According to an insider in Hollywood who spoke to The Daily Beast, filming for the show went smoothly and is now in post-production. The series is expected to showcase Markle's skills in cooking, gardening, entertaining, and fostering friendships, reflecting her diverse interests and passions.
This new venture follows the earlier launch of her luxury lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which debuted with a website and promotional video earlier this year. PR consultant Mark Bowski expressed cautious optimism about Markle's latest endeavor, noting the challenges but also highlighting the advantages of her association with the powerful Hollywood talent agency WME.
"I expect that it won't be a car crash," Bowski commented to The Daily Beast. "There's too much riding on it, and she's being represented by the most powerful talent agency in the world, who will have assembled the right team around her."
Bowski emphasized that Markle's success hinges on her ability to embrace this new role and connect authentically with her audience. "If she's listened and learned and is comfortable in this new role as a sort of Martha Stewart meets Oprah, this could be a relaunch to something new and interesting," he added.
Markle's efforts to rebrand herself as a lifestyle guru come as no surprise. Earlier reports in March indicated she was filming a cooking show, coinciding with the launch of American Riviera Orchard. The brand's products, including a line of jams, are expected to be featured on the show, integrating her entrepreneurial pursuits with her new media presence.
The broader strategy, as detailed on the Sussexes' official website, aims to celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. This aligns with Markle's goal of presenting herself as a relatable yet aspirational figure in the lifestyle space.
Under their multi-year deal with Netflix signed in 2020, Markle and Prince Harry will produce a variety of content, with this cooking and lifestyle show serving as a key component. While an official release date has not been announced, the show is eagerly anticipated by both fans and critics alike.
Despite optimism from industry insiders like Bowski, not everyone is convinced of Markle's potential for success in this new venture. Critics have pointed out previous rebranding attempts and questioned the authenticity of her latest endeavors. Some have labeled it as derivative, drawing comparisons to other successful brands in the lifestyle sphere.
Criticism has also focused on Markle's approach, including filming at a rental house rather than her own home, which some argue may affect her credibility in presenting an authentic lifestyle.
As Markle continues to navigate her new role and launch her show, the public and industry will undoubtedly watch closely to see how she manages this latest chapter in her evolving public persona.
