If there’s one thing guaranteed to spark lively conversation, it’s any mention of Meghan Markle—particularly when tabloids are involved. Recently, a Daily Mail column by Amanda Platell (cheekily titled “Forget Her Lemon Drizzle…Megs Is Now the Duchess of Drivel”) made waves by describing Meghan’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, as “gormless lifestyle filler” and mocking its short-lived stay in Netflix’s top ten.

Predictably, the comments section lit up with all kinds of reactions, from die-hard critics to staunch defenders. Whether you’re a fan of Meghan, indifferent, or a critic who believes she’s a master of media manipulation, the conversation around her latest project reveals just how polarizing she remains.

A Quick Recap of the Controversy

1. The Headline: The Daily Mail piece anointed Meghan the “Duchess of Drivel,” taking aim at her new series, which centers on home-cooking, lifestyle tips, and personal anecdotes. According to the column, the show debuted to decent viewership (enough to land it in Netflix’s top ten briefly) but was quickly “panned” by reviewers. One of the harshest comments from Variety called it “gormless lifestyle filler laced with tangible desperation.”
2. Fanfare vs. Criticism: While some watchers found the show harmless, others labeled it painfully dull and inauthentic. Critics pointed out that Meghan’s cooking segments came off as staged or out of touch—especially the repeated emphasis on “elevating” simple tasks like arranging flowers or freezing edible petals in ice cubes.
3. The Ratings & a Second Season?: The piece claims that Netflix has already filmed a second season (though some suspect it’s merely a “Part Two” of pre-filmed content). Opinions differ: one camp says Netflix is doubling down to recoup its investment; the other believes the footage was shot in one go, so calling it a “second series” is more about marketing spin.
4. The Comments Section: The article’s own comments section is a microcosm of the wider internet. Some people loved the schadenfreude of seeing Meghan “fail” in real time, while others condemned the daily bashing as cruel and obsessive. Many insisted they wouldn’t watch, calling the show “fake,” “cringe,” and “unwatchable.” Still others argued that if you dislike Meghan, you can always opt out—no need to watch or comment at all.

Why Does This Spark So Much Discussion?

1. Familiar Faces, Royal Intrigue
Meghan Markle married into the British Royal Family, and many people have strong opinions about monarchy, celebrity culture, and tradition. Every move she makes, whether it’s philanthropic or a Netflix cameo, gets magnified in a way that might not happen to another public figure.

2. Media Obsession & the Echo Chamber
Tabloid coverage of Meghan—negative or otherwise—tends to drive traffic and engagement. Whether you’re for or against her, you’re likely to click, comment, and share. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle: the more people click, the more stories appear, which leads to even more heated debate.

3. Celebrity Lifestyle & Perceived Authenticity
Lifestyle shows work best when the host comes off as genuine. Critics argue Meghan’s segments feel rehearsed or disconnected from everyday reality. Supporters see it differently, claiming she’s just sharing her creativity, cooking, and entertaining tips in a polished way—something many hosts do. Ultimately, the question becomes: how “real” do we expect a celebrity to be on camera?

4. Public vs. Private
Part of the tension around Meghan and Prince Harry is their stated desire for a more private life, contrasted with a steady stream of high-profile media projects (docuseries, interviews, and now a cooking-lifestyle show). To some, that’s contradictory; to others, it’s simply a way to control their own narrative.

The Comments That Caught My Eye

• “Megs’s rating fell down faster than a new bride’s knickers.”
  A snarky, tabloid-friendly one-liner that underscores the glee some take in her apparent ratings drop.
• “No hug for her mum.”
  Some viewers felt small interactions on the show seemed awkward or contrived. Critics zeroed in on Meghan’s body language and personal interactions to bolster their “inauthentic” narrative.
• “She has no discernible talent at all. She would be selling cooking utensils on a shopping channel by now had Harry not chosen her.”
  A harsh personal jab that exemplifies how strongly some people believe Meghan’s fame is solely attributable to marrying into the Royal Family.
• “Hatred for any person is abhorrent… It is incessant, so cruel. How is the world supposed to change when a national newspaper encourages hate?”
  A reminder that not everyone piling on is comfortable with the negativity. Some see the vitriol as excessive, bordering on bullying.
• “If you don’t like her, don’t watch her show.”
  A fair point: media is optional. Yet the tabloid coverage is so widespread that “not watching” doesn’t necessarily mean “not hearing about it.”

So, Is With Love, Meghan Really That Bad?

Taste is subjective. Some viewers genuinely enjoy the “relaxed cooking and chat” format; others find it cringe-worthy. If you love easy-breezy lifestyle TV—think a softer version of daytime cooking segments—you might find it harmless background viewing. If you prefer authenticity or real culinary skill, you may roll your eyes.

Ultimately, Meghan’s show is less about Michelin-starred cooking and more about personal branding. It’s a vehicle for her to engage with fans, promote a certain lifestyle, and remind the world of her star power—whether or not that star is actually shining as brightly as she hopes.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying Meghan Markle draws attention like few others. The With Love, Meghan flap, as minor as it might seem, highlights a broader fascination with her every move. For better or worse, people can’t stop talking about her—whether praising her resilience or ridiculing her every step.

If the old Hollywood adage “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” holds true, maybe Meghan’s doing just fine. Then again, if your audience sees you as “the Duchess of Drivel,” you might wonder how long the curiosity factor will keep those Netflix deals afloat.

What do you think? Is With Love, Meghan undeservedly lambasted, or does the criticism ring true? Do tabloids take it too far, or is Meghan fair game for comedic commentary? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.