Finally, Meghan Markle's long-awaited reality show, With Love, Meghan, has dropped on Netflix. The eight-part series, which had its release date delayed thanks to the California wildfires in January, follows Meghan as she explores her love of cooking, gardening and hosting alongside a range of expert guests and friends.
Already, the internet is reacting to the show, which only dropped. If you're wondering whether the show is worth a Netflix binge, or are simply curious as to what the world is saying about this much-hyped TV show, then we've rounded up some of the most insightful reviews of With Love, Meghan.
The Evening Standard gives the show four stars, with reviewer Melanie McDonagh calling it 'ridiculous' but a 'hoot' to watch. 'So, will this series fly? For laughs perhaps. But if you’re the kind of person who wants to be shown how to make a daisy chain or who gets a thrill from seeing the home life of our Duchess as she wants us to see it, or who wants tips on making pasta the way no Italian ever did (sitting on veg, in a frying pan cooked with water from a kettle), why it’ll be just your cup of tea. In a glass pot, natch,' she writes.
The BBC's Sean Coughlan writes that With Love, Meghan is about 'escapism and aspiration' adding 'it's a glass of something sparkling on a grey day.' He writes: 'Whether you love or hate the TV series will almost certainly depend on what you think about Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. And there will be the opinions of many on both sides,' continuing 'It's in an entirely different genre from the previous Netflix documentary from Meghan and Prince Harry, which raked over their angry departure from royal life.Instead we're into a zone of gleaming smiles in polished kitchens, with a soundtrack of positive music pulsing away. "Love is in the detail, gang," she says. And "it's time to pop a bottle" for a glass of champagne.'
Meanwhile, early viewers of the show have taken to social media to share their thoughts. Plenty of users praised the show, pointing out its escapist qualities. 'With love, Meghan is a little bit of escapism from the turmoil that is going on in this world.Well done Meghan, her friends/family and crew. #WithLoveMeghan#WithLoveMeghanOnNetflix#MeghanMarkle,' wrote one user.
Another agreed, writing 'Watching with love, Meghan and this woman has a beautiful life.' A third penned 'Watched episode one of “With Love Meghan”. It is simply spectacular. Meghan is magic Her friends are amazing. This series is going to please her fans for a very long time. So excited about this series.' Another user wrote 'With Love, Meghan is a breathe of fresh air and it’s not just about food, beautiful food, but it’s more about sharing stories and making memories while preparing that beautiful food. definitely a good watch!!'
However, it's not all glowing reviews. The Guardian's Stuart Heritage writes that unless the show becomes a ratings smash (and acknowledging that this isn't impossible), 'With Love, Meghan doesn’t just represent the hard launch of Duchess of Sussex’s new career as a Martha Stewart-style lifestyle inspo guru; it might also be the final thing she makes for Netflix.' He adds: 'There is a version of Meghan that people want to see on screen. But it isn’t the joylessly joy-filled rictus version of With Love, Meghan. No, they want to see the furious, righteous Meghan from Harry & Meghan. In other words, what they want is a proper Meghan reality show.'
On Sky News, royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills called the series 'a bit cheesy but great to switch off to,' while Sam Coates dubbed it 'fake news.'
Ah, you can't please everyone can you. As for us, we'd love to be a guest at one of Meghan Markle's dinner parties.