Starting off with a controversial opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed With Love, Meghan, the new lighthearted lifestyle series on Netflix. The show features Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, smiling warmly in a Montecito kitchen that is not hers, cracking whimsical jokes reminiscent of those found on Etsy products (“bready or not, here I crumb”), baking cakes a bit underdone, and garnishing everything with edible flowers. I was entertained by Meghan’s apparent kitchen expertise, which involves arranging vegetables on an expensive cutting board and enunciating every consonant in the word “preserves.” It was amusing when she praised carnations as a budget-friendly flower, only to “elevate” them by placing one amidst a group of expensive peonies. Even her preparation of avocado toast for a quick solo breakfast, a relatable moment for many, made me chuckle when she sprinkled edible flowers on top.
You may have come across the memes circulating online, poking fun at the show’s contradictions. Meghan, while endearing, doesn’t quite excel at domestic goddess skills. In one scene, she tends to “her” bees with the help of a beekeeper who could pass as Fred Armisen in a Portlandia skit. Despite claiming experience, she admits to not actually liking honey. During a children’s tea party with Mindy Kaling (attended only by adults), the finger sandwiches resembled scraps from a chicken coop rather than elegant offerings. Even while making tacos with a chef, Meghan needed guidance on shredding chicken without burning herself. However, she does shine in the art of opening champagne bottles, a skill reminiscent of Martha Stewart’s post-prison days or Ina Garten during lockdown.
As I watched the show, one question lingered: Who is the target audience for this series? Are there Santa Barbara moms with immaculate vegetable gardens who previously felt intimidated by baking focaccia? Yet, as With Love, Meghan progressed, it began hitting familiar beats. A stylish woman donning upscale beige outfits and floral dresses? Check. An emphasis on nutrition and aesthetics in family meals, showcasing fruit platters arranged artistically and sneaking chia seeds and hemp hearts into pancakes? Check. An unexpected exploration of the significance behind taking her husband’s name? That’s a nod to traditional wife territory. However, it’s clear that Meghan is not a traditional wife but rather a girlboss, a savvy entrepreneur with a podcast for businesswomen and a budding retail brand. Why then does she seemingly attempt to rebrand herself as one, presenting a wistful portrayal of femininity and old-fashioned domestic skills that feels contrived and somewhat familiar?
In a world where most women’s domestic work goes unnoticed, traditional wives seek acknowledgment. By breaking away from the confines of a typical 9-to-5 job, they advocate for women to elevate mundane tasks into meaningful homemaking activities. While some social media figures embody this lifestyle, Meghan’s portrayal seems a bit staged and out of place
The show “With Love, Meghan” portrays domestic tasks as elaborate performances, where Meghan transforms everyday chores into meaningful rituals. While emphasizing the beauty of home life, Meghan’s efforts are both practical and performative, showcasing her calligraphy and decorative skills. Her friends appreciate these gestures, although they appear slightly awkward on camera, perhaps due to the wine flowing. In contrast, other influencers like Neeleman show the real work behind the scenes, from kitchen mishaps to late nights, providing a more authentic look at domestic labor. Ultimately, “With Love, Meghan” serves as a study in affluent women’s pursuit of love and fulfillment, rather than a blueprint for how others should approach household tasks.
