The Duchess of Sussex has returned to our screens with a festive offering for Netflix, but critics suggest viewers might need to brace themselves. 'With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration' is now streaming, promising intimate holiday moments, though one review warns of a deeply saccharine and awkward experience.
A Festive Onslaught of Sentiment
The special opens with a U age rating for containing no offensive material, a claim the reviewer fiercely contests for British audiences. It begins with Meghan Markle skipping through a Christmas tree farm, espousing the joy of the annual 'tree thing'. Her approach to decoration is presented as a way to 'encapsulate your family's story', with baubles carefully placed to 'find their light'.
The festive philosophy continues with an Advent calendar filled not with chocolates, but with handwritten notes of affirmation for her children. The reviewer questions this replacement of traditional treats with what is described as relentless positivity.
Celebrity Encounters and Culinary Curiosities
The programme features a roster of guests, starting with restaurateur Will Guidara. Their segment involves making cacio e pepe gougères and 'reindeer chow', which the review unflatteringly compares to animal droppings. Their conversation centres on holiday 'connection', with Guidara attempting to outdo Meghan's sentimentality by stating the best dinners are those where you 'left with my heart feeling full'.
Friends Lindsay and Kelly join for pastry stars, 'bubbles' with pomegranate, and wreath-making, prompting an oddly specific comment from Meghan about her curiosity regarding their differing wreath designs.
The Royals and The Reluctant Star
The most anticipated guest arrives during a cooking segment with chef Tom Colicchio. Prince Harry makes a cameo, described as balder but charmingly at ease. The review highlights the humour in his apparent dislike for almost every ingredient in the traditional family salad being prepared: beets, olives, fennel, pickles, anchovies, and fish.
He is saved by Meghan's spicy chicken gumbo, a recipe from her mother, though it reportedly makes him sweat. The reviewer's plea to the Prince is simple: 'Come home, Harry. Just come home.'
Another guest, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, is portrayed as a refreshingly normal contrast, openly discussing chasing after her toddler daughter. Her palpable desire to leave and a badly painted plate win the reviewer's 'undying allegiance'.
Verdict: A Festive Trial
The overall critique is merciless. The special is labelled an exercise in 'elevated' but ultimately insufferable holiday curation, filled with 'darling' moments that fail to resonate. While the U certificate suggests no harm, the reviewer concludes they felt both offended and harmed by the experience.
In a spirit of seasonal goodwill, an extra star is begrudgingly added to the rating in gratitude for the fact that the public is now 'safe' from another such special until next year. 'With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration' is available to stream on Netflix now.
