The highly anticipated lifestyle program, Con amor, Meghan, starring Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is generating a flurry of reactions as it streams on Netflix. While the Duchess envisioned this project as a triumphant return to her roots and the beginning of a promising year, critical reception has been mixed, ranging from indifference to outright disdain. According to Jiménez (2025), opinions from experts so far do not seem to diminish his hopeful launch.
A Dive into Meghan's World: What to Expect
In the series, Markle seeks to offer viewers a glimpse into her personal life, sharing lifestyle tips and tricks while emphasizing the importance of having fun and finding beauty in the unexpected. As stated by Tudum, Netflix's official blog, «Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, prioritizing fun over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected. She and her guests get to work in the kitchen, the garden and beyond, and invite you to do the same.»
Critics Weigh In: A Mixed Bag of Reviews
However, the program has not resonated with all viewers. Many critics find the show to be overly produced, superficial, and filled with inane displays of happiness. Some have even compared Markle's efforts to her previous blog, The Tig, which she closed in 2017. According to Rebecca English, a journalist from Daily Mail, «I lost the will to live after the episode on how to make ice cubes.» Such remarks reflect a broader sentiment that the show fails to offer substance or genuine insight.
British Media's Scrutiny
British media, in particular, have been relentless in their criticism. One columnist from The Telegraph quipped, «Welcome to Con amor, Meghan, the new Netflix series in which our heroine elevates the everyday. You will never look at a turnip the same way again.» This sentiment underscores the perception that the show is contrived and lacks authenticity.
Other critics have focused on Markle's interactions with her guests. The Telegraph noted that when her makeup artist, Daniel Martin, arrives, he is immediately put to work without even being offered a hug or a seat, suggesting a lack of genuine hospitality.
The Economic Angle: Is Netflix Getting Its Money's Worth?
The Guardian delivered a particularly scathing review, suggesting that Con amor, Meghan could be the Sussexes' last television show with Netflix. The publication argued that audiences are not interested in watching Markle prepare ladybug-decorated crostini with Mindy Kaling, dismissing it as trivial lifestyle content.
Of the four projects launched by the Sussexes on Netflix, only their documentary, Harry & Meghan (2022), has achieved significant success. This raises questions about the value of their partnership with the streaming giant. According to The Guardian, audiences crave the «furious and righteous Meghan» and desire a reality show that delves deeper into their lives.
Diverging Opinions: Are There Any Positives?
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, some voices have defended Markle's new endeavor. Harper’s Bazaar argues that the show proves that Meghan is «right where she belongs.» Bianca Betancourt, a culture journalist for the publication, praised the accessibility of the recipes featured in the show, noting that they connect to Markle's life and emphasize simple pleasures over extravagance.
New York Magazine offers a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging that Markle is a «perfectly normal human woman» who stumbled into a romance with a prince and found herself at the center of a media storm. The publication also describes the show as an «odd, completely deranged trip to the center of nothing.»
Markle's Response: Continuing with the Promotion
For the moment, Meghan Markle seems to be ignoring the criticism and is pushing ahead with the planned promotion of the series. On Instagram, she encouraged her 2.2 million followers to watch the show, noting that it had already reached the top 10 within 24 hours of its release. Jiménez (2025) refers that Meghan Markle, so far, prefers to ignore the criticism and continues with the planned promotion.
She has also granted an exclusive interview to People magazine and participated in Drew Barrymore’s morning show, indicating her commitment to the project. It remains to be seen whether the negative reviews of Con amor, Meghan will impact the launch of her As Ever products, which are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.
Netflix's Bet on the Sussexes: A Risky Move?
The success of Con amor, Meghan will be a crucial test of Netflix's investment in the Sussexes. If the show fails to resonate with audiences, it could raise questions about the viability of future projects and the overall value of their partnership. As Variety puts it, the show is «an ego trip that is not worth it.» The publication argues that the series is a celebration of everything related to the Duchess of Sussex and that no amount of praise seems sufficient.
References
Jiménez, A. (2025, March 7). Lo que dicen las críticas sobre el programa de Meghan Markle: del “perdí las ganas de vivir” a “un viaje al ego que no merece la pena”. El País. https://elpais.com/gente/2025-03-07/lo-que-dicen-las-criticas-sobre-el-programa-de-meghan-markle-del-perdi-las-ganas-de-vivir-a-un-viaje-al-ego-que-no-merece-la-pena.html
