Was there ever a doubt that With Love, Meghan, Meghan Sussex’s (née Markle, tyvm) Netflix homemaking show, was going to get a second season? Whether you love it or think it’s a tragic attempt at relatability from someone who is thoroughly isolated from everyday life, Sussex is a bona fide celebrity that people clearly can’t get enough of. So yes, there will be a Season 2 this fall, as Netflix announced today, and as Sussex noted on her Instagram with an ASMR montage of Season 1 highlights. (Sorry to everyone with misophonia.)
Viewing figures for With Love haven’t been released yet (the company says those will arrive March 11), but initial reviews have skewed negative. While some have appreciated the Californianess of it all, others say it hasn’t delivered on its own stated goals of relatability and fun. “Meghan comes across as constantly worried about what people will think, and because of it, the show can neither flaunt her unusual life, nor can it embrace legitimate ordinariness,” writes Kathryn VanArendonk in Vulture. Daniel D’Addario of Variety says, “there isn’t enough here to justify the running time, nor its star’s belief we’ll keep watching.” As royals reporter Patricia Tremble noted in a Substack review, it seems designed to be background TV.
None of that really matters though. In 2020, the Sussexes signed a $100 million deal with Netflix to produce shows and movies for the next five years. As Hollywood Reporter notes, however, their output hasn’t been that impressive — aside from Harry & Meghan, the docuseries that covered the couple’s relationship and departure from royal life, they have not produced any major hits, and one animated children’s show was cancelled before it even aired. But given that background TV is exactly what Netflix wants, it’s no surprise that the show will be back for a second season. As the Wrap puts it, “You either know that this is the show for you or you’re not interested, and all of that will be wrapped up in your preconceptions of a woman who has come to symbolize more than one mere mortal ever should.”
Sussex also recently updated the site for her product line, As Ever (formerly American Riviera Orchard), with soon-to-be-available items like crepe mix, tea, and jam, though prices aren’t listed yet. Already, the Standard reports that British grocery store Waitrose has seen a spike in searches for the ingredients featured on the show, including a supposed 3,200 percent increase in interest for “truffle salt.” We’ll just have to wait to know how much a tin of As Ever “flower sprinkles” costs — and whether they get yet another moment in the spotlight in Season 2.
