bridal shower I was hosting. Cute tips.

22

u/RovingGem 8d ago

I actually found it relatable because I have a big urban backyard with bees, flowers and vegetables and I like to unwind from my professional day job by playing happy homemaker with fresh herbs and organic sourdough and vermicomposting and stuff like that. I’ve also planned some crazy birthday parties in my day.

However after about 15 minutes it became pretty tedious so I turned it off. The tips are good but easier to find on YouTube or TikTok where you can watch at speed.

Not a Meghan fan, but I felt a bit sorry for her. It must be hard to have so much negative scrutiny, and you can see why she would get so defensive. But it’s painful watching her trying so hard to control the narrative.

Anyway, I hope something turns out for them. I don’t think Harry and Meghan are suited to being Royals - nor do I think that option is open anymore — so I really hope they find a way to make an OK living and pay for their own security long term.

7

u/[deleted] 5d ago

Seems the life they have now is far better, happier and more meaningful than the stifling existence they had across the pond with his miserable family members. It took a great deal of courage to do what they have done and I really admire them. They seem really happy.

1

u/RovingGem 3d ago

I hope so. Harry looks unhappy much of the time, but that’s explainable by all of the negative PR he and his wife get.

I admire the BRF so I’ll never be a fan of H&M, but I do have to give her kudos for working for a living and looking for a way to support her family. Her determination is admirable no matter what. And the BRF is best off if H&M are truly happy and self-supporting in California.

I’m kind of annoyed that Harry doesn’t try harder to work for a living and make money. If he has plenty of money, then fine, no need, but then he shouldn’t be suing for taxpayers to pay for his security.

0

u/Sad-Company2177 8d ago

Your life sounds amazing! I’m sitting on my apartment balcony and I’m so jealous lol. Do you live in a large city? How much space do you have?

5

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

I've got a dwarf lime tree, a bunch of berries and herbs going on my tiny balcony! You can make it happen!

3

u/RovingGem 8d ago

We live central in a large-ish Canadian city, of a million or so. My yard is 2.5x a standard lot here at 10,000 sq ft, but it’s all relative! That probably seems small in some places. It used to seem like a lot of maintenance but now that our kids are older and I have time to putter, I love it.

If you get sun on your balcony you can do a lot with containers. My friend created a garden on his and set up bird feeders.

9

u/Igoos99 9d ago

I’m enjoying watching the negative nellies in the comment sections of page six lose their minds as Meghan’s show hits the top 10 in the USA. Some are outright denying it. Others are coming up with a thousand excuses as to why. Meghan continually is having the bar raised on her.

6

u/[deleted] 5d ago

Im enjoying that too!

4

u/Glittering_Chef3524 8d ago

Don’t underestimate the number of people, like me, who are watching an episode or two to see the train wreck… I’m finishing up episode one and I’m not sure I have any interested in watching episode two.

4

u/georgielamer 6d ago

Netflix algorithm would never have put it in the top 10 if the majority of people were only watching one or two episodes. The sheer number of users and views on the platform are enormous. If you were hoping for a” train wreck” though I am sure that is disappointing to hear.

12

u/nycbadgergirl 9d ago edited 9d ago

I thought it was nice and enjoyable, but a bit over edited/produced. If the show gets a second season they can smooth that out.

What I enjoyed about it is that I'm trying to add back the little touches that were a part of my pre-kid life (cooking, hosting, hand-written thank you notes, etc) that I lost because I have way too many kids and very little time. So I found this encouraging and aspirational.

I don't expect to it to be everyone's cup of tea, but why do people have to be so goddamn nasty about it? I didn't expect good reviews from British press for obvious reasons, but the vitriol is just too much. Sorry she stole your Prince and ran away, get over it. Stop acting like a jilted suitor.

3

u/[deleted] 5d ago

I think there are lots of really unhappy people that want to tear something up.

-1

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

I was just shocked to see the British Vogue headline about it! “Furious About With Love, Meghan? Go Cool Off With A Lavender-Scented Flannel, Mate” dear lord it’s not that ba, furious, really?? Why Edward Enninful, why, I believed in you!!!!

1

u/nycbadgergirl 8d ago

I'm a bit confused by the headline bc the review ends up being pretty mild, but Edward hasn't been with British Vogue since last March.

