Netflix Renewal Contradicts Negative Media Predictions

Netflix’s recent announcement of a second season for Meghan Markle’s lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan” has contradicted months of media speculation that predicted the show’s failure. Since its premiere on March 4, 2025, the show has found an audience despite widespread negative press coverage.

Prior to the show’s debut, numerous outlets including the Daily Mail published stories suggesting the series “may not see the light of day” and characterized it as “make or break” for Meghan’s career. Following its release, reviews from publications like Variety, The Guardian, and The Sun were swift and largely negative, with headlines suggesting Netflix would soon end their relationship with the Sussexes. “Duchess of Drivel” Katie Rosseinsky has her opinion

The renewal announcement has challenged these narratives, revealing that Netflix had actually planned a two-season commitment from the beginning. This development follows a pattern similar to the reception of the couple’s previous Netflix documentary “Harry & Meghan,” which faced intense criticism but ultimately became one of the platform’s most successful releases.

Questions of Journalistic Ethics in Coverage

The assignment of certain critics to review Meghan’s projects has raised concerns about objectivity in media coverage. Notably, Variety assigned critic Daniel D’Addario to review “With Love, Meghan” despite his documented history of critical comments about the Duchess on social media platforms. Some of these comments extended beyond professional criticism to include remarks about her children, raising questions about potential bias in his assessment of her work.

In another incident, chef Jameson Stocks appeared on GB News claiming he had turned down an opportunity to participate in Meghan’s show. Subsequent reporting by the New York Post revealed that Netflix sources confirmed Stocks had never been approached, exposing a fabrication that had been broadcast without proper fact-checking. Apparently, Stocks is shady.

These incidents echo previous controversies, including actor Simon Rex’s revelation that British tabloids offered him $70,000 to falsely claim a romantic relationship with Meghan from their time working together on a television project.

Tina Brown’s Commentary on Meghan’s Netflix Journey

Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, author of “The Palace Papers,” has offered her perspective on Meghan’s Netflix ventures. In recent statements, Brown acknowledged the polarized reception to Meghan’s projects while noting that the streaming platform’s investment decisions are ultimately driven by viewership metrics rather than critical reception.

“What we’re seeing with Meghan’s Netflix show is the culmination of her transition from royal to content creator,” Brown stated in an interview last week. “Netflix isn’t renewing shows based on critical acclaim alone—they’re looking at engagement numbers and audience retention.”

Brown, who has previously commented on the challenges faced by the Sussexes after their departure from royal duties, suggested that the success of “With Love, Meghan” represents a potential turning point. “The royal family has its established communication channels and media relationships. Meghan and Harry are now building their own platform, which allows them to bypass traditional media gatekeepers.”

While Brown maintained that the couple’s royal exit created inevitable complications, she noted that Meghan’s lifestyle content represents a more sustainable direction than projects focused on their royal experiences. “This show places Meghan in the lifestyle space alongside figures like Gwyneth Paltrow rather than positioning her primarily as a royal figure in exile. That’s a more commercially viable long-term strategy.”

Media Double Standards in Coverage

Critics of the media’s approach to Meghan point to apparent double standards in how similar content is covered when presented by different royal-adjacent figures. Lifestyle and family-oriented content from Kate Middleton is frequently praised for its relatability, while similar themes from Meghan face heightened scrutiny and criticism.

The renewal of “With Love, Meghan” highlights questions about the relationship between media coverage and actual audience interest. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has consistently maintained that the company’s content decisions are based on viewer engagement rather than critical reception, suggesting a potential disconnect between media narratives and audience preferences.

Looking Forward

As “With Love, Meghan” moves toward its second season, the disparity between negative media predictions and Netflix’s continued investment raises broader questions about media credibility in coverage of the Sussexes. The pattern of declaring projects failures before release, followed by explanations for unexpected success, has become increasingly apparent to media observers.

For Meghan Markle, the renewal represents a validation of her post-royal career direction despite persistent negative coverage. Whether this development will influence the tone of future media coverage remains to be seen, but it demonstrates that audience interest can sometimes override negative press narratives.

As Tina Brown noted, “The true measure of success in today’s media landscape isn’t necessarily critical acclaim but building a dedicated audience that returns consistently. By that metric, Meghan appears to be finding her footing outside the palace walls.”