Meghan Markle's new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has drawn criticism from British celebrity chef Jameson Stocks, who called the show "terrible" and "painful to watch." Stocks, who has cooked for King Charles and other high-profile figures, claimed he was approached to serve as a consultant on the series but turned down the offer.
Speaking on GB News, Stocks said he was skeptical about the project from the start and did not want to be associated with it. "I felt that even if she produced a really great program-which I was quite skeptical of anyway-that I might get a little slammed for it, for being a part of it," he said. He added that he did not like the idea of "showing her how to do something, and then it kind of being forced and fake."
With Love, Meghan, which premiered on March 4, follows Markle as she hosts friends and family at her Montecito, California, home. The series features guests including The Office star Mindy Kaling, Suits castmate Abigail Spencer, and renowned chefs Alice Waters and Roy Choi.
Stocks was particularly critical of the show's presentation. "The music's quite slow, it's quite lethargic," he said. "It's just painful to watch." He also suggested Markle should return to acting, stating, "She's quite a good actress, in real life or obviously on screen. I think people should just stick to what they do best."
Despite mixed reviews, With Love, Meghan has been renewed for a second season. Netflix confirmed last week that the next installment has already been filmed and is set to premiere in fall 2025. Markle teased the upcoming season on Instagram with a short video, writing, "If you're loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2."
The show is part of Markle and Prince Harry's $100 million deal with Netflix, signed in 2020. Their previous projects include the six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan and the documentary Polo.
While Stocks' claim that he was approached for a consulting role has been widely circulated, a report from the New York Post has cast doubt on his involvement. When contacted, a representative for Markle declined to comment on the matter.
Early reviews for With Love, Meghan have been largely critical, with New York Magazine's Vulture calling it "wildly unattainable" and "mind-bogglingly basic." However, the series has also garnered a loyal audience, prompting Netflix's decision to greenlight another season.