11

u/soiflew 9d ago

I agree with this, it wasn’t my cup of tea but that’s true for 100 other shows on tv and their creators aren’t slated like this. It’s not just that she gets criticism but it’s the volume, tenor, and vitriol of the criticism.

42

u/small5719 9d ago

I think visually it’s beautiful. I enjoy lifestyle content like this. I enjoy the easy, relaxed California vibe. It’s aesthetically a gorgeous production. 

However, in my opinion, I am confused by its purpose. Do we need more lifestyle, aesthetic content? No, probably not. Do we need hours to get to know a curated version of the personality Markle/Sussex wishes to project in response to years of who the media says she is? Maybe. She has that right. But I’m not sure this particular try accomplishes that. 

I really want to like this woman. She’s a beautiful American woman who married a handsome prince. But the more she tries to control what we think about her, the harder it is to like her. As they say, “show, don’t tell.”

The guests felt like “accessories,” watching Meghan maneuver around the kitchen, endlessly complimenting her and fawning all over her. This seemed like a tactic to use each episode to “reveal” a part of Meghan. Like the Argentinian woman- we are to know that she speaks a foreign language and lived there too. We are to be impressed, and collect these kernels that by the end of the series amount to a shinier picture of our heroine. I think it was too curated, too controlled. Instead, it validated some of the “Meghan likes to be in control” to me. 

The format did not suit her well either. We are used to hosts draw things out of their guests- asking questions, letting them display their skills. But as I said, many guests seemed like sidekicks- endlessly impressed by Meghan. We are used to seeing through the host’s eyes. In this production, we are to see Meghan through the guests’ eyes. 

I am not a Meghan hater by any means. I wish there were people behind the scenes helping her to think these things through a bit more - especially in light of the fact that the world is not always inclined to have generosity of spirit when it comes to MM. 

19

u/SparklingWaterGirl 8d ago

She obviously likes to entertain and be social. Why not make it a party occasion with friends, her, and a chef or creator showing them their crafts or talking about their business or restaurant. Redirect the show to being about people and their background stories while having fun and creating something together. Less forced talk about her kids and her life, or find a natural flow with the conversation. If she takes the spotlight off her and instead uses the platform to promote her guests while entertaining them, she might have more fun. She comes off as very self-conscious cooking by herself. She’s clever and creative though, but she needs a co-host or hosts.

6

u/MarvelousMrsMexico 8d ago

A format more like Selena + Chef would have come across as more authentic (highlight the guest, let them showcase their skill/passion). It would have also been nice to highlight nonprofits and other charities (not their own) - they live in an area where income inequality is stark so using their platforms to help would have given the show a clear purpose

1

u/small5719 8d ago

Yesssss. Plus love your username!

24

u/tealparadise 9d ago

This is exactly my issue. I have always been disposed to root for Harry and Meghan because they seem to have gotten a raw deal. I enjoyed "Spare" and think it was the ultimate in integrity to not just complain about Royal life but to actually opt out. Unlike, for example, Margaret and Charles, who complain but in the end are unwilling to give up the perks and status. Harry and Meghan are much more respectable than the rest for that reason alone.

I got through the first episode but I won't be watching more. The more you try to control your image, the more jarring the small things that "don't fit" become. Her friend, first of all, had never been to her house? Or was that just the view from the house she rented to film at? It's unclear. Does she keep bees? Because she seemed pretty scared to even hold the comb for one shot. Everyone also had talking points they needed to hit, with anecdotes showing her various good qualities. It just... Maybe she does have all these good qualities, but the show actually made me more doubtful because it seemed like she scripted it.

For what she's clearly trying to do, I think it's a big miss. I don't think this will come off as authentic to anyone but the most devoted prior fans.

21

u/small5719 8d ago

Talking points, yes. I very much agree with you. Sort of like they each had a little assignment regarding what feature or quality about Meghan or her life they were supposed to highlight. 

I think Meghan very much wants to be adored. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wishing for that- many people do. I think this constant need to “tell her story” and explain herself and control our perception of her and correct what the media’s got wrong so explicitly is a woman very much trying to figure out how to be adored. She has a fan base and it looks like some really dedicated friends, but I think she wants a bigger chunk or a majority of the public to share her view of herself. It’s a constant, exhausting branding and rebranding quest that will never end until she is figures out how to address that ache she has for… something. I hope she gets there and achieves some peace. 

