With Love, Meghan: A Hazardous Arrangement of Authenticity, Royalty & Middle-Class Allusion

Meghan Markle's Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, sets a worrying precedent of tailoring authenticity for critics. While some may have hoped for adjustments in the second season, it seemed to mirror exactly what was criticized in the premiere of the first.

The second season, released on August 26, retains the original ambiance that was widely criticized. It offers no indication that the critique was heeded, a plausible situation given the filming for the second season wrapped up a mere three days after the premiere of the first one.

In this season, a glimmer of Markle's intent behind the show was revealed during a conversation with a guest, chef Samin Nosrat. Nosrat appreciates the 'chaos' of Markle's kitchen, to which the Duchess responds stems from wanting to remain authentic and work with what's available immediately in the house instead of curated shopping lists for recipes.

However, the show's perceived definition of 'real' doesn't truly mirror the average American household. The abundant produce and assorted flowers that embellish Markle's kitchen and episodes are a far cry from what most can relate to. The series' persistent attempts to occupy a non-existent middle-class space make it increasingly unrelatable, something further accentuated when guests conform to the show's tone instead of showcasing their real selves.

A striking moment of authenticity comes from guest Tan France, whose vibrant persona seems to reveal a glimpse of Markle's true personality. During his episode, Markle shares personal anecdotes, such as Prince Harry saying 'I love you' first and her struggle being away from her children. These personal insights, though rare, bring a brief bout of authenticity to the otherwise meticulously curated show.

A critical question that looms is whether Markle truly endorses the domestic endeavors portrayed in the show or is it an elaborate, beautifully shot fabrication? The answer seems less relevant than capturing viewers' interest. Ultimately, the series falls short as its lack of relatability fails to bolster its entertainment value, making season two as underwhelming as the first.