Another trailer has dropped for Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, and of course, just its existence is causing controversy. First introduced earlier this year, Markle and Netflix postponed the show’s January premiere due to the L.A. wildfires.
Born from her former lifestyle website, The Tig, where Markle shared her passion for food, travel, lifestyle and self-exploration, it was a labor of love that she closed down in 2017 after taking things to the next level with her now-husband, Prince Harry. The new series picks up where The Tig left off as Markle “reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming,” according to a statement from Netflix, over candid conversation with friends, new and old, she shares personal tips and tricks to create beauty in the kitchen, the garden and beyond and invites us to do the same.
The hate flew fast and furious from critics with the first trailer, with critics slamming the show’s theme as “entitled” and “tasteless,” and online comments that blasted her for doing a cooking and lifestyle show instead of concentrating on social issues. However, having a lifestyle show may be one of the biggest forms of social justice for the Black community.
Time and time again, our people are called upon to fight for “the cause,” stand up in representation of our self-identity and rally against the isms—racism, sexism and discrimination, whether it’s at work, in public or among our own circle. We’re not always allowed to rest, relax and restore.
A show about cooking, gardening and other activities done in a leisurely nature (because there was a time we were forced to do them) is taking a stand for us to be able to enjoy an activity without having to define the political or social nature behind our actions.
When TikTok tradwife Hannah Neeleman takes 12 hours to make a loaf of sourdough bread, or the grand dame herself, Martha Stewart, pours her own candles for a holiday scene, would we demand that they go support a social cause instead?
Now critics are accusing Markle of stealing another actress’ lifestyle concept. But if anything, she’s following in the footsteps of the legendary B. Smith, who taught us the beauty of camaraderie at a flawlessly set table in her series, B. Smith With Style, nearly 30 years ago.
With Love, Meghan continues the joyous rebellion for our community, giving us the right to enjoy life’s finer moments, complete with a gorgeous backdrop.
With Love, Meghan, will premiere on March 4 on Netflix.