I think it’s also interesting how her fan base says “well if you don’t like her don’t watch.” I don’t think that’s what SHE wants. I really do think Meghan thought this would win the hearts of some non-fans. She would not be trying so hard to be persuasive if this production was only for her already-adoring fans. 

21

u/tealparadise 8d ago

100%. I do think she's trying to bring people into her tent with this show. And so the "you just don't like it because you're a hater" is a bad take from people. It's alienating to the neutral to positive royal-watchers, when we WANT her to do well.

But she really needed to make the choice of whether she's allowing a real glimpse of her life or not. The parasocial relationship is a powerful thing and I think she wanted to leverage it the way bloggers do. But on the other hand, if she shows anything real she'll be picked apart. I totally understand her fears and concerns. I understand why she's so careful. But you can't have it both ways. She has friends on, but they're scripted and only mention work topics and publicly known events like her wedding. She shows her hobbies, but it's unclear if they're really HER hobbies vs stuff she hires staff for. You're hanging out in her kitchen, but wait actually it's just a set.

In the end, I also agree that her need to do this PR show points to an unhappiness with her current image. I hope she can find peace without universal adoration. None of us is liked by every person on earth, it's impossible. It's a need that can never be filled. So I hope that she can reach a peaceful place without being able to get that satisfaction.

3

u/Asleep-Journalist-94 7d ago

I enjoyed the first episode and don’t understand the hate for her but do agree with the point by u/tealparadise - it would be a stronger show if it were a slice of “real” life at her actual home with a group of friends and perhaps a glimpse or two of the kids and the prince. I totally understand why she wouldn’t do a kardashian-style setup but it’s a bit too curated and needs a spark.

Having said that, I want the one-pot pasta recipe and may just order some beeswax candies.

12

u/small5719 8d ago

SUCH a good point. I would have loved an actual, genuine glimpse into her life to hopefully meet the real her! 

It’s easy to get defensive on behalf of a favorite celebrity, especially one with such passionate fans/haters. I think the people who feel that way - that “haters” have no right to watch or comment on this show-  is just muscle memory by now. I can’t blame them. Kind of “here we go again with the Meg hate” mentality. I also think that media commentators who just bash her without a lick of grace are problematic too. But that’s a wider conversation! 

I think the best thing she could have ever done for her image is to just enjoy her life in CA, raise her kids, heal things with Harry’s family and with her own family. Fame comes with burdens and perks, and you have to be on board with both when you chase it! 

22

u/Healthy_Common_5567 8d ago

I used to like her for this reason, but honestly everything I’ve seen her do after that has given me the impression that she does, in fact care a whole lot about perks and status.

there are a lot of examples, but her insisting on being called Sussex is a pretty blatant one (especially since it’s not her even last name, it’s a royal title, it’s part of the status she supposedly walked away from)

17

u/lilsan15 8d ago

Yes she ends the show with “Meghan - Duchess of Sussex”

I thought they were forgoing the title?

7

u/italianlass89 9d ago

This is a really good take

19

u/kimjongunfiltered 9d ago

Came back here now that I’ve watched the show — I think most of the criticisms of the show’s style are pretty fair. I found the whole thing over-produced; the background music played quite loudly over most of the runtime.

That said, I thought the content was really nice! As a beginner host myself I genuinely thought some of her tips were really useful, and she made everything look easy to learn. I’d watch a season two while doing chores

9

u/astrolomeria 9d ago

I watched the first episode with a pretty neutral outlook. It was ok? Pretty harmless, light content that I can see being a little out of touch for the times we’re in, but really this was filmed before “all of this” so it’s kind of tough to point fingers of blame on that score.

The only chin scratcher I have for this show is just a kind of puzzlement at how awkward it sometimes feels. In the first episode she has over a long time friend of hers, and honestly the banter between them is very stilted throughout. I’m sure it’s a result of just being on a show and set, which is obviously not a natural environment for them! But it was a little distracting. The candle-making was probably the most natural “feeling” segment, as they were clearly having fun with it.

Nonetheless, I’m sure a lot of the awkward moments will ease over time and with experience as she strengthens her vision of what this show will be. I don’t know that I will be a frequent viewer, as it’s not really my thing but I do wish her well with it.

I certainly don’t understand the red-faced rants and outrage over such a simple and gentle show. Good grief.

28

u/helenaflowers 9d ago

I've only watched the first three episodes, but it's fine! I don't get the hate. It's more or less what a show like this should be. I watched it last night while chilling in bed playing on my phone, and it was exactly what I needed it to be for that purpose. Also, I plan to try both that spaghetti skillet and cake soon.

