Meghan Markle's new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, is already a ratings winner on social media, far outstripping both of Prince Harry's solo projects.
The Duchess of Sussex dropped the trailer for her lifestyle series last week and since then millions have watched her cooking for celebrity friends including Mindy Kaling and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.
Over four days on YouTube, the video footage was viewed 1.1 million times, got 14k likes and sparked 38.6k comments, though many were negative.
This compares to 195k views and 1.4k likes for Prince Harry's Polo trailer, released in November, and 214k views and 3.1k likes for the trailer for 2023 show Heart of Invictus.
Only the trailer for the couple's original Netflix biopic, Harry & Meghan, did better, getting 3.4 million views, though it has also been online longer.
With Love, Meghan got more plays than many other recent trailer drops by Netflix on YouTube though it was also beaten by The Night Agent Season 2, which got 1.5 million views in 12 days.
On X, With Love got 47 million views and 65k likes, compared to 684k views for the Polo trailer and 1 million for Heart of Invictus.
Why It Matters
The Sussexes could do with a ratings hit since the three Netflix projects that followed Harry & Meghan did not draw big audiences.
It is too early to fully judge the critical reception Meghan's show will receive after it drops on January 15, but early indications suggest she has at least got people talking.
There has already been high profile criticism of the show, as with much of what Harry and Meghan do, but they do say that all publicity is good publicity.
What to Know
Meghan's series is intended to offer a new take on lifestyle programming, offering a glimpse into her celebrity friendships as well as a chance to get excited about food.
The trailer shows her laughing with the likes of Kaling and Spencer, but also less well known close friends, like Daniel Martin, her wedding day make up artist.
Polo, which dropped in December, only briefly featured Harry and Meghan in its final episode and opening montage, while the rest of the show sought to shine a spotlight on the elite sport.
The series was criticized across the political divide for failing to make the sport relatable.
Heart of Invictus followed competitors at Prince Harry's Invictus Games tournament for wounded veterans and was critically well received, but did not make the Netflix top 10.
What People Are Saying
With Love, Meghan definitely sparked a conversation after its 38.6k comments on YouTube, but many were scathing of the content itself.
Meghan will likely have expected this as it is a common feature of everything the Sussexes do, though they might take note of a specific recurring point about location.
The trailer has the feel of an invitation into Meghan's own kitchen, but was in fact filmed in a rented mansion.
One comment liked 4.9k times read: "I just love the authenticity of a bunch of rich women, in super expensive jewelry and full glam, supporting their diamond and cartier wearing friend in designer clothes - making frittata and sponge cake in a house that's not even hers. It all just seems so aspirational. đ"
Another, liked 2.3k times, read: "Due to the sight of MM & sound of her voice turning my stomach, I won't torture myself listening to or watching the trailer or show.
"However, the comments are pure gold, elevated with pure comedy and a heavy scoop of honesty. Thank you Netflix for leaving the comments open."
What Happens Next
The show drops on Wednesday, January 15, on Netflix when fans will get their first chance to see episodes in full and no doubt many of her regular haters will also be watching.
There will likely be significant coverage in the media, including the British press, but also international outlets and it is probable that big name commentators will want to weigh in with their own reviews.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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