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When “With Love, Meghan” premiered on Netflix, I saw so many videos criticizing the show, particularly on TikTok. Some said she was not showing anything new or unique and pointed to a rainbow tray of fruit she makes on the show as an example. Others said it was inauthentic and unrelatable, pointing to the fact that the show is filmed in a rental and that most people wouldn’t have the time or resources to do what she does on the show. Yet another criticism was of a moment when Meghan tells actress Mindy Kaling that she is Sussex now, when Kaling calls her Meghan Markle. I wanted to see for myself what the show offers, so after starting the series, here’s my review of “With Love, Meghan.”
Meghan says early on that this isn’t her house, so I don’t understand the online chatter about the show being inauthentic for this reason. She was honest about that from the beginning, and to me it doesn’t take away from the show. Her goal seems to be to offer hosting ideas that she loves.
For instance, she makes homemade bath salts for guests who are staying the night, which I think is a lovely thought. Some tips are not as realistic, of course. For example, who has dried corn that they can put in the microwave to make popcorn? I wouldn’t even know how to go about that. But it’s a cute idea.
She also makes candles with her friend using her own beeswax, but she notes that you can buy it locally or online. Candle-making seems doable and could be a fun activity to do with friends, no matter where you get your beeswax from.
Meghan is incredibly smart and confident. Even when she doesn’t know how to do something, or she’s doing it for the first time, she is confident in her ability to do it. For example, when making candles for the first time, she says they will do it “the right way.”
I loved seeing the recipes she creates on the show, and I found it inspiring that her recipes are veggie-heavy. She is aware that not everyone has a garden like she does. She says that herself on the show but reminds the viewer that you can go to a farmers market.
The one-pot spaghetti looks delicious and so easy to make. I wouldn’t think to make it that way, but I could see myself making that for dinner vs. the typical spaghetti with marinara I typically make.
I used her frittata recipe to inform my grocery shopping list. I never think about making frittatas, but it seems to easy and doable in 20 minutes.
On many occasions, Meghan emphasizes that it’s not about perfection but about creating moments.
The show has a calming, relaxing vibe. She has a great screen presence. I loved her interactions with Roy Choi, and how they bonded over growing up in LA. Sure, they were not friends before the show, but they still had entertaining banter and chemistry. I also appreciated how they spoke about the racism that motivated the start of MSG phobia in the United States. I found myself smiling as she and Choi taste the chicken they made together, and at many moments throughout the show.
Meghan also seems lovely to the filming crew. She feeds them, talks to them behind the camera, and smiles at everyone.
I don’t think it hurts the authenticity of the show for it to have been filmed in a rented house, because I don’t blame her for not wanting a film crew in. her home, where her children are. I think the overall message is what matters, and even if someone can’t afford high-end kitchen utensils or clothing that Meghan has, they can still incorporate the ideas into their lives.
You can tell she prepared and worked hard for the show. She pre-bakes cakes, parboils the chicken before filming with Chef Choi, and pre-makes gift bags for a hypothetical kids’ birthday party in the episode with Mindy Kaling. She’s not lazy at all.
Overall, it was a lovely watch for a rainy Sunday. I felt inspired by the show, and I hope to incorporate some ideas in my life soon.
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Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.