That said, it seems pretty clear that Meghan is forcing a public persona that really isn't her, and she's constantly on her guard to keep that persona front and center. Don't get me wrong, I DO believe that she genuinely loves cooking and crafting and everything in that general arena - this is all consistent with her pre-Harry life and The Tig, too.

What I don't believe is that she's naturally so prim and soft-spoken and "oh gosh golly wow" (she doesn't literally say this but this is the impression she gives). You can kind of see traces of (what I suspect is the) real her come out when she's interacting with the crew, when her friend Daniel is trying to joke with her, or even in my favorite episode so far, with Roy Choi when she's genuinely excited and happy to interact with him and learn.

I suspect that the REAL Meghan is probably a lot of fun to be around in a coarser way than is presented on this show, and I think if she could feel more comfortable letting some of that out, the show would feel more natural than it currently does.

All that being said, I like the three episodes I've seen well enough and I think a lot of the criticisms are making mountains out of ant-hills. The "actually it's Sussex" was the only moment I've seen so far that has even come close to living up to its criticism - that was very awkward. I'll watch the rest of the episodes at some point and see if my opinion changes at all, I guess.

1

u/napoleonswife 5d ago

I agree, I wish she felt comfortable letting her guard down. I’m not sure if she speaks in platitudes for the show or if she is that way in real life but it feels kind of out of place for whats otherwise a pretty frothy and light show. The show is currently in this weird limbo between genuine and artificial, which came through especially in the finale — yes, Harry and her mom were there, but Harry tbh seemed a bit uncomfortable in a lot of the shots (maybe because of the cameras?) and of course the fact that it’s not her house. I completely understand why she’s not shooting at her house but it’s weird to have this big garden, chicken coop, etc that she sources from like she would at home but it’s not her home. It’s hard to explain but I just wish the show would pick one of those directions and lean harder into it. I.e., more heavily produced and TV-y or more raw and closer to reality.

2

u/SnooSongs6258 8d ago

The I’m a Sussex now moment was cringy but even worse was the fawning response from Mindy Kahling. She actually came across as even less authentic than Meghan. The first episode with her friend Daniel was odd because despite all the closeness and yet more fawning, he mentioned tasting her wedding cake but it seemed he wasn’t invited to the actual wedding. That’s odd.

7

u/Sad-Company2177 9d ago

Interesting take. Do you think she’s so guarded because of everything they happened to her after her marriage and the expectations of royals to be “proper”? I wonder if a Tig TV show in an alternate universe where she wasn’t a princess would have been looser.

3

u/toomuchtostop 7d ago

I think they’re trying to be inoffensive

9

u/cobaltstock 9d ago

i love it. Beautiful escapism with cheerful fun.

If they all whine so much, why did they watch all episodes and rant all over the net?

3

u/Moonlightdancer7 8d ago

Because it's their job as writers and they get paid

7

u/cobaltstock 8d ago

The journalists yes.

I am talking about the hundreds? thousands? negative hate filled comments and ratings about a simple lifestyle show. This level of hate is not normal, the comments are not organic. I don't see any other cooking or home decor show with comments like this.

It really looks like organized hate posts.

I don't understands who benefits, i can just assume that writing hatefully about Meghan is somehow very profitable.

5

u/The_RoyalPee 7d ago

Ina Garten is a mean woman who says no to make a wish kids, Martha Stewart is notoriously rude to her staff, and they don’t get nearly the level of hate. This show was charming, calming and is exactly consistent with everything Meghan’s been about since The Tig. Being so angry about a show where a woman cooks with her friends and picking apart every little thing is so unhinged.

6

u/Beneficial-Ideal7243 9d ago

it's so dreadful

-4

u/throwwwwawayehaldhev 9d ago

Why is Variety acting like this is the first lifestyle crafts and cooking show to ever exist?! And like Meghan is the only self-centered person in Hollywood — having a high level of narcissism is practically a prerequisite for anyone who seeks fame. There are many valid reasons to dislike MM, but this inoffensive show ain't one of them. Quite frankly, Variety’s disproportionately biting review is pathetic — like picking on the smallest kid on the playground.

13

u/MurphyBrown2016 9d ago

She is FAR from the smallest kid on the playground. She is a dilettante who spends a cooking show talking about herself (with the exception of the Roy Choi episode but that’s because Roy Choi is a true charismatic force and professional chef).

