In a jaw-dropping move that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, Netflix has abruptly canceled the highly anticipated second season of With Love, Meghan, the lifestyle series fronted by Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The decision, announced under the cover of night, has sparked intense speculation and dealt a devastating blow to Markle’s hopes of reestablishing herself as a major player in Hollywood. With whispers of missed opportunities and fading star power, the cancellation has left fans, critics, and industry insiders buzzing: has Meghan’s moment in the spotlight truly passed?

A Sudden and Silent End

The news broke in the early hours, catching even the most dedicated fans off guard. Netflix, known for its calculated announcements, chose to release the cancellation notice with little fanfare, a stark contrast to the hype surrounding the show’s initial launch in March 2025. With Love, Meghan, which showcased Markle hosting celebrity guests in a picturesque California setting, was a bold attempt to carve out a new niche for the former actress. The series, blending cooking, gardening, and lifestyle tips, aimed to present a softer, more relatable side of the Duchess, far removed from the royal controversies that have defined her public image.

Season 1, while divisive, had garnered significant attention, cracking Netflix’s global Top 10 list with 2.6 million views in its debut week. The show’s success, coupled with the announcement of a second season set to premiere on August 26, 2025, had fueled optimism that Markle was on the cusp of a triumphant Hollywood comeback. However, the abrupt cancellation of Season 2, already filmed and heavily promoted, has left many questioning what went wrong.

A Blow to Hollywood Ambitions

For Meghan Markle, With Love, Meghan was more than just a TV show—it was a cornerstone of her post-royal career strategy. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, signed a lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix, banking on their star power to deliver blockbuster content. Their 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan was a global hit, becoming Netflix’s most-watched documentary debut. Yet, subsequent projects, including With Love, Meghan, struggled to maintain the same momentum.

The cancellation comes at a critical juncture for Markle, who has been working to redefine her brand through her lifestyle venture, As Ever, and her Netflix projects. The show was meant to showcase her as a charismatic host and entrepreneur, drawing comparisons to lifestyle icons like Martha Stewart. However, mixed reviews plagued Season 1, with critics calling it “vacuous” and lacking depth, despite its glossy production and high-profile guests like Mindy Kaling and Roy Choi. The decision to axe Season 2 suggests that Netflix, facing its own strategic shifts, may have lost confidence in the show’s ability to sustain viewer interest.

Insiders suggest that the cancellation reflects broader challenges in Markle’s Hollywood journey. The end of the couple’s $100 million Netflix deal in September 2025, coupled with the transition to a less lucrative “first-look” agreement, signals a cooling of the streaming giant’s enthusiasm for the Sussexes. For Markle, who once starred in the hit series Suits, the cancellation is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of fame in an industry that demands consistent hits. “Cơ hội chỉ đến một lần và cô ấy đã hết cơ hội,” one industry observer remarked, capturing the sentiment that Markle’s window to reclaim her Hollywood stature may be closing.

What Went Wrong?

The reasons behind Netflix’s decision remain murky, but several factors likely contributed. First, With Love, Meghanfaced fierce competition in the crowded lifestyle genre, where established names dominate. While Markle’s star power drew initial viewers, the show struggled to maintain engagement, dropping out of Netflix’s global Top 10 shortly after its debut. Data from Netflix’s Engagement Report showed Season 1 amassing 5.3 million views by July 2025, a respectable but not spectacular figure compared to the platform’s biggest hits.

Fan reactions were also mixed. While some praised Markle’s warmth and the show’s aesthetic, others, particularly vocal critics on social media, dismissed it as superficial. A poll conducted by Express.co.uk revealed that 96% of 3,782 respondents wanted the series canceled, with some labeling it “drivel” and accusing it of relying on “hate-watchers” rather than genuine fans. This backlash, while not necessarily representative, may have influenced Netflix’s calculations, especially as the company shifts away from expensive, multi-project deals with high-profile figures.

Additionally, the back-to-back filming of Seasons 1 and 2, initially seen as a cost-effective move, may have backfired. The strategy allowed Netflix to gauge audience reactions to Season 1 before releasing Season 2, but poor reviews and waning interest likely tipped the scales against proceeding. The decision to pull the plug, despite the season being fully filmed, underscores the streaming giant’s ruthless focus on data-driven outcomes.

The Ripple Effect

The cancellation has far-reaching implications for Markle’s broader ventures. Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which launched alongside With Love, Meghan, was heavily integrated with the show, featuring products like jams and teas. Netflix’s investment in As Ever, including plans to sell its products in physical stores, now faces uncertainty. The abrupt end to the series could dampen consumer interest, leaving Markle’s entrepreneurial ambitions in limbo.

For Prince Harry and Meghan’s production company, Archewell Productions, the cancellation is another setback. While the couple has secured a new first-look deal with Netflix, focusing on projects like a holiday special and a documentary about a Ugandan orphanage, the loss of With Love, Meghan as a flagship series weakens their portfolio. Industry experts suggest that Archewell must now pivot to producing content that resonates beyond the couple’s personal story, much like Barack and Michelle Obama’s successful shift to broader storytelling.

A Fork in the Road

Despite the setback, Markle’s resilience should not be underestimated. The Duchess has faced criticism before, from her royal exit to her polarizing media ventures, yet she continues to push forward. The cancellation of With Love, Meghan Season 2 may sting, but it could also serve as a catalyst for reinvention. Rumors swirl that other platforms, such as Paramount+, are interested in working with the Sussexes, offering a potential lifeline for future projects.

For now, Markle’s Hollywood dreams hang in the balance. The cancellation has sparked a frenzy of speculation, with supporters rallying behind her and detractors claiming it’s proof of her fading relevance. Whether this marks the end of her entertainment career or the beginning of a new chapter remains to be seen. What is clear is that Meghan Markle, once a royal and now a polarizing figure, continues to captivate the world’s attention—whether through triumph or turmoil.