Martha Stewart told People magazine that she finds Meghan Markle's transition from royal duties to a homemaking television host "hard to follow". The comment comes as the Netflix series With Love, Meghan seeks a new audience in Canada where the streaming service commands a large subscriber base.
Stewart's view of the new show
Stewart said the former actress‑turned‑princess‑turned‑guru narrative "doesn't sort of follow". She added that she had only exchanged a few words with Markle at a recent dinner party and would watch an episode of the show to see how the former duchess handles the format.
In a later interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, Stewart stressed that authenticity and expertise are essential for any lifestyle brand. "I don't really know her very well and I hope she knows what she's talking about," she said.
Implications for Canadian media and consumers
Netflix's investment in original lifestyle content has raised expectations among Canadian producers who hope to compete for similar deals. The mixed reception of With Love, Meghan could influence how Canadian broadcasters evaluate royalty‑free formats that blend cooking, décor and personal narrative.
Canadian audiences have embraced the platform's cooking and home‑improvement series, from local chefs to international stars. If the show secures a renewal as "seasonal specials", it may attract advertisers targeting Canadian households interested in upscale home décor and culinary trends.
Markle and Prince Harry stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and moved to the United States, where they launched Archewell Productions and signed a multi‑year deal with Netflix. Their foray into media has already prompted Canadian media analysts to watch how the couple's brand might intersect with Canadian lifestyle influencers.
When asked about comparisons to Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow, Markle said the parallels meant a great deal, acknowledging the stature of the two businesswomen. The reaction from Stewart adds another layer to the conversation about authenticity in the crowded streaming market.
Based on reporting by Global News.