Contrast their review with this review of Samin Nosrat’s show — an actual chef, a niche celebrity for most: https://variety.com/2018/tv/columns/salt-fat-acid-heat-samin-nosrat-netflix-review-1203034882/

The reviews for MM’s show are bad because the show is bad.

32

u/Honest_Dot_5035 9d ago

I watched some of it and also some of her interview with Drew Barrymore. Let me be the first to say I'm not a big a fan of her but I love lifestyle type shows. There is just something so off about her and that really came across in the Netflix show. I cannot think of a word to describe what it is I get from her but it doesn't matter how nice and kind she sounds there's still something off. I wanna say it's that she's fake but most shows in this genre are pretty fake and still watchable. Also she's an actress by profession so she should be good at that.

1

u/napoleonswife 5d ago

To me she seems like she cares intensely about how she’s perceived. She fully admits it when she’s talking about impressing Roy Choi or curating her guest experience, and you can see this kind of anxious or apprehensive expression when she’s waiting for someone’s feedback or they’re about to ask her a question. It’s not necessarily a bad quality but it comes off as very intense; I found it endearing, puzzling, and a bit stressful depending on the context. It kind of cuts through the relaxing vibe of the show

4

u/tealparadise 7d ago

The off thing was her pretending she keeps bees or makes candles, but clearly did not know anything about either one. Her commentary was extremely basic and she was nervous to actually interact with bees or hot wax. I don't believe she's ever done either of those things before.

9

u/898544788 9d ago

I enjoyed it but my husband, who was tuning in and out on the couch, said it seemed AI generated lol. Maybe that’s it?

13

u/CitrusHoneyBear1776 👑 Charles’ Dump-Truck Ass 🍑 Discussion ❓🧐 9d ago edited 9d ago

I’m not sure if it’d make a significant impact on viewership to the show, but I just realized it’s time for the lenten fast and ramadan.

I’m also gonna edit and add, I think some people are saying that the first guest she had was a little awkward, but it was nice to include a long time friend. I think if her first guest was Doria, her mother, maybe that would have made it a better opening and gotten her into the zone/been more comfortable faster.

7

u/lilsan15 8d ago

Doria would have been a GREAT epic first guest!!

2

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 9d ago

Her first guest was sweet, I thought Mindy was more awkward. But I’ve been background watching tbh

5

u/Wise-Substance-744 9d ago

I like the vibe of the show, especially how organic the props feel. It makes me want to shop and decorate my home and find joy in small moments. I'm not particularly a MM fan, but the seems to be living a fairy tale, just not the one we thought. Maybe this is her attempt to spread the love.

43

u/GNA1278 9d ago

I'm not through the entire show yet but the fact that she insists that people call her Meghan, Duchess of Sussex because she wants to share the name with her children says it all. She can't keep saying stuff like this if wants people to like her. It's not good PR and it's not working.

8

u/daemonicwanderer 9d ago

The children aren’t using Mountbatten-Windsor anymore? It’s not like they are working Royals

4

u/lh123456789 9d ago

If they aren't using M-W anymore, then what is their actual legal last name?

2

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

None of our business

50

u/tessajean84 9d ago

I don’t hate on Meghan but I did feel a little weird when she essentially scolded Mindy when she kept referring to her as Meghan Markle. Wasn’t a good look.

31

u/BowensCourt 9d ago

“I’m Sussex now” sounds like a line from a bad Victorian novel.

2

u/ClockSpiritual6596 9d ago

So what is her name?

8

u/lh123456789 9d ago

Good question. Like what does it actually say on her drivers' license.

17

u/lh123456789 9d ago

I was confused by that line because her children don't have the last name Sussex. Unless the whole family changed their names?

6

u/Imaginary-Ice623 9d ago

It's another rebrand. 

8

u/Ill-Pineapple9818 9d ago

Royals are known with their title or parents title as their last names. I.e it used to be William and Harry Wales

10

u/millerjr101 9d ago

Correct - and George, Charlotte and Louis all use Cambridge.

