Fed Up With Fakery: Why ‘With Love, Meghan’ Missed the Mark(le)
Image Source: Netflix
Why does everyone love to hate Meghan ‘Sussex’ so much?
There’s been a noticeable cultural shift toward an almost gleeful disdain for Meghan Markle—ahem, the Duchess of Sussex, in recent years. Whether it’s the tabloids, social media discourse, or even casual conversations, there’s an undeniable air of collective eye-rolling whenever her name comes up.
But why? I’ve never quite understood the interest we as a modern society seem to have (whether in loving her or hating her) for the Dutchess, any more than I could understand the fascination we seemed to have for the royal family in general.
That is, until I watched the new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan…
Now full disclosure: I don’t hate anyone, Meghan included. Nor do I condone ridiculing people on the internet, full stop. I hope that this article fulfills the intended purpose of sparking a deeper discussion about why we have responded so strongly to this production. And also, why now has this spurned such a visceral reaction from audiences worldwide?
The whirlwind of negative publicity this show has whipped up in just a week since its launch is certainly like nothing Netflix has ever seen, and that in itself is worth exploring.
Whether it’s the timing, the tone deafness of the entire concept, or the perceptibly phoney personality/production/place, it’s certainly safe to say, this one fell well short of the mark with audiences. Scoring just 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, we wanted to dig deeper into the potential reasons for this show’s cultural backlash, and what it says about who we are today.
This show has been criticized for so many reasons it’s almost impossible to cover them all, and we’d argue that it’s got less to do with Meghan than we think, and a more to do with us as a society and where we’re at. What we’re tired of seeing on our screens, the stories we’re tired of being told, and the unattainable curated perfection we’re tired of being sold.
The ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ Effect
In Australia, there’s a cultural phenomena known as tall poppy syndrome—a tendency to cut down those who stand out, especially if they seem too successful, privileged, or self-important. Could Meghan simply be another victim of this ingrained cultural reflex?
Maybe. But there’s also something deeper at play.
Luxury in a Time where Everyone Else Struggles
In a world where many people are struggling with the cost of living, skyrocketing rent, mortgage stress and job insecurity, Meghan’s we’re-just-like-you narrative, set against a backdrop of acres of lush, edible garden space (rented, mind you), feels tone-deaf at best.
When everyday people are choosing between heating and groceries, it’s hard to relate to someone telling you how best to host your friends and cook recipes with edible treats from your garden… from a multi-million-dollar estate. Whether it’s a ‘set’ (as Meghan let (Freudian-ly) slip, or a home, this just feels a little unpalatable for the vast majority of everyday folk doing it tough.
The Authenticity Problem
Meghan’s biggest issue? She doesn’t seem real.
The rented house.
The ever-changing circle of celebrity “friends” who never seem to actually know her.
The constant product placement, turning every appearance into a thinly veiled brand campaign (preserves, anyone?).
It all feels manufactured. And in today’s world, where audiences crave genuine connections, the Meghan machine is running on outdated fuel.
The Pendulum Effect
Culture is a pendulum—it swings one way, then inevitably swings back. After years of celebrating the hyper-curated, filtered, and aspirational, we’re now demanding authenticity, imperfection, and honesty.
And Meghan? She represents everything people are tired of and ultimately turning against.
Enter: The ‘De-Influencer’ Movement
For years, social media glorified curated perfection—filtered, manicured, beautiful and aspirational. But after being bombarded with unrealistic lifestyle imagery for so long, people are tired of it. They’re tuning it out. The result? The rise of the de-influencer.
This new wave rejects the glossy, overly staged ‘influencer aesthetic’ in favor of raw, unfiltered, real content. And in large part, the younger generations are to thank. Think: Emma Chamberlain in her hoodie, the resurgence of messy “photo dumps,” and brutally honest reviews over paid promotions.
And when you hold Meghan’s show up to this new standard, she falls flat.
The Sussex Debate
Even Meghan’s insistence on the Duchess of Sussex title feels at odds with the public mood. After correcting Mindy Kaling for calling her Meghan Markle—reminding her that ‘you know it’s Sussex now’—even royal enthusiasts have questioned whether she should still be using the title at all.
It’s the perfect symbol of the broader disconnect: an obsession with titles, status, brands, and curation in a time when people crave relatability and normality.
Is this Even Really About Meghan?
But here’s the thing—maybe, just maybe, this isn’t really even about Meghan at all. Hear me out.
Sure, watching it all unfold can feel painfully out of touch. But the bigger issue isn’t Meghan herself—it’s the cultural shift away from this kind of carefully curated, aspirational-but-totally-unattainable lifestyle.
For years, we were sold the dream of effortless luxury—the picture-perfect morning routines, the expansive organic gardens, the just like us celebrities sipping matcha in their sun-drenched mansions. But now? That narrative is wearing thin.
Because when real people are struggling with real-world constraints—rising costs, job insecurity, and a chaotic, changing world—it’s hard to take life advice from someone who doesn’t face those same challenges.
Love Her or Hate Her—You’re Still Talking About Her
Despite the backlash, Meghan remains part of the cultural conversation.
So, is Meghan a victim of tall poppy syndrome, influencer fatigue, or just her own lack of authenticity? Maybe all three.
One thing’s for sure—whether she’s a royal rebel or just a vapid marketing machine, people just can’t seem to stop talking about her.
And that, ironically, might end up being the real secret to her success. Who knows. I guess we’ll wait and see how Season 2 pans out.
Curious? Watch it for yourself. But you’ve been warned.
