In his Variety review of With Love, Meghan, Daniel D’Addario delivers a sharply critical assessment of Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix venture, describing it as a heavily curated lifestyle show that’s more about Markle’s image than meaningful culinary or DIY insights. From the set choice (not actually her home) to her on-camera persona, every aspect is scrutinized for authenticity and substance. Below are the key takeaways from D’Addario’s piece, capturing both the reviewer’s main criticisms and the broader context surrounding Meghan’s ongoing public narrative.

Key Takeaways from the Variety Review

1. Show Concept & Structure
   • “With Love, Meghan” is presented as a lifestyle/cooking series featuring Meghan Markle hosting friends—both famous and not—while showcasing recipes and DIY projects.
   • Each episode jumps between past preparations and present-day hosting, often repeating or recapping the same tasks for emphasis.
2. Tone & Execution
   • The reviewer finds Meghan’s on-camera persona “well-tailored and beige,” suggesting she lacks spontaneity or genuine warmth.
   • Repeated phrases (like “let’s get some honey, honey”) and overemphasis on edible flowers and small domestic tasks come across as forced or overly staged.
3. Comparisons to Established Lifestyle Icons
   • Martha Stewart and Ina Garten are cited as examples of household-name hosts who exude authenticity or expertise—qualities the review suggests Meghan struggles to match.
   • The show’s environment is revealed to be a set, not Meghan’s actual home, raising questions about authenticity.
4. Underlying Purpose & Reception
   • The series appears more focused on celebrating Meghan herself—her lifestyle brand, her aesthetic—than on offering unique culinary or homemaking insights.
   • Guests tend to praise Meghan repeatedly, which the reviewer sees as a staged bid for validation.
5. Context of Previous Projects
   • The show follows other Meghan-led ventures (e.g., her “Archetypes” podcast, the “Harry & Meghan” docuseries), none of which have consistently resonated with broad audiences.
   • The reviewer suggests Meghan’s media presence remains rooted in her royal connection, with little fresh substance on offer here.
6. Overall Verdict
   • “With Love, Meghan” is labeled an “ego trip” lacking in depth, fun, or meaningful content.
   • Despite big-name guests and high production values, the reviewer doubts it can hold viewers’ attention or justify its lengthy runtime.

It’s worth noting that many lifestyle or cooking shows aren’t filmed in the host’s real home—think of Rachael Ray’s or Martha Stewart’s studio kitchens, which are sets designed for filming. Criticizing Meghan for using a separate house ignores a common industry practice. As for her demeanor, “With Love, Meghan” is a relaxed, lighthearted program—she’s warm and engaging on camera, just in a subtle, less showy way. Sometimes it’s exactly those simple, meditative tasks—like arranging flowers or infusing recipes with edible blooms—that draw viewers in and help them decompress. The point isn’t to dazzle with complex culinary feats but to create a calm, inviting vibe. In that sense, the show’s meaningfulness lies in its simplicity and the little moments of joy it provides. Her ratings in various countries prove otherwise. It is sad that Variety wrote that article with so many mistakes.