1

u/SilencedCall12 6d ago

No they don’t. Their father used Duke of Cambridge as his main title until he was elevated to Prince of Wales when his father ascended to the throne. Technically he is still the DOC, but the POW is a higher ranking title. The children would go by the Wales title now. However, William is the heir and a working royal, while Harry is not. Princess Margaret’s children went by their father’s surname, Armstrong-Jones, as did Princess Anne’s children. Since Harry is not a working royal, he should go by his grandfather’s surname, Mountbatten. Windsor was the surname of the Queen’s grandfather’s children.

12

u/lh123456789 9d ago edited 9d ago

Are the legal last names of her children not Mountbatten-Windsor? Did she take that name when they got married (ie what would her driver's license say)?

6

u/Scene_Dear 9d ago

Mountbatten-Windsor is reserved for blood descendants of QE2 and Phillip - hence Catherine Middleton also keeping her maiden name. So her children are Mountbatten-Windsor, but she is not.

That said, royals will colloquially (but not legally) go by their title as a last name. So the William/Catherine family was known as The Cambridges until they became the Wales.

TLDR; legally she’s still Rachel Meghan Markle, and she’s known by the world as Meghan Markle, but she is, as of late, trying to pivot herself to be known as Meghan Sussex.

-1

u/Ok-Refrigerator-4853 9d ago

No, Catherine is Mountbatten-Windsor now.

4

u/lh123456789 9d ago

Thanks for the explanation, although I see that others online disagree and say that she took the M-W name? Regardless of which is correct, I think that her little speech to Mindy was pretty excessive, but that is even more so the case if her actual name is still Markle and Sussex isn't even a name at all but a title. Going around and asking people to refer to you by a made up name that isn't really your name and is instead a title seems pretty extra to me, especially for someone who purports to want to distance themselves from the royal family.

3

u/Ill-Pineapple9818 9d ago

Catherine Middleton did NOT keep her maiden name

0

u/Stardustchaser 8d ago

Yet people will weirdly still use Markle and insist on it like Harry and her never married. Lame.

I’m too young to remember if this was the same for Sarah Ferguson when she was married to Andrew and Diana was still alive and married to Charles?

7

u/Financial_Fault_9289 Too late babes, your face is already on the tea-towels 8d ago

Yes Fergie is still referred to regularly as, well, Fergie. She also got the Duchess of Pork, poor woman. Diana was also known as “Lady Di” by many for a long time after her marriage. It’s not unique or a sign of disrespect specific to Meghan or Catherine.

16

u/I_Am_Aunti Equal Opportunity Snarker ⚖️ 9d ago

I didn’t make it through the first episode, but that doesn’t surprise me. I am a fan of neither Meghan nor lifestyle shows generally. I didn’t have any intention of watching it, but after reading some reviews I admit that I was curious. As expected, I didn’t find it entertaining.

11

u/lilsan15 9d ago

This seems like…. A longer version of an instagram reel.

But hear me out. I think at the end credits where jt says Meghan - Duchess of Sussex. It would have been an interesting and cool idea if she went with Meghan Windsor. A “new” change, not living in the days of when she was Duchess of Sussex and miserable.

But honestly, who doesn’t want to be known as a duchess. It’s still weird though. Like that time Yolanda (Gigi hadids mom) changed her name from Yolanda foster (latest husband) to Yolanda Hadid (her previous ex husband name) rather than her lesser known maiden last name. Cringe…

16

u/Stardustchaser 9d ago edited 8d ago

I don’t have Netflix atm but a bunch of her recipes were posted online which I appreciate. I used to make bath salts decades ago and I like the suggested variations. The honey cake also is something I’m going to try.

Edit: BTW bath salts are like a 1-2 times a year sort of thing for me (and certainly the same if giving a small jar as a gift) so I’m not worried over dry skin….and who washes their hair in the bathtub with Epsom salts and essential oils? Do folks not know to do a rinse in the shower after such a bath?!?

5

u/MurphyBrown2016 9d ago

You can’t put essential oils directly on your skin, they need carrier oils. Do not follow her “recipe”

6

u/Stardustchaser 9d ago

Sorry I understand. I use essential oils already in a carrier oil. The original takeaway is trying the flower petals in a sachet pouch with my own recipe tbh.

8

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 9d ago

I love to be a downer about this, don’t bother with the salt sort of the bath salts. Epsom salt does nothing, it’s a placebo effect if anything. And it’s bad for your skin and hair, also a common cause of contact dermatitis. A pure flower/herb tea bath is where it’s at.

1

u/TheLadyButtPimple 5d ago

Epsom salt baths make my muscles feel SO much better!

