Executives at Netflix are reportedly uneasy about the lukewarm reception of Meghan Markle’s new series With Love, Meghan, despite the Duchess’ recent announcement of a second season.
According to MailOnline, an insider stated that the fact that Meghan excitedly declared a renewal does not necessarily mean the Sussexes’ $100 million deal with Netflix has been extended.
The show, which debuted with high expectations, has now dropped out of the top ten most-watched lists globally, including in the US and UK, just six days after its release.
“It’s not a runaway success,” the Netflix insider admitted, explaining that the second season was actually filmed alongside the first last year.
The source added, “I know they filmed the shows back-to-back, so in theory, there is no ‘second season’—it was already produced along with the first. What this does is allow for edits to be made based on audience and press feedback. It’s a strategic and cost-effective approach. So no, the overall contract hasn’t been renewed yet.”
Concerns are reportedly mounting at Netflix, especially as the streaming giant has a financial stake in Meghan’s upcoming lifestyle brand, which is set to launch in its physical stores in the coming months.
“The industry bibles like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety are not keen on it,” the insider revealed.
“Netflix bosses are worried because they have invested a lot in the product line. They don’t know when and how to roll it all out.”
While Netflix has yet to comment publicly, reports indicate that the company has set aside retail space for Meghan’s brand, As Ever, in two major American shopping centers—the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Dallas Galleria. However, full details about the products, including pricing, remain undisclosed.
Despite some positive media coverage, With Love, Meghan has struggled with critics, receiving an 11% audience rating and falling behind other Netflix content.
Even typically supportive outlets have been critical, with Variety describing the show as “a Montecito ego trip not worth taking.”
“The show plays out like a forced march, one in which Meghan’s guests must, as the price of getting to share an afternoon in a made-for-TV kitchen with her, praise her first,” Variety wrote.
“With Love, Meghan is made with a great deal of love—in the sense that the greatest love of all is the one that a person has for herself.”
