According to Forbes, the second season, which premiered on 26/8 on Netflix, failed to make the global Top 10 most-watched list between 25/8 and 31/8. While Netflix doesn't release data for programs outside the top 10, Forbes estimates that Markle's new project attracted at least 500,000 fewer views compared to the first season's opening week. In March, With Love, Meghan 1 garnered 2.6 million views in its first seven days, while Untamed, currently in the 10th spot, has 2.1 million.

Forbes reports this decline comes amid criticism from British critics. Following its release, Guardian writer Lucy Mangan called the show "boring" and "awkward". Mangan noted that the highlight was the appearance of model Chrissy Teigen, wife of singer John Legend, as a guest in the second episode. The Times echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Markle created the series solely for financial gain.

Telegraph journalist Anita Singh gave With Love, Meghan 2 a 2/5 star rating, criticizing Markle's "lack of sensitivity" in choosing to make cocktails in tribute to rescuers and victims of the California wildfires earlier this year. In some scenes, Markle is described as "attention-seeking," repeatedly mentioning her husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, despite his absence. However, Singh acknowledged moments where Markle came across as "likeable," dropping her perfectionism and engaging in self-deprecating conversation.

Meghan Markle and Chrissy Teigen on the show. In this episode, they reminisce about appearing together on the game show "Deal or Not Deal" nearly 20 years ago. Photo: *Netflix*

With Love, Meghan is the fifth project from Harry and Meghan for Netflix. In 2020, the couple reportedly signed a $100 million deal with the streaming giant after stepping back from the British Royal Family. Their previous projects include the documentary Harry & Meghan (2022), which drew over 2.4 million views on its release day, Live To Lead (2023), and Heart of Invictus (2023). In 12/2024, the Duke and Duchess will release their next project, Polo, centered around the eponymous sport.

International media report that the couple's contract with Netflix expired earlier this year but has been renewed for a lower amount. The new agreement includes a film adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake and a short documentary about an orphanage in Uganda.

Meghan Markle, 44, was born in California, USA, and graduated from Northwestern University in 2003. Before her relationship with Harry, she held supporting roles in several television series, most notably Suits. Since leaving the royal family, she has pursued various ventures, including podcast hosting, children's book writing, and business. In 2023, she signed with WNE, a top-tier Hollywood entertainment agency.

She and Harry married in 5/2018 and welcomed their first child, Archie, in 2019. A year later, they announced their departure from royal duties and their relocation to the US. Upon their departure, the British Royal Family stripped Harry of his military titles, leaving him with only the title of Duke of Sussex. In 6/2021, the couple welcomed their second child, daughter Lilibet.

Phuong Thao (via Forbes, Page Six)