Meghan Markle has found herself at the centre of a brewing controversy as her new Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, faces accusations of being a “copycat” of Pamela Anderson’s recently released series, Pamela’s Cooking With Love.
Both shows, which premiered just a week apart, feature the former TV stars in strikingly similar settings: bright, rustic kitchens, wicker baskets brimming with homegrown produce, and a parade of photogenic friends and celebrity chefs.
Even the titles share an uncanny similarity, with both emphasising themes of love and culinary passion.
Markle’s show, which began streaming on Netflix on Tuesday, March 4, sees the Duchess sharing domestic tips, including how to “elevate” a simple takeaway meal.
“I like being able to do a hybrid, but even when I get a takeout, I will try to plate it beautifully,” she told People magazine in a recent interview.
Meanwhile, Anderson’s series, which debuted last week, also focuses on elevating everyday dishes, with the Baywatch actress, 57, declaring, “I just have always wanted to take things to another level.”
The similarities don’t end there. Both women are seen joyfully dancing in their kitchens, high-fiving guests, and tending to their gardens. Even the structure of the shows is identical, with each running for eight episodes.
However, Anderson’s series has one key advantage: it was commissioned first. Canadian broadcaster Flavour Network greenlit Pamela’s Cooking With Love in February 2023, with its trailer released last October.
Markle’s show, filmed last summer, didn’t release its trailer until January this year.
Jesse Fawcett, co-creator of Anderson’s show, has taken a diplomatic approach to the comparisons. “We take pride in planting the first seeds – creating original, distinctive programming that audiences love – and it’s a compliment to see our work with Ms Anderson resonate so strongly,” he told the Mail.
But fans of the Baywatch star have been less forgiving. Social media has been flooded with comments branding Markle’s series “inauthentic” and a “virtual rip-off.”
One reviewer noted, “So similar it’s freaky,” while others criticised the Duchess’s show as “copycat” content.
However, a barrage of viewers were also positive. Fans took to Netflix’s Instagram page to praise the series. One wrote: “Watched all eight in one go omg meghan has a wonderful life.”
Another said: “ I loved every single minute of this show😍👏 simple recipes I can try at home. Cozy vibes too ,” while a third commented: “Excellent show! Wished there were more episodes. ❤️”
The two stars’ personal lives also mirror each other in unexpected ways. Anderson filmed her series at her $5million Vancouver Island property.
Markle, 43, opted to rent a home near the $14.5 million Montecito mansion she shares with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Both women emphasise their love of cooking and learning, with the Last Show Girl actress using local honey in her recipes and the Duchess tending beehives.
Markle has hit back at critics by celebrating the show’s early success. The mother-of-two took to Instagram to thank fans after With Love, Meghan reached Netflix’s Top 10 list in just 24 hours.
“For more recipes, fun and reasons to ‘Mmmm’, check out the show – which in just 24 hours is already in the Top 10! Thank you to all of you around the world who are tuning in!” she wrote, accompanied by a heart emoji and a clip from the series.
The show currently ranks at number six in both the UK and US Netflix charts. However, its streaming success contrasts sharply with its critical reception.
With Love, Meghan has received a dismal IMDb score of just 2.4 out of 10 since its release.
UK publications have been particularly scathing, with The Independent and The Guardian both awarding the Archewell Productions programme just one out of five stars.
Markle’s show marks her first solo project on Netflix since signing a five-year deal with the streaming giant in 2020.
