When Meghan Markle first signed her multi-million-dollar Netflix deal, it was hailed as a bold new chapter for the Duchess of Sussex. Streaming executives believed her global fame, royal mystique, and Hollywood background would guarantee success. Fast forward a few years, and the reality looks far less glamorous. Her projects have underperformed, her popularity has waned, and even her most loyal fans seem fatigued.
Just when Netflix thought her chapter was closing, Meghan reignited controversy with a pair of surprise announcements that left executives stunned. During the press tour for With Love, Meghan season two—a show that had already been written off internally—she unveiled two new ventures: a travel series where she critiques entire countries and a deeply personal memoir promising never-before-heard revelations.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Netflix is gearing up for major releases like the second season of Wednesday, but instead of positive headlines, the focus has shifted back to Meghan. For many inside the company, this feels less like creative innovation and more like a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
A Travel Show Like No Other… or Exactly That
The first bombshell was Meghan’s plan to launch a full-scale travel show. But unlike traditional programs that highlight culture, food, and adventure, Meghan wants to position herself as a “global critic.” She won’t just explore destinations—she’ll evaluate them. Imagine Meghan standing in Rome dismissing the pasta, or in Berlin suggesting the city’s aesthetic doesn’t “fit her energy.”
Production notes describe the series as part cultural review, part lifestyle diary. Each location will not only be judged for its traditions and cuisine but also graded on its emotional resonance with Meghan herself. Insiders have already mocked the pitch as “Eat, Pray, Love meets Yelp.”
The bigger issue? Netflix already scrapped a version of this idea months ago, citing poor marketability. But Meghan either ignored that decision or decided to revive it on her own. Executives now find themselves cornered, forced to respond to public promises they never approved.
The Book That Could Overshadow Everything
As if the travel series wasn’t enough, Meghan also announced a new book—a “deeply personal” memoir filled with stories she claims have never been told. After years of interviews, documentaries, and public confessions, the idea of untold truths has been met with skepticism. Critics wonder what’s left to reveal, while Netflix worries about being overshadowed.
The company signed Meghan for screen content, not literary ventures. If her book takes center stage, or worse, contradicts her streaming persona, the fragile partnership could collapse entirely.
Netflix in Damage Control Mode
Behind the scenes, chaos is brewing. Reports suggest that Meghan’s announcements blindsided executives, with no coordination from PR or creative teams. Ted Sarandos, the Netflix executive who championed her original deal, is still defending her, but others—including co-CEO Greg Peters—are frustrated. Producers feel trapped in a cycle of last-minute pivots and negative press.
One insider compared the situation to “watching someone walk into quicksand while giving a TED Talk.” It’s brutal but captures the mood: Meghan’s relentless drive to redefine herself only seems to sink her brand deeper.
The Audience Problem
At the heart of the controversy is a simple question: who is Meghan’s audience now? Her core supporters have dwindled, critics dominate online conversations, and the broader public seems indifferent. Test screenings for With Love, Meghan season two have been bleak, with feedback ranging from “hollow” to “unbearable.”
The travel show risks alienating even more viewers. Tourism boards are cautious, travel journalists are mocking the concept, and casual audiences aren’t convinced Meghan should be the authority on global culture. Instead of broadening her reach, each new project appears to shrink it further.
Desperation or Reinvention?
Meghan insists these ventures are about connection, inspiration, and truth-telling. She portrays herself as a misunderstood visionary rising above negativity. But for critics, the narrative feels tired. The themes—resilience, misunderstood greatness, rising above critics—have been repeated so often they no longer resonate.
Her media empire, once billed as a bold alternative to royal life, now looks more like a string of failed experiments. Spotify dropped her. Netflix is wavering. And each announcement feels like another attempt to prove she’s still relevant.
What Comes Next?
This may be Meghan Markle’s last big swing. If her travel series and memoir fail, the partnership with Netflix could end for good. Executives are already distancing themselves, producers are disengaging, and PR teams are overwhelmed.
Whether Meghan’s next projects become unexpected hits or embarrassing flops, one thing is certain: the world will be watching. Fame doesn’t disappear overnight; it fades piece by piece. And right now, Meghan’s brand is showing deep cracks.
For Netflix, this was supposed to be the year of strong content and subscriber growth. Instead, they’re stuck managing a PR circus. For Meghan, it’s another gamble, another reinvention, and possibly her final act in the streaming spotlight.