Ricky Gervais DEMANDS Meghan’s Cooking Show Be Pulled – “It’s a Joke, Not a Recipe!”

In a scathing outburst that has ignited fresh controversy in the entertainment world, British comedian Ricky Gervais has publicly called for the immediate cancellation of Meghan Markle’s new Netflix cooking series, “With Love, Meghan.” Labeling the show as “a joke, not a recipe,” Gervais accused it of being little more than “pretend expertise” and blatant “self-promotion.” His remarks, delivered during a recent stand-up performance and amplified across social media, have urged fans to boycott the program, adding fuel to an already simmering wave of criticism surrounding the Duchess of Sussex’s latest venture. This development comes at a time when Markle’s post-royal career continues to polarize public opinion, with her Netflix projects under intense scrutiny.

Launched on Netflix in early March 2025, “With Love, Meghan” marks the Duchess’s return to the small screen following her high-profile departure from royal duties in 2020. The eight-episode series, filmed at a picturesque California estate, promises an intimate look into Markle’s life through cooking, gardening, and hosting tips. Viewers are treated to scenes of the former actress preparing simple recipes, sharing personal anecdotes, and inviting celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon for casual chats over homemade treats. Netflix marketed the show as a blend of lifestyle inspiration and heartfelt storytelling, emphasizing Markle’s “personal tips and tricks” from kitchen to garden. Episodes feature everything from pouring organic pretzels into glass jars to crafting floral arrangements, all set against the backdrop of her Montecito home.

However, the reception has been far from warm. Critics have panned the series for its perceived lack of authenticity and substance, with some calling it “contrived” and overly polished. Ratings data from Netflix’s internal metrics, leaked shortly after release, revealed underwhelming viewership numbers, failing to crack the platform’s top 10 in key markets like the US and UK during its debut week.This flop has been attributed to a variety of factors, including rushed production, an emphasis on Markle’s wardrobe and jewelry over genuine culinary content, and a disconnect from audiences seeking more relatable or innovative programming.

Gervais, known for his unfiltered humor and history of targeting celebrities in his stand-up specials and Golden Globes monologues, didn’t hold back in his critique. During a March 2025 performance in London as part of his “Mortality” tour, he reportedly likened watching the show to “watching a toaster brown bread—boring, pointless, and somehow still pretentious.”Expanding on his mockery, Gervais described the series as a “culinary disaster” riddled with “nonsense” and accused Markle of lacking real expertise. “It’s not a recipe book; it’s a self-help manual for how to monetize your title without actually doing anything substantial,” he quipped, drawing laughs from the audience.He went further, urging viewers to boycott it entirely, claiming it exemplified “creative bankruptcy” in Hollywood and was nothing but a vehicle for Markle’s personal branding.

This isn’t Gervais’s first jab at the Sussexes. The comedian has previously roasted Prince Harry and Meghan in his Netflix specials, including “Armageddon” in 2023, where he poked fun at their royal exit and media deals. His latest comments, however, seem particularly pointed, aligning with a broader pattern of celebrity backlash against Markle’s endeavors. For instance, lifestyle icon Martha Stewart subtly shaded the show in an April 2025 interview, admitting she hadn’t watched it but implying it paled in comparison to her own decades-long empire of home and cooking content.Stewart’s remarks highlighted the comparisons drawn between “With Love, Meghan” and established shows like Stewart’s or Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop series, which have deeper roots in the lifestyle genre.

The criticism extends beyond Gervais and Stewart. Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White faced severe backlash, including death threats, after labeling Markle’s show as “never personal” but critiquing its superficiality in a March 2025 podcast. White insisted his comments were about the content, not Markle herself, but the incident underscored the polarized fanbase surrounding the Duchess. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been ablaze with memes and threads mocking scenes from the show, such as Markle’s “organic pretzel pouring” ritual, which Gervais referenced in his roast as “the height of royal innovation.”

Director Michael Steed, who helmed the series, defended the project in a New York Post interview, acknowledging that Markle “isn’t a chef” but praising her hustle and vision. Steed described the filming process as collaborative, with Markle actively involved in recipe selection and guest choices. Yet, even this defense hinted at the show’s limitations, as Steed noted the focus was more on lifestyle than professional gastronomy. Netflix, for its part, has remained tight-lipped about the backlash, though insiders suggest the platform is monitoring performance closely. The series was part of a multi-year deal signed by Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions in 2020, valued at over $100 million, but with previous projects like the docuseries “Harry & Meghan” receiving mixed reviews, pressure is mounting for deliverables that justify the investment.

This growing criticism fits into a larger narrative of challenges for Markle’s brand post-Megxit. Since stepping back from royal life, the couple has pursued various ventures, including podcasts, books, and now lifestyle content. Markle’s American Riviera Orchard brand, launched in 2024 with jams and home goods, was intended as a companion to the Netflix show, but both have faced accusations of being out-of-touch amid global economic strains. Public sentiment, as reflected in polls and online discourse, shows a divide: supporters view the show as empowering and aspirational, while detractors see it as opportunistic.

Gervais’s boycott call has amplified these voices, with hashtags like #BoycottMeghanShow trending on X in the weeks following his comments. In one viral clip from his tour, he joked about Netflix executives regretting the deal, saying, “They paid millions for recipes that could come from a cereal box.” This resonates with reports of the show’s low engagement, where episodes averaged fewer than 500,000 views in the first month—dismal compared to hits like “The Crown.”

Markle has not directly responded to Gervais, but sources close to her describe the criticism as “unfair and sexist,” pointing out that male celebrities rarely face similar scrutiny for lifestyle ventures. In a subtle nod, Markle posted on Instagram about “resilience in the face of noise,” sharing a recipe from the show. Meanwhile, Netflix announced a Season 2 renewal in March 2025, signaling confidence despite the uproar. This move could be a strategic pivot, with rumors of more diverse guests and edgier content to counter the “flop” narrative.

The implications of this backlash are significant. For Netflix, it highlights the risks of high-stakes celebrity deals in a saturated streaming market. Subscriber churn has been linked to underwhelming originals, and if “With Love, Meghan” continues to underperform, it could strain the Sussexes’ partnership. For Markle, it’s a test of her adaptability; her advocates argue the show humanizes her, offering glimpses into her life beyond tabloid headlines

Yet, Gervais’s intervention has crystallized the debate. As a comedian unafraid of controversy—his own specials have faced petitions for removal—he embodies the free speech ethos that clashes with calls for sensitivity. His mockery, while harsh, taps into a sentiment that Markle’s projects prioritize image over innovation. Whether this leads to the show’s demise remains unclear, but it undeniably adds to the Duchess’s mounting challenges.

In the end, “With Love, Meghan” aimed to blend royalty with relatability, but critics like Gervais see it as a recipe for ridicule. As the backlash grows, the question lingers: Can Markle turn the tide, or will this be another chapter in her tumultuous Hollywood journey? With Season 2 on the horizon, the world watches—and Gervais, no doubt, prepares his next punchline