Amid the streamer’s $100 million deal with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, an inside source at Netflix claims execs are “worried” about the disappointing reviews Markle’s new series has received.
With Love, Meghan, which premiered March 4, features the Duchess of Sussex in one of her most personal projects in recent years. The lifestyle show highlights her favorite tips for cooking and entertaining, featuring celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling and chef Roy Choi.
The series has already been renewed for Season 2. But a new report from The Daily Mail claims the season renewal may not be much of a feat for the Duchess considering Seasons 1 and 2 were allegedly filmed back-to-back last year, and the show’s overwhelmingly negative reviews may stop the streamer from renewing her pricey deal.
“It’s not a runaway success,” the insider told The Daily Mail.
“I know they filmed the shows back-to-back so in theory there is no second season it’s like with lots of Netflix shows it is already in the bag at the same time as the first one,” the source said. “What this does is allow edits to be made to the show from feedback from press and Netflix viewers. It’s clever and cost effective. So no the overall contract hasn’t been renewed yet.”
With Love, Meghan is the latest project to come from the $100 million deal Prince Harry and Markle signed in 2020, which also produced Harry & Meghan.
The source said the poor reviews left execs “worried,” as the streamer is set to carry products from her As ever brand in their stores. The Season 2 renewal also does not mean her Netflix contract will be renewed.
“Netflix bosses are all worried now because they have invested a lot in the product line. They don’t know when and how to roll it all out,” the source added.
The show received negative reviews from several outlets, with Decider’s Meghan O’Keefe writing, “Unfortunately, With Love, Meghan won’t make you feel like you’re watching the arrival of the millennial Ina Garten, but rather the second coming of Marie Antoinette.”
A premiere date for With Love, Meghan Season 2 has not been announced yet. But Netflix’s Tudum teases it will be back “later this fall.”
With Love, Meghan is streaming now on Netflix.