Since its debut in March 2025, Meghan Markle’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has stirred a wave of strong opinions among critics and viewers alike. While Netflix swiftly renewed the show for a second season — filmed back-to-back with the first — the reception has been far from universally positive. With critics branding it as “smug,” “pointless,” and “joyless,” and major outlets like The Guardian calling it “gormless lifestyle filler,” the show has faced intense scrutiny. The Independent further described it as “queasy and exhausting,” underscoring the polarizing nature of the series.

Yet, despite these harsh reviews and disappointing audience metrics, With Love, Meghan appears to have found continued support behind the scenes. Netflix recently announced a deal for a third season of the show, with a notable twist: the upcoming season will reportedly feature only Meghan Markle herself, leaving out her husband Prince Harry and their children entirely. This move marks a significant shift in the show’s direction and raises questions about the platform’s strategy and Meghan’s influence as a cultural figure.

A Rocky Start: Critical Reception and Audience Ratings

From its launch, With Love, Meghan struggled to win over critics. The show was met with a barrage of negative reviews, many of which focused on its tone and perceived lack of substance. The description of the show as “gormless lifestyle filler” by The Guardian suggested a disconnect between the series and what audiences expect from compelling television. Similarly, The Independent’s labeling of the series as “queasy and exhausting” pointed to a style and content that left many viewers fatigued rather than engaged.

Adding to the critical backlash were the poor audience ratings. The show garnered one of the lowest IMDb scores ever recorded for a Netflix original series, alongside a meager 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Such statistics would typically signal trouble for any television series, often resulting in cancellations or major overhauls.

Despite this, Netflix’s decision to renew With Love, Meghan for a second season—filmed immediately following the first—indicated confidence in the project’s future potential, or perhaps an intention to capitalize on Meghan Markle’s star power rather than purely on the show’s reception.

The Third Season Deal: A Surprise Move

The recent news of a third season deal for With Love, Meghan came as a surprise to many industry insiders and fans alike. Reports suggest that the upcoming season will be a solo project featuring only Meghan Markle, explicitly excluding Prince Harry and their children. This move has led to speculation about the dynamics behind the scenes and the creative direction the series is taking.

Some industry experts suggest that the decision might be Netflix’s way of managing the controversial elements surrounding the show while still banking on Meghan’s immense popularity. Others see it as a possible rebranding effort, narrowing the focus to Meghan herself to recapture audience interest and potentially reshape public perception.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Weighs In

Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos has publicly expressed his strong support for Meghan Markle throughout this process. He referred to her as a “rock star” and highlighted the underestimated cultural influence she wields. His comments suggest that the streaming giant views Meghan not only as a content creator but also as a major figure capable of shaping cultural conversations globally.

Sarandos’ backing appears to be a key factor in the show’s continued production, even amid widespread criticism. It underscores the complex relationship between streaming platforms and celebrity-driven content, where star power can sometimes outweigh conventional measures of success such as ratings or critical acclaim.

What This Means for Meghan Markle’s Career

The continued Netflix deal and the pivot to a third season focused solely on Meghan Markle could signify several things for her evolving career in the entertainment industry. On one hand, it highlights her determination to carve out an independent identity as a producer and actress separate from her public persona linked to the British royal family.

On the other hand, the mixed critical reception and audience ratings serve as a reminder of the challenges celebrities face when transitioning to new professional arenas, especially in a highly competitive entertainment landscape.

Looking Ahead: What Fans and Critics Can Expect

As the third season of With Love, Meghan approaches, anticipation is mounting to see how the show will reinvent itself. With Prince Harry and the children reportedly excluded, viewers are curious about the narrative focus and whether Meghan will address the criticism or shift toward new themes and storytelling methods.

The controversy surrounding the show has arguably given it a unique place in the entertainment conversation, blending celebrity culture, media scrutiny, and streaming platform strategies in a way few series have experienced.

Conclusion

With Love, Meghan serves as a fascinating case study of how celebrity influence, media criticism, and corporate backing intersect in today’s entertainment world. While the show’s initial reception was fraught with negativity and low audience approval, Netflix’s commitment to continue with a third season—backed by strong CEO support—reflects an unconventional but increasingly common approach to content production.

Whether this gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Meghan Markle’s journey as a Netflix star is far from over, and the world is watching closely to see what comes next.