Yes, Meghan Markle’s New Cooking Show Is Untraditional — That’s Why It Works

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Meghan Markle has once again stolen the spotlight with her new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, that doesn’t look — or feel — like the regular culinary TV programs we’re used to. It’s an invitation into the Duchess of Sussex’s world to inspire the comfort and joy that only homemade food can bring. Since its premiere, there’s been a lot of critique about the show and Markle herself, but I could not be more satisfied with it — mostly because of the unmistakable hum of good conversations and not-so rigid set.  Watching it made me feel as if I was having a nice chat with my friends over a freshly poured cocktail.

Instead of professional chef uniforms, a pulse-racing tick of a countdown timer in the background, and judges poised to taste the dish of the season, the untraditional With Love, Meghan is set in a cozy atmosphere: the Duchess’s Montecito neighborhood, where she lives with her family, bathed in golden California sunlight. The first episode opens with her standing in the kitchen with her long ponytail and linen sleeves rolled up, ready to craft the perfect welcome basket for her guest. Strolling through the flourishing garden in the early morning is — and I can’t deny it — my favorite part of the show. Those colors, the honey-filled beehive, and rosebuds reconnect me with nature in a way I hadn’t expected. It’s not about perfection or winning; it’s about warmth and challenging yourself to be creative with what the house offers.

It’s not about perfection or winning; it’s about warmth and challenging yourself to be creative with what the house offers.

As a journalist who’s both busy and admittedly lazy in the kitchen, I don’t cook often. I prefer to defrost lasagna or whip up some instant chicken noodles. But while watching Markle exploring the art of playing with flavors, I realized this show made me think about how simple fresh food could truly shine on my table. It’s unusual to see a culinary program promoting a lifestyle that doesn’t sell the latest food trend, require elaborate techniques, or gourmet ingredients. Instead, it was a breath of fresh air, and it was almost as if I could smell the scent of dishes through the screen, from the raspberry jam and truffle popcorn to buttery biscuits and vegan-friendly sandwiches.

As the show continues, guests — including the brilliant Mindy Kaling and former athlete Delfina Figueras — gather around while stories and cooking tidbits and secrets are shared. The approach felt quite intimate as nothing was hyper-polished, and a genuine connection between blended personal stories and shared meals was palpable.

The Duchess of Sussex is fully engaged and immersed in each part of the show, whether it’s picking up herbs from her garden or filling ravioli with her friend. She perfectly balances curiosity and the chaotic charm of the mess when cooking. Nothing ever feels fussy or unattainable. That’s what makes With Love, Meghan a star among other food shows.

I would never have thought With Love, Meghan could feel so comforting. It reminded me of the sense of accomplishment and pride I’d get during the COVID-19 lockdown when I used to challenge myself to make everything from scratch whether it was a Sacher cake, homemade yeast for pizza, or honey wax candles (as seen on episode one). As Markle kept entertaining her guests, I felt heard and slowly started to feel a little more inspired to slow down, open a recipe book, and let my imagination run wild while preparing something that makes me feel both fed but mostly soulfully nourished.

I felt heard and slowly started to feel a little more inspired to slow down, open a recipe book, and let my imagination run wild while preparing something that makes me feel both fed but mostly soulfully nourished.

Toward the end of the last episode, as Markle and chef Alice Waters prepare quiche and salad for a Californian brunch, I began to feel a wave of nostalgia. I’ve always perceived each scene not as just a Netflix show but as a personal moment to recollect myself in tranquility. The show has also taught me that cooking by yourself is an empowering act of self-care and that not everything has to meet others’ expectations but only yours. It’s become essential for me to allow myself to enjoy food without the pressure of perfect recipes or flawless dish presentations. As a result, I’ve already started taking better care of my pantry by buying more affordable and useful ingredients. My garden is also benefiting from me growing fresh fruits to cultivating vegetables to make vibrant meals with healthier ingredients. That’s the reason why With Love, Meghan works, because it’s a pure ode to the joy of playing with food flavors without showing extravagance or luxuries, but maintaining a humble and accessible attitude.