Meghan Markle launches new lifestyle show on Netflix after Instagram relaunch

Following a cryptic social media post on New Year's Day, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has announced her appearance in a new Netflix show. The streaming giant released a trailer for "With Love, Meghan" early Friday, showcasing the former royal cooking, gardening, beekeeping, and flower arranging with celebrity guests.

A brief description of the show, set to air on January 15th, was posted on the Netflix website, listing Meghan Markle as a producer. "The series reimagines the lifestyle genre, blending practical how-to's with candid conversations with new and old friends," the description reads. "Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embraces playfulness over perfection, and highlights the joy in creating beauty even in the unexpected."

"She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same." Guests include actress and comedian Mindy Kaling, chef Roy Choi, and Alice Waters. The trailer also features the royal couple sharing kisses and mimosas. The trailer's release was preceded by a social media post by the Duchess of Sussex, her first in years.

Under the Instagram handle @Meghan, the Duchess is seen running on a beach, before using her finger to draw 2025 in the sand. The account quickly gained over 1 million followers. The former royal then posted a message on Friday morning containing the trailer for the show. "I’ve been so excited to share this with you!" she wrote in the caption. "I hope you love it as much as I’ve loved making it. Happy New Year! Thank you to our amazing crew and the Netflix team, so grateful for your support and fun!"

Meghan Markle has had a minimal social media presence since 2020. In 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan created their own social media accounts and website, branded as "Sussex Royal," with the "Sussex" portion derived from their Duke and Duchess titles. However, the Sussex Royal Instagram account did not remain active for long as Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020. Last March, Meghan posted a new page on Instagram hinting at her new brand "American Riviera Orchard." At the time, this seemed to signal a move towards more lifestyle content, but there have been no posts since March 15, 2024.

Neither the Instagram page nor the linked website provided much information about the brand. However, the US Trademark Office revealed some more details. According to the application at the time, the brand hoped to sell cookbooks, kitchenware (including silverware and kitchen linens), and various jams and fruit preserves. The trademark was filed under a company called "Mama Knows Best," which the Associated Press reported was registered in Delaware in January. Since leaving royal life, Prince Harry and Meghan have founded a production company and a charitable foundation, and have pursued various ventures, including another Netflix show about their relationship, called "Harry & Meghan."

In April, the couple’s media company Archewell said two new shows were in production, one celebrating “the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining and friendship” (now known to be “With Love, Meghan”), and another exploring the world of professional polo, which aired in December. That documentary, called "Polo," was panned by critics, with The Telegraph describing it as a "tedious indulgence about rich people's pursuits."