I’ll admit something: I know nothing about Meghan Markle or her Netflix show. I’ve avoided any talk about With Love, Meghan just as I’ve avoided chatter about other things, like Wicked, Taylor Swift’s many concert films, and whatever “Marvel” means. This isn’t really about cultural snobbery—it’s more that I have very specific interests (true crime, LA-based fiction from the ’90s, Bravo franchises) and I’m reluctant to explore new territory if I don’t think it will appeal to me.

But maybe I’m missing out. Maybe I should open my mind and heart to With Love, Meghan, which might not be aimed at audiences like me (renters who’ve never given much thought to baubles beyond acknowledging they exist), but which I could still get something from. With that in mind, I decided to watch With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, a one-off episode where the Duchess of Sussex “shares her favorite holiday traditions, seasonal crafts, and family recipes with friends old and new in this festive special,” to see if I could learn—or even just feel—something.

The episode starts with Markle sharing tips on how to string lights on a Christmas tree. “When I string the lights on a tree, I do it inside so it’s lit from within,” she says, smiling at her towering tree decorated with dried fig slices. Okay! Next, she explains how she makes cloth advent calendars for her kids. Instead of chocolate, she writes notes like, “I love you because you’re so brave.” I don’t have children, but I try to imagine how I would have felt if my mother had done that. Confused, probably—but hey, we can’t knock sustainable alternatives to holiday traditions.

Then Markle prepares cacio e pepe gougères for restaurateur Will Guidara. “Dab that gougère,” she says before sliding them into the oven. Soon Guidara is in the kitchen, and they’re chatting about hosting. “When I think about the great dinner parties I’ve been to over the years, I don’t think about what I ate,” Guidara says as they clink glasses. “I just remember whether or not I left with my heart…” They finish the sentence together, smiling: “Feeling full!” Is this too American for me? I wonder, not for the first time. “The perfect imperfection that comes from human connection,” he adds. “Yes!” Markle exclaims, as if he’s said something incredibly profound. I check the clock: we’re 10 minutes in.

Much of the show continues like this. Making things, talking, making more things, and more talking, until you’re lulled into a semi-hypnotic state. “I actually really like a seasonal wreath; I just think they’re such a nice touch,” Markle says, wrapping green ribbon around some pine needles. Until this moment, I didn’t realize wreaths could be anything but seasonal. Later, I watch as Markle arranges tenderstem broccoli in a perfect circle. “What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?” she asks athlete Naomi Osaka. “Honestly, I think family,” Osaka replies. Again, I find myself settling into a strange, almost opiate-like state. None of this is riveting or stimulating, but it’s not… unpleasant either.

In the final five minutes, Prince Harry—another person I know nothing about except that he’s part of the royal family and famously ginger—makes an appearance. “I smell gumbo,” he says after kissing his wife. “Gumbo is one of my favorites, especially her mom’s.” Markle replies: “I’ll give you a little towel, because he’s going to sweat.” So now I know two extra things about Prince Harry: he enjoys gumbo, and he sweats when he eats it. Now we all know this. Is this something we all needed to know?After watching “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” I have a few thoughts. On one hand, I understand why critics disliked it. Sometimes people get opportunities because of who they are, not what they can actually offer. The show reminds me of being around wealthy people who think making a salad with friends makes them seem “grounded” and “relatable.” On the other hand, there’s something soothing—even enjoyable—about the show’s glossy, shallow charm.

Last year, my colleague Radhika Seth wrote about “ambient TV”—shows that are reliably unchallenging and easy to watch while scrolling on your phone. She mentioned that she doesn’t mind them, and almost prefers them. “With Love, Meghan” fits perfectly into this category, which isn’t a bad thing. Not everything has to be intellectual or enlightening. Sometimes it’s enough to be comforting. And if we can’t watch cozy, mild, pleasantly uneventful TV at Christmas, when can we?

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs based on your perspective as someone new to Meghan Markles story starting with her holiday special

Beginner First Impression Questions

Q Who is Meghan Markle and why is there so much news about her
A Shes an American former actress who married Prince Harry becoming the Duchess of Sussex Their decision to step back from being senior working royals in 2020 and their candid interviews about their experiences created global headlines and ongoing public fascination

Q What exactly is With Love Meghan Holiday Celebration
A Its a holiday special she hosted and helped produce for the streaming service Hulu It features festive recipes crafts and conversations with special guests focusing on themes of community and giving back

Q I just watched the special It seems like a normal cheerful holiday show Why was it a big deal
A For many it was a big deal because it was one of her first major independent projects after leaving the royal family People analyzed everything from her demeanor and style to the guests and messaging seeing it as a statement about her new life and brand outside the monarchy

Q The show feels very warm and communityfocused Is this what shes always been like
A Advocacy and community work have been a consistent part of her public identity both before and during her time as a royal The special aligns with her longstanding interests in philanthropy womens empowerment and grassroots support

Intermediate Digging Deeper Questions

Q Whats the connection between this holiday special and her charity work
A The special highlighted several community organizations and promoted acts of service This mirrors the work of the Archewell Foundation the nonprofit she and Harry founded which focuses on issues like gender equity mental health and supporting communities in need

Q The show had a very specific elegant aesthetic Is that her personal style
A Yes her personal and professional style often blends California casual with sophisticated tailored elegance The specials aestheticclean warm and thoughtfully curatedis considered a reflection of her brand

Q I keep hearing the terms Sussex Squad and Megxit What do they mean
A