Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks recently expressed his dissatisfaction with Meghan Markle’s latest venture into lifestyle television, despite claims of being approached to consult on the project. The British chef, known for his experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and catering to stars like Tom Hanks and Lady Gaga, revealed his reasons for rejecting an offer from Netflix and shared his blunt critique of the series.
A Sour Taste from the Start
In an interview with GB News, Stocks did not mince words about his impressions of “With Love, Meghan,” stating, “Everything” was a problem. He described the show as “quite slow” and “quite lethargic,” going so far as to call it “quite painful to watch.” His comments have sparked discussions and debates about the quality and appeal of lifestyle programming on major streaming platforms.
Why Stocks Said No
Stocks’ hesitation stemmed from concerns about potential backlash and doubts about the quality of the series. “I felt that, even if she produced a really great program — which I was quite skeptical of anyway — that I might get a little bit slammed for it, for being a part of it,” he explained. This fear of negative reception highlights the precarious nature of celebrity-led projects, where association can significantly impact personal and professional reputations.
Doubts Cast Over Chef’s Involvement
Following Stocks’ interview, an article in the New York Post questioned the veracity of his claims regarding Netflix’s approach for consultancy on the series. When HuffPost reached out for comment, a representative for the Duchess of Sussex chose not to address Stocks’ remarks directly, leaving some uncertainty about the chef’s actual involvement or the nature of the discussions with Netflix.
“With Love, Meghan”: A Mixed Reception
“With Love, Meghan” is described by Netflix as a series that follows the Duchess in “the kitchen, garden — and even at the beehive — as she prepares to host friends both old and new.” The show features notable guests like Mindy Kaling and Roy Choi, aiming to provide a glimpse into Markle’s personal and domestic life. Despite its intentions to blend celebrity culture with everyday lifestyle tips, the series has received mixed to negative reviews from critics, including those who find the show “wildly unattainable” and “mind-bogglingly basic.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Meghan?
Despite the criticism, Netflix has confirmed that “With Love, Meghan” will return for a second season. Amidst ongoing debates about her role in the media and entertainment industries, Stocks suggested that Markle might do well to return to acting, a field where he believes she excels. “She’s quite a good actress, in real life or on-screen,” he remarked, indicating that sometimes sticking to one’s strengths is the best path forward.
Final Thoughts
As “With Love, Meghan” continues to navigate the complex waters of celebrity-led lifestyle content, the discussions it generates are as much about the content as they are about the cultural and media dynamics it engages with. Whether or not Stocks’ perspectives will influence the public’s reception of the upcoming seasons remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the series is as much a talking point as it is a view into Meghan’s world.