‘I’m a chef and Meghan Markle’s show is fake and awkward – she needs to change one thing’
EXCLUSIVE – Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks, has given his verdict on Meghan Markle’s Netflix show.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has divided critics with her new Netflix show (Image: Getty)
Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks has shared his honest thoughts on Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking and lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, describing it as “fake and awkward.”
The Duchess of Sussex’s series debuted on Netflix last month, and it quickly became the subject of widespread debate. Despite having no culinary credentials, Meghan announced she would be hosting a cooking show, which has raised eyebrows, especially given her background as an actress on Suits and a member of the British royal family.
Jameson Stocks, a chef with a string of successful businesses under his belt, including Street Food by Jameson, isn’t convinced the show resonates with viewers. Having had the honor of cooking for King Charles, Stocks offered his professional take, telling the Daily Express, “When the content produced by Netflix for her is as poor as it has been, it’s bound to spark divisive discussions.”
Lack of Authenticity
Jameson criticized the show’s lack of authenticity, claiming it feels disconnected from real life. “I genuinely feel that Netflix missed an opportunity here. Viewers appreciate seeing Meghan’s human side, like her demeanor during the Grenfell tragedy, when she was hands-on and helping,” he shared.
The chef, who is known for his down-to-earth approach to food, explained that Meghan’s glamorous settings, “rented houses, in beautiful designer outfits,” didn’t feel relatable, especially in light of the ongoing global cost of living crisis. “It’s just not real life,” he added.
What Would Have Worked Better?
Stocks believes a more authentic and relatable approach would have worked better. “Personally, I would like to see a more authentic programme that brings out her fun and natural side,” he suggested. “It feels quite awkward and fake.”
The chef believes viewers are looking for genuineness, and what they saw in the first season didn’t deliver that. “It feels more like a staged romance,” he said, adding that people “can only take so much before thinking, ‘Come on, get a grip.'”
A Missed Opportunity
Jameson also feels that the show missed a key opportunity to connect with audiences by not showcasing Meghan’s family life more authentically. “The Sussexes are a family unit, and both Meghan and Harry often refer to their children in interviews. It would have made sense to shed some light on that,” he noted.
Instead of filming in a pristine, rented house, Jameson would have preferred to see Meghan cooking at home with Prince Harry coming and going in the background. “I would have preferred to see Meghan in her home, with Prince Harry coming and going,” he said. “While I understand they might not want to feature the children on camera, I feel it could have been more genuine.”
Hopes for Season 2
Meghan has already confirmed that With Love, Meghan has been given the green light for a second season, with filming completed. Though no official release date has been set, Jameson is hopeful that the next season will offer a more authentic portrayal of the Duchess.
“I think it would be great if she included some bloopers or mistakes. I’m sure she experienced her fair share of mishaps, just like we all do when cooking on television—particularly during pre-recorded segments,” he said with a chuckle. “Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that; it reveals her human side.”
As for whether Meghan will heed Jameson’s advice for a more real and grounded season, only time will tell. But with the promise of more episodes on the way, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if the second season can deliver a better balance of authenticity and relatability.
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