The media’s response to Netflix’s With Love, Meghan has been nothing short of unhinged. NY Magazine called it an “utterly deranged bizarro world voyage into the center of nothing,” and plenty of other outlets have followed suit, mocking the show as pointless or unnecessary. But as I watched, I couldn’t help but wonder – why the backlash? Is it because Meghan Markle dares to step into the lifestyle space that has long been dominated by white women in the Hamptons like Martha Stewart and Ina Garten? Is it because a woman of color is making candles and baking cakes? Or is it because the media’s obsession with tearing Meghan down is so deeply ingrained that they can’t recognize their own bias?
Here’s the thing – With Love, Meghan is exactly what I need. It is a respite from the madness happening all over the country. It is soothing, beautifully shot, and well-paced. I even learned a few things! Watching it feels like sitting in a friend’s house while she shares the little tips and tricks she’s figured out to make everyday moments feel special. The recipes aren’t overly complicated, and even the decor tips are adaptable – Meghan repeatedly acknowledges that not everyone has access to sprawling gardens or high-end ingredients and she offers alternatives to make things work for your space and budget.
And yet, the outrage machine went into overdrive. The same media that fawns over Goop, showers white women in the lifestyle industry with praise, and never questions whether Reese Witherspoon’s overpriced home goods empire has any real value, is suddenly acting like Meghan’s venture is the most ridiculous thing to ever exist. But let’s be real – if Martha Stewart can be a brand, why can’t Meghan? If Reese Witherspoon can sell lemon-printed dish towels for $50, why not the former Suits star?
This Isn’t Meghan’s First Rodeo
What’s even more ridiculous about the backlash is that this isn’t even Meghan’s first time in the lifestyle space. Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, before she was the most dissected woman in British tabloid history, Meghan was already building her own brand with The Tig, a lifestyle magazine she launched while starring in Suits. The site featured travel tips, wine recommendations, wellness advice, and personal essays – long before With Love, Meghan was even an idea.
It was clear back then that she had an eye for curation, a love for entertaining, and a passion for sharing experiences. She was carving out a space for herself, much like Gwyneth Paltrow did with Goop, before she was forced to shut it down amid royal life pressures. The Tig wasn’t some half-baked vanity project – it was a well-thought-out lifestyle brand that had real potential. So why is it suddenly so outrageous that she’s returned to this world?
Viewers Aren’t the Ones Confused
What’s really fascinating is that most of the actual viewers seem to be on the same page. The comments on these articles? Confused. Not confused about the show itself, but confused about the sheer vitriol being thrown at it. Most people are watching With Love, Meghan and thinking, “Yeah, this is fine. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but why are critics acting like it’s a crime against humanity?”
And I will say, I have never seen such unhinged rage from critics who don’t even cover food or homesteading shows. It’s like they crawled out from under their decaying typewriters just to spit out the most absurd, reactionary nonsense they could muster. We’re talking about people who normally review political dramas and Marvel movies suddenly frothing at the mouth over a woman making a cake. This is where I remind you that outside of Latina Media Co and our sister publications, media is hardly representative of the population at large. White guys write most reviews despite making up 30% of the population and women of color write just 4% combined.
The level of dribble they spewed was almost incomprehensible. They’re acting as if they had been personally attacked by the existence of a well-lit kitchen and a calm, pleasant demeanor.
The way they’ve positioned this as some sort of offense to humanity is, quite frankly, embarrassing. I don’t recall The Pioneer Woman getting this kind of heat for selling folksy cookware at Walmart. I don’t remember critics losing their minds when Joanna Gaines turned Magnolia into a multi-million dollar empire based on rustic farmhouse chic and a seemingly endless supply of shiplap. So what exactly is so offensive about Meghan Markle doing what countless white women before her have done?
The “Authenticity” Argument Is Just Another Excuse
One of the most common complaints I’ve seen is that the show feels “inauthentic” because it’s not filmed in Meghan’s own home. To which I say – do you people even know how television works?
Obviously, these critics have never been on a TV set, because let me tell you, it is absolute madness. There are cameras everywhere, lights crammed into every possible corner, crew members running around, and an entire team making sure every single shot is perfect. Now, imagine trying to do all that in your own home while also having small children running around. It’s intrusive. It’s chaotic. It makes total sense that Meghan would opt to film in a controlled environment rather than turning her own home into a working set.
No one seemed to have a problem with the fact that Martha Stewart was often alone in her greenhouse, tending to plants in total silence, while doling out flower food recipes and scolding you through the TV because she knew you didn’t cut your roses properly. No one called her inauthentic for never having a toddler burst into the frame while she arranged a tablescape. But when Meghan chooses to film in a studio setting? Suddenly, it’s a betrayal of realness.
The double standard is glaring.
A Different Kind of Host
Watching With Love, Meghan, I was struck by something unexpected – I actually saw myself in Meghan and some of her guests. That might not sound groundbreaking, but in this genre, it absolutely is. Yes, it has the same clean and classic white kitchen feel of every Bed Bath & Beyond ad, but there’s something different here, too. Meghan brings a warmth and relatability that sets it apart.
I’ve watched plenty of Martha Stewart’s shows over the years, and while I respect her expertise, I always felt like she was talking down to me. Her shows have that polished, aspirational quality, but they can also feel a little cold – like a wealthy aunt who assumes you should already know how to arrange flowers or carve a turkey with perfect precision. Meghan, on the other hand, feels like the friend who invites you over and excitedly shares her latest discoveries. There’s a sense of inclusivity, of wanting you to be part of the experience rather than just an observer.
That’s something I deeply relate to. I love to entertain, and even when I was broke, living in a shoebox apartment, I was always looking for ways to elevate my food, decor, and hosting skills. It’s not about perfection – it’s about making people feel welcome, about turning small moments into something memorable. And that’s exactly what With Love, Meghan captures.
The Bias Is Showing
Ultimately, I think the hate comes down to unconscious bias and a heaping spoonful of jealousy. People don’t like that Meghan Markle – who has already had the audacity to break free from the royal family’s grip – is now positioning herself as a tastemaker, a curator of beauty and comfort. The same outlets that sneered at her and Harry’s struggles now want to paint her as unserious or out of touch for hosting a show about home and lifestyle.
But here’s the reality: people want this. People are watching. And despite what the media says, With Love, Meghan isn’t some absurd vanity project – it’s just a woman who enjoys good food, beautiful spaces, and thoughtful moments, sharing that joy with others. And if you’re one of those people who actually did enjoy it, you’re in luck – With Love, Meghan has already been greenlit for Season 2. So, while the critics continue to lose their minds, the rest of us can look forward to another round of comfort, creativity, and yes, some very lovely naked cakes.