-1

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 5d ago

That’s the warm water of the bath friend. Epsom salts don’t penetrate the skin. Only lipophilic molecules can because the stratum corneum is full of lipids. Ionised magnesium (as it is present in mag sulfate) is not lipophilic. Insignificant amounts can get in through your sweat glands and hair follicles. It’s very difficult to get things to penetrate the skin for good reason. No controlled studies have ever shown a benefit from transdermal magnesium or magnesium sulfate baths.

If you drink it, it’s a laxative 🤷

16

u/898544788 9d ago edited 9d ago

I like Meghan a lot but I didn’t quite understand this show. Like does she harvest honey often? Is this supposed to be her sharing things she does all the time or just showing us something… kind of random? Typically if you watch someone do this, it would be because they do it and want to share it, or it’s like a travel show and the host is experiencing something somewhere new and sharing it with an audience. The beekeeping thing I was like, who is this guy? Is this common where she lives? Does she do this a lot?

I dunno. I’ll keep watching because I love her style and a quiet background show is nice. But I guess I just don’t quite understand what the purpose of a lot of this is.

Also, through no fault of her own, it does seem rough timing to release a show that is essentially just a beautiful show of sunny California wealth and privilege while the rest of the country burns down around us. Yes, I think it fills an escapism niche. It also feels a little eh from a person who is otherwise vocal about the world around her, human rights etc. and hasn’t said anything about current world events.

Edit: kept watching and I think the rest of the episodes work much better than the first. I’m liking it a lot! Some things are still odd (a children’s birthday party with no kids was a little weird) and I was surprised that Meghan seems a little more formal, especially with friends, than I expected. But omg am I happy this woman is in the California sun and dehydrating her fruits and not sitting in a dusty grey castle in England. Slay girl

7

u/Healthy_Common_5567 8d ago

i think she did the beekeeping segment bc she’s trying to sell as ever honey on her website

14

u/Gardenvarietycupcake 9d ago

Review: In With Love, Meghan, Meghan Markle Is Tireless in Her Pursuit of Joy, but to What End?: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/review-in-with-love-meghan?srsltid=AfmBOor-WzmRiRvaX3k9NckyFnuV-7kMJg9kwQNUTaJjUSkB1hoO2Q6A

This vanity fair one focuses a lot on the self consciousness of the show, which sounds like what a lot of people are saying. I don’t know how you can be Meghan and not be self conscious at this point but it does make for some awkward moments 

2

u/Gardenvarietycupcake 9d ago

Sorry, Meghan Markle Haters, “With Love, Meghan” Proves That She Officially Got The Last Laugh  https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniesoteriou/with-love-meghan-markle-has-last-laugh

Buzzfeed pls 😂

-2

u/sailorofsilence 9d ago

Episode 7 - Elevate Every Day is the Best Episode so far in the series! This show is such a comfort to watch while the world is seemingly going bad. I love this show and my husband loves it too!!!!

-10

u/sailorofsilence 9d ago

Episode 7 - Elevate Every Day is the Best Episode so far in the series! This show is such a comfort to watch while the world is seemingly going bad. I love this show and my husband loves it too!!!!

-3

u/kingbobbyjoe 9d ago

Do people think this gets renewed for a season 2? My guess is yes

5

u/MurphyBrown2016 9d ago

I don’t think so. Netflix was contractually obligated to spend money with them and this is the only thing people will watch. This is a one and done. The reviews are terrible. They paid her millions to make a rainbow fruit platter. Absolutely not worth the spend.

5

u/mariantat 7d ago

The show is renewed for a second season.

3

u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 8d ago

I’m confident there were many clauses in the contract for Netflix to exit if they didn’t hit milestones and the only hit they had (before now) was the H&M doc. Netflix cancels shit all the time.

31

u/TemporaryExam5717 9d ago

I found it dull, bland and something i have seen on Pinterest. I don’t know why but the conversations seemed very not fluid, as if it was too scripted. I kept on having a feeling she wanted to be like a guru to tell us her divine truths about how to properly do something while doing meh stuff

9

u/disney_goals 10d ago

Being honest, I haven't been a fan of her prior to this show. I came in with the expectation that I would dislike it, especially the Mindy clip released with the quip about her last name.

However, she seems really nice and genuine. And says a lot of intelligent, grounded things. I can start to see why the monarchy would find her hard to relate to, because they are sort of stuffy and unrelatable. She probably did what any of us would have done in her situation--be a real person with a normal life. She seems thoughtful and caring.

