‘With Love, Meghan’ Discussion Thread: Episodes 1 to 4

I have thoughts — and I bet you do, too.

Mar 05, 2025

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Hello! Back in your inboxes to discuss the first half of With Love, Meghan. I wanted to give everyone a minute to watch the new Netflix series from the Duchess of Sussex. How far have you gotten?

Although I prefer to savor my television shows, I binged all eight episodes over the weekend in order to write about it. I am glad I had the chance to see it myself before the onslaught of negative reviews hit. “Scathing” was the word Victoria Murphy of Town & Country used to sum up the reaction from the British press. Stateside missives are not much better. “‘With Love, Meghan’ Is a Montecito Ego Trip Not Worth Taking,” was the headline atop the Variety piece. “Meghan Markle Pioneers New Frontiers in Unrelatability,” deemed New York magazine.

It’s important to me to hold space for a variety of views, including critical ones. However, I bristle at the gleeful tone in which many takedowns were written, a reminder of how negativity is rewarded, particularly online. As a counterpoint, I offer India Block’s piece in the Evening Standard:

“Hell would have frozen over before Meghan’s latest venture won over her legion of anti-fans with sprinkles made of dried flowers. She’s too easy a target for whatever anxiety you want to project on to her. But for those of us looking to temporarily disassociate through a looming apocalypse, may I suggest the benefits of someone beautiful showing you how to make canapés that look like bugs and flowers?”

Below, my thoughts on With Love, Meghan Episodes 1 to 4, as well as a look at each of the guests. What did YOU think? Click below to discuss it in the comments — I shall join you there.

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A few notes before we dive in:

This discussion thread is only for the first half. I will send out another post for Episodes 5 to 8 soon.
We will talk about the fashion in a separate newsletter. There were 17 (!) looks in the first four episodes alone. That amount of style deserves its own space, don’t you think?
Those looking for recipes, Netflix has shared them here. If you attempt to make any of Meghan’s creations (and/or you have any advice for non-foodies like myself), please do share.

The comment section of my newsletters is open to paid subscribers. I am so grateful for your support, which makes it possible for me to do this work. If you haven’t already, please consider upgrading for $5 a month.

ICYMI: My overview of the series — what to expect, what you won’t see, and five things I learned about the duchess while watching — is below and free for all to read.