- The Duchess of Sussex's With Love, Meghan, premieres on 15 January
- READ MORE: Meghan mixes high street and high end in trailer for Netflix series
When the Duchess of Sussex released the trailer for her new Netflix series, she cemented the latest status symbol among celebrities.
It's not just a sprawling LA estate or a perfectly curated wardrobe but a venture into the domestic sphere with a cooking show.
While the move might be considered surprising from a royal, cooking shows have become a common path for celebrities, regardless of their experience in the industry.
In a generation where society is fascinated with what others are eating, made apparent by the abundance of TikTok and Instagram pages dedicated to recipes, it's typically a fruitful pursuit.
As such, Meghan isn't the first to bank on recipes to win over viewers, with Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, and Chrissy Teigen paving the way for With Love, Meghan.
However, PR expert and Founder of No Strings Public Relations Riley Gardiner explained that cooking shows are 'no longer about the food, it's just about the image'.
According to Riley, cooking shows help celebrities seem 'relatable and down to earth' without them having to actually be either.
In the trailer, Meghan, 43, hosts celebrity chefs and friends, including Mindy Kaling, as she prepares a range of perfectly presented dishes to The Lovin' Spoonful's Do You Believe in Magic.
The mother-of-two said she was 'so excited' to share the long-awaited lifestyle series with her Instagram followers before officially launching on January 15.
The Duchess of Sussex is the latest A-Lister to gain what's becoming a celebrity status symbol - a cooking show
Speaking to Femail, Riley said: 'Cooking shows have become just another platform for celebrities to flex their brand. It's no longer about the food; it's about the image.
'Chrissy Teigen, Selena Gomez, and now Meghan Markle – none of them are exactly suffering from a lack of attention or career opportunities. Yet, they've all jumped into the culinary world.
'The attraction is simple: cooking shows offer an easy way to look relatable and down-to-earth without really being either.
'You get to present this illusion of normality while still managing to be glamorous. Celebrities know this.
'They've realised the kitchen is an accessible stage that requires zero acting chops, yet it provides a great backdrop for personal branding.
'There's an instant way to connect with fans while showing off your perfect, curated life – and if you can pull off a killer recipe in front of a camera, all the better.'
Riley added: 'These shows aren't being watched for culinary expertise.
'People tune in because they want to see celebrities do something normal and perhaps catch a glimpse of the more authentic side of their carefully constructed persona – fat chance.
In 2020, Selena Gomez launched HBO Max series 'Selena + Chef, which sees her trying out new recipes
Together with chef David Chang, Chrissy hosts a five-episode dinner party talk show - Chrissy & Dave Dine Out
Last year, Hailey Bieber (pictured) launched a cooking series on YouTube, called What's in my Kitchen?
'Cooking shows have essentially become an easy way for celebrities to boost their visibility and influence, all under the guise of homey domesticity. It's just another way to capitalise on the bloated celebrity culture we're so hungry for.'
Like Meghan, pop star cum amateur chef Selena Gomez gave fans a sneak peek into her kitchen and home in 2020 when she shared a teaser trailer for her HBO Max cooking show, Selena + Chef.
The then-28-year-old posted the clip to her social media, which showed her trying new recipes as she learned to cook in quarantine.
Speculation mounted as fans wondered whether the show was filmed inside her new home in Encino, California, once owned by singer Tom Petty, which Selena snapped up for $4.9 million (£3.9 million).
'Alright, what are you going to teach me to cook?' Selena asked Ludo in the trailer before revealing that her dish had caught fire.
Like many during the pandemic, Selena found more time at home than ever, and struggled to know what to cook, inspiring the show's premise.
While Meghan's show includes her A-List pals, the-10-episode unscripted series, executive produced by the singer and The Intellectual Property Corporation, also features world-renowned chefs, including Antonia Lofaso, and Candice Kumai.
The Duchess of Sussex worked with the producer of Gomez's cookery show, perhaps causing similarities.
One of Meghan's producers made Selena Gomez' cookery show. Both women have trailers where they accidentally squirt citrus in their own faces
The showrunner on Meghan's new lifestyle show also worked on Selena Gomez's Selena + Chef
For instance, Meghan laughs while accidentally squeezing citrus juice in her face in her new trailer, echoing Ms Gomez' in the fourth season of Selena + Chef, where she did exactly the same in a comical moment also used in her trailer.
Meghan's executive producer, other than herself, is Leah Hariton, who previously made four series of Selena + Chef for HBO.
Elsewhere, Hailey Bieber launched her YouTube cooking series last year, titled What's in my Kitchen?
