Meghan Markle has returned to Netflix with the second season of her lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. The reception has been mixed, leading to questions about its impact. This season appears to have flown under the radar, raising curiosity about its performance. While it did not attract as much negative attention as its predecessor, it also failed to draw in significant viewership. Notably, it did not make it to Netflix’s top 10 for August, a stark contrast to the 2.6 million viewers the first season garnered. Could this indicate a shift in the fortunes of Meghan and Harry? Let’s explore further.
Season Two: The Reception
The initial numbers for season two’s debut are disappointing, with estimates suggesting fewer than 2.1 million viewers tuned in during the first week. This is a decline from the first season’s stronger start. While Meghan’s show has faced criticism, the tepid response this time is noteworthy. Can a lifestyle show thrive solely on charm?
Despite the lukewarm reception, Netflix has not severed ties with Meghan and Harry. The streaming service has confirmed ongoing collaboration with Archewell, their production company. However, the new agreement is a first-look deal rather than an exclusive partnership, suggesting they may not be in the top tier of content creators any longer.
In an interesting development, while the future of With Love, Meghan remains uncertain, a holiday special is set to air in December. This could provide Meghan an opportunity to re-engage with her audience.
The Future of Archewell Productions
Archewell has several projects in the pipeline, including a documentary short titled Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within and a romantic film based on a novel by Carley Fortune. Additionally, Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, is introducing seasonal products, including a newly featured orange marmalade in season two.
It has been five years since Harry and Meghan entered the television landscape. Their docuseries Harry & Meghan broke records with 23.4 million views in its first week, a significant success. However, subsequent projects like Live to Lead have struggled to achieve similar acclaim. Are audiences losing interest in the Sussexes’ narrative?
What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?
While Netflix has not disclosed full details regarding the financial aspects of their agreement, there are rumors suggesting a potential decrease in the upfront compensation for Meghan and Harry. This trend seems to affect many prominent figures at Netflix, as the era of substantial deals appears to be waning. What implications might this have for future projects? Will they pivot to styles that resonate better with viewers?
The media has not held back in its critiques. Comedian Sandi Toksvig recently humorously remarked that the show resembles “a great tribute to beige.” This commentary indicates the British press’s tendency to be critical. Do such mixed reviews assist or hinder the show’s reputation?
In conclusion, while Meghan’s Netflix journey may not be thriving as it once did, there are still many developments to consider. With a holiday special approaching and new projects in the works, the Sussexes continue to move forward. What are your thoughts? Should they pursue a new direction, or is there potential for a revival? Let’s discuss.