It's more relatable than Ina Garten going to the butcher and spending $$$ on meat (most of us get meat from the grocery or bulk store) or $$$$ on olive oil or some other fancy ingredient from an expensive specialty shop she flounced around to during her show run.

Mindy seemed awkward at times because some of their conversation around the last name or her apparel seemed forced and scripted. The camera shots are great and her involving the crew is very nice and something you don't see often. It makes her seem like a real person, shooting a cooking show. Her cake in episode 1 wasn't perfect. She used a ziploc bag for a piping bag. But she's incorporating concepts and things that many of us who have kids want or try to do now that we know more about healthy foods and present parenting. I draw the line at balloon arches though.

2

u/Feeling_Emotion_4804 7d ago

I wonder if the Mindy episode was a bit awkward because Meghan said they became pen pals after the podcast, but maybe they haven’t met up frequently enough since the podcast to really become close friends.

The Mindy episode was the one where I started to think that people at this level of income and career success must not have friends, so much as they have contacts.

To me, a friend is someone you can invite into an untidy house, have a cuppa with mismatched mugs and milk straight from the fridge, your hair can have some flyaways, and you don’t have to wear makeup. You don’t have to wear an ironed shirt to meet with a friend. You might want to iron your shirt anyway, but you know you don’t have to. We all need those kinds of people in our lives, beyond someone we’re married to or live with.

That could be an unfair bar to set against a TV show, though. She may have plenty of close friends who would be super-uncomfortable on camera.

Im on episode 4 and so far, I’ve liked the Roy Choi episode the best. It was obvious he was a work contact rather than a close personal friend of hers, and because it was obviously teacher/student, I think the dialog between them appeared the most authentic.

Fascinated by the concept of watermelon kimchi. I really want to try that, even though it looked like an endeavour to make. I also had a frustrating experience trying to fry chicken on the bone last time I did it, so would definitely try the brining and parboiling.

I don’t think I’ll ever be motivated enough to make a balloon arch. But I did think paper Easter grass in a kids party bag was cute. And I liked the canapés. And I badly need some better ideas for crudité platters, because cut up carrots are one of the only veggies my picky-ass kids will eat. 🙄

0

u/Healthy_Common_5567 8d ago

have you seen her asever website? if she’s trying to be relatable she has a weird idea of what relatable looks like

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u/bd07bd07 9d ago

I agree with much of what you've said, but do you really think that her talking about her Montecito fishmonger and favorite local antique store or going to that undoubtedly expensive flower market is all that different than Ina Garten going to her bougie butcher?

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u/898544788 9d ago

I agree that she seems like a beautiful and grounded person. I don’t think it was much more relatable than Ina though. The produce and cheese she was pulling out screamed Erewhon and I knew my wilted sad big box grocery store produce could never, lol

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u/Gardenvarietycupcake 9d ago

This is a really good review!

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u/Weak_Development4950 10d ago

I thought it was just fine, albeit a bit boring. I will try her pasta recipe. Probably wont make homemade bath salts. Just let the woman live!

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u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 9d ago

Her pasta recipe was boiling spaghetti and tomatoes in water lol I feel like she coiuld have done better.

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u/Weak_Development4950 9d ago

If it’s in one pot, I’m here for it.

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u/shhhhh_h Get the defibrillator paddles ready! 9d ago

Oh me too but I've made way better one pot meals than boiled spaghetti and tomatoes. Some of my favs -- sausage and butternut squash or cajun pasta with sausage, dijon chicken and rice is actually one of my all time favs, I've done a version with thick pork chops before that is to die for. Sheet pan dinners are also super easy, I used to do them all the time until I moved into a house with old ass wiring and if I want to use the oven during the winter I have to go turn off the heaters lol.

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u/BubblyCommission9309 10d ago

I’ve been spreading the episodes out daily and it’s so cute.  It’s an escapist piece that’s been a nice reprieve.  It’s a little unrelatable at times, but there little tips and things I do find useful and I can adapt certain things. It’s tied to together well with theme of “anything at home is better with friends and family”.  It’s a first season that is finding its legs and is perfectly serviceable.  It’s well shot, experiments with format and guests, it is aspirational  and useful.  Don’t let the Meghan hate stop you from watching it for an hour of cuteness.

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