British celebrity chef Jameson Stocks slammed Meghan Markle’s Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” during an appearance on GB News Saturday.
Harsh Critique
In an interview with GB News, Stocks did not hold back his opinions, stating, “I honestly thought it was terrible.” He elaborated on his critique, saying that “everything” about the show felt tiresome, particularly noting the slow and lethargic music that accompanied the episodes. “The music is quite slow; it’s quite lethargic; it’s quite painful to watch,” he added, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the overall production.
Declining a Consultant Role
Interestingly, Stocks revealed that he was approached by Netflix last year to consult on Markle’s lifestyle program. However, he declined the offer due to concerns about potential backlash. “I felt like even if she produced a really great program, which I was quite skeptical of, that I might get a little bit slammed for being a part of it,” he explained. Stocks expressed discomfort with the idea of contributing to a project that he feared might come off as forced or inauthentic, stating, “If she is going to do something herself, she should do something herself.”
Response from the Show’s Director
In response to the criticism, Michael Steed, the director of With Love, Meghan, defended the show, clarifying that it was never intended to portray Markle as a professional chef. He acknowledged her passion for cooking, stating, “Her cooking is pretty spot-on. She’s not a chef, and it’s definitely not meant to make it seem like she is, but there’s just a love of cooking that is palpable.” Steed emphasized that the series aims to showcase Markle’s genuine interest in cooking and her home life rather than position her as a culinary expert.
Mixed Reviews and Future Prospects
Despite the backlash from critics, With Love, Meghan has already been renewed for a second season, indicating that there is still significant interest in the series. The eight-episode show, which debuted on March 4, features Markle cooking alongside friends and sharing insights into her life with husband Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. As the conversation around the show continues, it remains to be seen how Markle and her team will respond to the critiques and what direction the next season will take. The mixed reviews highlight the challenges of transitioning from royal life to a public persona in the entertainment industry and how audiences perceive authenticity in celebrity-led projects.
