Meghan Markle's New Lifestyle Show: Can She Capture Hearts or Will It Fall Flat?

As Meghan Markle prepares to unveil her new show on Netflix, public relations experts weigh in on whether her lifestyle rebranding will resonate with audiences or face criticism.

Meghan Markle is stepping into the spotlight once again with an upcoming Netflix series that promises a glimpse into her domestic life. Slated to premiere on January 15, the eight-part show showcases the Duchess engaged in activities such as flower picking, vegetable slicing, and cake decorating, all set against a backdrop of familial warmth with her husband, Prince Harry.

This new endeavor represents a significant shift in Meghan's public persona. Public relations expert Chloe Franses suggests that Meghan's approach mirrors the "trad wife" trend seen on social media, evoking the nostalgic image of 1950s homemakers. While some view this as a reversion to her blogging roots, others see it as a sharp turn away from her previous feminist and actress identities. Critics like media expert Alex Silver are quick to label it as "tone deaf."

Distinctly absent from the show's promotional material is the usual presence of Harry. Their symbolic separation hints at an intentional shift as they seek to create individual brands, with marketing professor Pauline Maclaran suggesting they aim for recognition on their own merits.

The premise of Meghan's series signals a departure from their royal lifestyle, steering clear of the monarchy while embracing themes of lifestyle and wellness that she once explored in her now-defunct blog, The Tig. This choice has some PR experts believing it may resonate with a specific audience, particularly in the U.S., while others argue more pressing global issues deserve her attention.

Meghan's past ventures have been met with uneven success. While they have enjoyed fame and significant deals, such as their partnership with Netflix, some projects, including her podcast for Spotify, faltered, indicating audience interest levels may not justify continued investment. With her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, facing stagnation on social media, questions about her commercial motivations loom large.

Royal expert Victoria Murphy believes that Meghan's show will generate initial viewer interest, yet the long-term challenge will be sustaining engagement and crafting a globally recognized brand apart from royal ties. Critics argue whether her attempts to refresh her public image can reverse any previous negative narratives that have followed her since stepping back from royal duties.

The first reactions to the show's trailer reveal a polarized view of Meghan's new path, as media outlets scrutinize every detail. While her supporters celebrate her return to the screen, detractors criticize the superficiality of her new focus. With such intense public scrutiny, it remains to be seen whether this chapter will redefine Meghan’s public persona or merely solidify existing perceptions.