Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is stepping into new territory as she wraps up filming for her much-anticipated Netflix cooking and lifestyle show. The project marks a significant rebranding effort for Markle, who aims to position herself as a modern-day lifestyle guru, akin to Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart. The move has sparked considerable interest and speculation about whether she can successfully reinvent herself in this new role.
The Duchess recently completed filming for the show, which is expected to showcase her skills in cooking, gardening, entertaining, and fostering friendships. An unnamed Hollywood insider confirmed to the Daily Beast, "it all went well and it is in the can." This new venture follows the launch of her luxury lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which debuted with a website and promotional video earlier this year.
PR consultant Mark Borkowski expressed cautious optimism about Markle's new venture. Speaking to the Daily Beast, Borkowski acknowledged the challenges but also highlighted the advantages of Markle's association with the powerful Hollywood talent agency WME. "I suspect it won't be a car crash," Borkowski said. "There is too much riding on it, and she is being repped by the most powerful talent agency in the world, who will have gathered the right people around her."
Borkowski elaborated on the potential for success, contingent on Markle's ability to embrace her new role. "If she has listened and learned and is comfortable in this new role as a kind of sub-Martha Stewart, sub-Oprah, this could be a relaunch to something new and interesting," he explained. "If it is another fail, it will be more difficult, because she will have to pivot to yet another new direction."
Despite the uncertainties, Borkowski emphasized the enduring interest in Markle. "The bottom line is that whatever Meghan Markle does will always generate massive interest," he stated. "She brings eyeballs and that means there is a long line of people who would still want to align with her. She will always attract somebody who will want to leverage her brand."
The idea of Markle rebranding herself as a lifestyle guru is not entirely unexpected. In March, news broke that she was filming a cooking show, shortly after she launched her luxury lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand's products, including a line of jams, are anticipated to feature in the show, integrating her entrepreneurial efforts with her new media presence.
A statement on the Sussexes' official website provided further details about the show, stating it "will celebrate the joys of cooking & gardening, entertaining, and friendship." This aligns with Markle's broader strategy of positioning herself as a relatable yet aspirational figure in the lifestyle space.
The multi-year overall deal that Markle and Prince Harry signed with Netflix in 2020 includes a variety of content, with this cooking and lifestyle show being a key component. While an official release date has not yet been announced, the show is eagerly awaited by both fans and critics.
Borkowski's comments reflect a broader industry sentiment that while Markle's transition to a lifestyle guru may be challenging, her high profile ensures that she will have opportunities to continue evolving her public persona. "She will always attract somebody who will want to leverage her brand," Borkowski reiterated.
