Meghan Markle’s return to television screens is imminent with the launch of “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle series produced under the umbrella of Archewell Productions, the company she founded with Prince Harry. This eight-episode series, premiering on Netflix on January 15th, promises a fresh take on the lifestyle genre, interweaving practical demonstrations with intimate conversations featuring a constellation of celebrity guests. The trailer offers glimpses of Markle engaging in various activities, from gardening and honey harvesting to bread making and cooking alongside notable figures like Mindy Kaling, renowned chefs Alice Waters and Roy Choi, and actress Abigail Spencer. The series aims to resonate with viewers by focusing on the pursuit of joy rather than unattainable perfection, emphasizing the significance of small, loving gestures.
The creative team behind “With Love, Meghan” boasts impressive credentials. Director Michael Steed, known for his work on “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” brings a wealth of experience in capturing authentic moments and exploring diverse cultures. Leah Hariton, the showrunner, further strengthens the production with her success in the lifestyle genre, notably with the Daytime Emmy-nominated series “Selena + Chef.” This combination of talent suggests a carefully crafted and visually appealing series that aims to offer both practical advice and engaging storytelling.
This new venture marks a significant step for Markle, who previously cultivated a lifestyle following through her blog, The Tig. Launched before her royal connection, The Tig offered a glimpse into Markle’s interests in fashion, food, and travel, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through personal anecdotes and interviews with prominent figures. Though she ceased operating The Tig in 2017 prior to her marriage to Prince Harry, “With Love, Meghan” represents a return to this familiar territory, albeit on a much larger platform.
“With Love, Meghan” is the latest project to emerge from the substantial $100 million deal inked between Archewell Productions and Netflix. This agreement has already yielded several productions, including the highly successful documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” which garnered significant viewership upon its release, becoming Netflix’s most-watched documentary premiere. Other projects include “Heart of Invictus,” a documentary focusing on athletes participating in the Invictus Games, a sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded veterans, and “Live to Lead,” a docuseries showcasing influential global leaders. However, not all ventures have achieved the same level of success. “Polo,” a five-part series on the sport, failed to make a significant impact on the streaming platform.
The Netflix deal represents a key component of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s post-royal life. Their departure from the British royal family in 2020 was marked by highly publicized tensions and allegations of mistreatment, prompting their relocation to California. Since then, they have embarked on several entrepreneurial endeavors, including the establishment of the Archewell Foundation, a non-profit organization, and the aforementioned multimedia production company. Alongside the Netflix partnership, they also secured a deal with Spotify, estimated to be worth $20 million, which has since concluded. These ventures reflect their pursuit of financial independence and their desire to control their own narrative.
One of Markle’s other ventures, a lifestyle brand named American Riviera Orchard, has faced considerable challenges since its announcement in March 2024. Intended to encompass a range of products from tableware and kitchen textiles to food items like jams and jellies, the brand has yet to materialize any tangible offerings. Obstacles include a rejected trademark application and reported difficulties in securing a CEO. The brand’s online presence has also remained dormant, with no new activity on its Instagram account since the initial announcement and an empty website. This stalled progress contrasts sharply with the momentum surrounding “With Love, Meghan” and underscores the complexities of building a successful brand in a competitive market.
