Meghan Markle’s ‘Cringe-Worthy’ Return to the Spotlight Signals a New Chapter at Netflix
Meghan Markle’s social media revival wasn’t the only thing she had cooking in the kitchen for the new year.
One day after Markle, 43, shared her first post on Instagram in half a decade, the Duchess of Sussex dropped the trailer for her latest collaboration with Netflix, a lifestyle series aptly titled “With Love, Meghan.”
Meghan Markle’s return, often labeled as “cringe-worthy,” is more than just another celebrity attempt at relevance. It marks a significant pivot in her ongoing narrative as a public figure. Just a day after her nostalgic Instagram post, she unveiled a trailer for a new lifestyle series with Netflix. This dual return to the public eye raised eyebrows among both supporters and skeptics.
“The video itself is so Harry and Meghan – shot in silence by him, showing Meghan running out onto the beach on a cloudy day, then slowly scrawling ‘2025’ in the wet sand before she scampers off. No dialogue, but lots of giggling. Her fans will find it charming. Her detractors will find it cringe-worthy. And the best goes on.”
Markle offered a rare glimpse into her private life with a 30-second clip shared early Wednesday morning to mark the first day of the new year. Having been inactive on social media since 2020, around the time she and Prince Harry retreated from royal duties, this new post felt like a breath in a turbulent storm.
No caption was necessary as she drew “2025” in sand before giggling while running through the frame. Its simplicity struck a chord and perhaps attempted retrieval of authenticity amidst the colorful chaos of celebrity culture.
“Her fans will find it charming. Her detractors will find it cringe-worthy. And the best goes on.”
Less than 24 hours later, Markle shared the show trailer, brimming with her distinctive flair. “I have been so excited to share this with you,” she wrote. “I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!”
“It feels painfully forced,” remarked Eric Schiffer. “I think it’s proof that not all royals are entertaining. Just looking at it, I was … Is this Netflix or the Montecito Home Shopping Network?” In that moment, his comment reflects an underlying tension in Markle’s artistic endeavors. Could she be trapped in a world that demands authenticity while presenting a curated image?
Prince Harry made a quick cameo between clips of the duchess cooking, gardening, and dancing in her kitchen alongside celebrities like Mindy Kaling and Roy Choi. The contrast between their public personas and private lives might evoke mixed reactions; what feels heartfelt for fans could misfire for critics.
Produced by Markle, the series “reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends, new and old,” according to Netflix. “Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.” This seems indicative of a woman embracing her past as she reinvents her future.
“It feels painfully forced. I think it’s proof that not all royals are entertaining. Just looking at it, I was … Is this Netflix or the Montecito Home Shopping Network?”
Schiffer noted, “Showing cooking tips from someone with a personal chef is not groundbreaking … the least relatable lifestyle show ever.” It prompts one to question the authenticity of celebrity-driven content and what it means for everyday viewers seeking relatable influences.
Since stepping back from royal responsibilities and relocating to California, the couple’s venture with Netflix has yielded significant outcomes. Their docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” premiered in 2022 and captivated audiences, breaking records for Netflix viewership.
Following that success, they produced “Heart of Invictus” in 2023 and “Polo” in 2024, but what comes next remains crucial. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, mentioned more unscripted projects are in development. Yet, this poses the question: Is Meghan reclaiming her narrative, or just perpetuating an image that feels increasingly manufactured?
Brand expert Doug Eldridge shared his reflection on Markle’s current brand narrative. “In 2025, brands are built via word of mouth and social media; they are sustained by a proven track record of results and solid customer service,” he stated. “For Markle, it leans more on the latter – she has completely lost control of her brand narrative and with it, public perception and sentiment.” The weight of such an observation is hard to ignore, raising thoughts about the lasting implications for a life so woven into public scrutiny.
Eldridge warns of a key necessity within Markle’s journey: a return to social media is paramount for resuming her narrative. “She’s burned a lot of matches – and arguably even more bridges – over the last couple of years, so she’s running out of time and, most importantly, interest, when it comes from the consumer public.” These poignant words encapsulate the challenge Markle faces as she steps back into the spotlight, where scrutiny and expectation can often overshadow genuine aspirations.
In a world driven by rapid shifts in narrative and perception, Meghan Markle’s foray into the realm of lifestyle programming may find itself at a crossroads. She stands not merely as an entertainer but as a figure defined by an ongoing story filled with complexities. As the year unfolds, only time will reveal if her latest endeavors will resonate with the heartbeats of her audience or fade into the shadows of public nostalgia.
