Netflix Cancels Meghan Markle’s Cooking Show Amid Behind-the-Scenes Concerns – Who’s Pulling the Strings?

In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, Netflix has abruptly canceled Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated cooking show, With Love, just days before its scheduled premiere. The decision, announced following a tense meeting between Netflix executives and the Duchess of Sussex, has sparked widespread speculation about the reasons behind the cancellation and its implications for Meghan’s burgeoning media career. Internal reviews, post-production challenges, and concerns about the show’s alignment with Netflix’s programming strategy are cited as key factors in the decision, marking a significant setback for Meghan and raising questions about her future with the streaming giant.

A High-Stakes Venture

With Love was poised to be a cornerstone of Meghan and Prince Harry’s multi-year deal with Netflix, signed in 2020 after the couple stepped back from their roles as senior royals. The cooking show, described as a celebration of food, community, and connection, was intended to showcase Meghan’s personal passions and her ability to connect with audiences in a relatable, authentic way. Promotional materials promised a blend of heartfelt storytelling, culinary expertise, and Meghan’s signature charm, with guest appearances from notable chefs and celebrities. The show was heavily marketed as a flagship project under the couple’s Archewell Productions, with Netflix banking on Meghan’s global profile to draw viewers.

Production began in early 2024, with filming taking place in a carefully curated set designed to evoke warmth and intimacy. The premise centered on Meghan sharing recipes inspired by her travels, her family, and her commitment to philanthropy, interwoven with stories of resilience and cultural heritage. Industry insiders described the project as ambitious, with a significant budget allocated to high-quality production values and a robust marketing campaign. For Meghan, With Love represented an opportunity to redefine her public image, moving away from the controversies that have often overshadowed her post-royal career and toward a more approachable, lifestyle-oriented persona.

The Decision to Cancel

The cancellation came as a surprise to many, given the buzz surrounding the show’s impending release. According to sources close to the production, Netflix executives held a critical meeting with Meghan and her team in late June 2025, during which they delivered the news. The decision was reportedly driven by a combination of internal reviews and post-production issues that raised red flags about the show’s viability. While Netflix has not publicly disclosed the full details, insiders suggest that the show failed to meet the company’s expectations for quality and audience appeal.

One of the primary concerns cited was Meghan’s on-screen presence. Feedback from the production team indicated that her energy during filming did not consistently convey the warmth and authenticity that With Love was intended to embody. The show’s concept relied heavily on Meghan’s ability to connect with viewers on a personal level, sharing stories and recipes with genuine emotion. However, some crew members reportedly felt that her performance felt rehearsed or overly polished, lacking the spontaneity needed to resonate with audiences. This feedback was particularly damaging given the show’s emphasis on relatability, a quality that Netflix believed was essential to its success.

Compounding these concerns were issues uncovered during post-production. Leaked footage from the set, which circulated among Netflix’s leadership, reportedly showed unguarded moments that painted Meghan in an unflattering light. While the exact nature of the footage remains undisclosed, sources suggest it included interactions that appeared strained or out of step with the show’s intended tone. Some executives worried that these moments, if included in the final cut or leaked to the public, could fuel existing skepticism about Meghan’s public persona, particularly among critics who have questioned her authenticity since her departure from royal duties.

Strategic Misalignment

Beyond the challenges with Meghan’s performance, Netflix’s decision reflects broader concerns about With Love’s alignment with the company’s programming strategy. In recent years, Netflix has faced increasing pressure to deliver content that maximizes subscriber growth and retention in a highly competitive streaming market. The company has prioritized projects with broad appeal, often favoring reality shows, documentaries, and scripted dramas that generate significant buzz or cultural impact. While With Love was initially seen as a safe bet due to Meghan’s star power, internal reviews reportedly concluded that the show risked falling short of these goals.

Analysts point to Netflix’s evolving priorities as a key factor. The streaming giant has increasingly leaned into unscripted content that feels raw and relatable, such as Love Is Blind or The Great British Baking Show, which thrive on emotional authenticity and viewer investment. With Love, by contrast, was perceived as overly curated, with a glossy aesthetic that some felt disconnected from the current zeitgeist. One executive reportedly described the show as “too aspirational” for a market craving grit and realism, a sentiment that underscored Netflix’s hesitation to move forward.

The cancellation also reflects the high stakes of Netflix’s partnership with Archewell Productions. The deal, valued at an estimated $100 million, has produced limited output since its inception, with only a handful of projects, such as the docuseries Harry & Meghan and a polo-themed series, reaching audiences. With Love was seen as a critical test of the partnership’s potential to deliver commercially viable content. The decision to pull the plug suggests that Netflix is reevaluating its investment in the couple’s creative ventures, particularly in light of the mixed reception to their previous projects.

Fallout and Implications

For Meghan, the cancellation is a significant blow to her media ambitions. With Love was a deeply personal project, one that she hoped would establish her as a credible figure in the lifestyle and entertainment space. The abrupt end to the show raises questions about her ability to navigate the competitive world of content creation, where even high-profile figures face intense scrutiny. Public reaction has been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment and others speculating about behind-the-scenes tensions. Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with commentary, ranging from supportive messages to critical takes on Meghan’s suitability for the project.

The decision also casts a shadow over Meghan and Harry’s relationship with Netflix. While the couple has other projects in development, including a potential documentary and scripted series, the cancellation of With Love could prompt Netflix to tighten its oversight of their work. Industry observers suggest that the streaming giant may demand more concrete results from Archewell Productions to justify the partnership’s cost. For Meghan, rebuilding trust with Netflix will likely require a strategic pivot, potentially toward projects that play to her strengths, such as advocacy-driven documentaries or philanthropy-focused content.

The Road Ahead

The future of With Love remains uncertain. While some speculate that Meghan could shop the show to another platform, such as Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video, the negative feedback from Netflix’s reviews may complicate efforts to secure a new home. Revising the show to address the concerns raised—such as reworking the tone or reshooting key segments—would require significant time and resources, a challenging prospect given the tight timelines of modern production schedules. Alternatively, Meghan may choose to shelve the project entirely, focusing instead on new ventures that better align with her vision and the market’s demands.

The cancellation also highlights the broader challenges faced by public figures transitioning into media production. Meghan’s experience underscores the difficulty of balancing personal branding with audience expectations, particularly in an era where authenticity is paramount. Her journey mirrors that of other celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow with Goop or Reese Witherspoon with Hello Sunshine, who have navigated similar hurdles in building media empires. For Meghan, the path forward will likely involve leveraging her global platform while addressing the criticisms that have emerged from this setback.

Conclusion

The cancellation of With Love marks a pivotal moment in Meghan Markle’s post-royal career, one that tests her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. While the decision has sparked debate and disappointment, it also offers an opportunity for reflection and reinvention. As Meghan and her team regroup, the entertainment world will be watching closely to see how she responds to this challenge and whether she can reclaim her footing in the competitive landscape of streaming media. For now, the abrupt end to With Love serves as a reminder of the high stakes and unpredictable nature of the industry, where even the most promising projects can falter under the weight of expectation.