The Rhode founder, 28, kickstarted the six-episode series by sharing a chicken wing recipe.
In a press release shared by The Hollywood Reporter, the supermodel explained that the show is a 'natural spin-off' from her other YouTube series, Who's In My Bathroom?, where she also ate treats with celebrity guests.
'I've loved cooking and sharing meals with friends on my social channels for years, and I can't wait to bring this experience to the fans of our network with OBB and HexClad,' the businesswoman said.
Hailey, who wed Justin Bieber in 2018, collaborated with OBB Media to create the new series, with HexClad sponsoring the project.
'Creating new formats and IP for my channel has been really empowering, as my team and I get to truly create everything from concept to screen, and I can't wait for everybody to see what's next,' Hailey said.
Cayley and Brandon Jenner (pictured) have also hopped on the trend, with At Home With the Jenners
Brandon (pictured) said that the show, which will broadcast in US in spring, will highlight the couple's priority of sustainable living
The series also prioritised giving back to the community by using ingredients supplied by the women-run Village Marketplace from the non-profit organisation Community Services Unlimited.
Soon after, Chrissy Teigen announced her venture, Chrissy & Dave Dine Out, following on from her lifestyle brand, which originated with her 2016 cookbook Cravings.
Alongside chef David Chang, Chrissy hosts the five-episode dinner party talk show, where they showcase delicious food at dinner parties around LA alongside celebrity guests.
Meanwhile, Cayley and Brandon Jenner recently unveiled their plant-based cooking series, At Home With the Jenners, with a PBS broadcast scheduled in the US for spring 2025.
The series aims to offer a glimpse into the couple's lifestyle, including moments from Cayley's pregnancy journey and their farm-to-table approach to cooking.
Brandon Jenner said: 'This show represents everything we believe in - sustainable living, family togetherness, and showing people how delicious and approachable plant-based cooking can be'.
'As our family grows and evolves, we're excited to share these moments and meals with our viewers.'
Future viewers of Meghan's show are no doubt similarly hoping for a sneak peak into her family life.
One of the Duchess's first guests is long time friend (and recipient of American Riviera Orchard jam) Mindy Kaling
Mindy joked about the glamour of being in Meghan's kitchen as she makes a cameo in the trailer
While there's little to go off at the moment, Meghan posted the trailer on her Instagram account, writing: 'I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it.
'Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun!'
She signed off: 'As ever, Meghan.'
Describing the series in an official synopsis, Netflix says: 'In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, garden — and even at the beehive — as she prepares to host friends both old and new.
'Sharing some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting, and more, Meghan reveals how even the most minute details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, help bring people together.
'Whether it's preparing take-home gifts for guests or adding a sprinkle of edible flowers to breakfast, it's truly the thought that counts.'
Speaking in the trailer, Meghan said: 'I've always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.
'I'm going to share some little tips and tricks and how you incorporate these practices every day.
The Duchess, 43, bills the series as creating 'wonder in every moment' as she shares her tips and tricks on living well
'This is about connecting with friends… We're not in the pursuit of perfection we're in the pursuit of joy.'
The Duchess is known to have many star-studded friends; one of whom is The Office writer Mindy Kaling.
Appearing in a snippet in the trailer, Kaling, who is being served up a piece of Victoria Sponge cake, says: 'What! This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life.'
Elsewhere, Meghan speaks about 'making new friends' and learning new skills - such as beekeeping.
In each episode, Meghan invites friends old and new to roll up their sleeves and join her in the kitchen or garden as they share candid conversations and top tips.
As well as Mindy - who previously appeared on the Duchess's podcast Archetypes - Prince Harry and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters also make appearances.
Meghan also welcomes some of her closest friends, from Suits co-star Abigail Spencer to her 'sister' and 'fellow polo wife', Delfina Blaquier, wife to the Duke of Sussex's pal Nacho Figueras.
Professional polo player Nacho was the first of the Figueras family to feature in a Netflix series from the Sussexes, after starring in Netflix's Harry & Meghan, as well as the Duke's Polo show.
The Duchess invites several guests into her Montecito kitchen, including chef Roy Choi, who jokes he and Meghan are 'family'
Meghan insisted that the series is not about achieving 'perfection', rather finding 'joy' in the little things in life
Meghan's make-up artist Daniel Martin, who is often described as the mother-of-two's best friend, also featured in the trailer for the Duchess' new programme.
Daniel is believed to have known Meghan for over a decade, having met her while the former actress worked on Suits.
The pair then kept in touch and while working on her former blog The Tig, Meghan asked Daniel to give her a helping hand.
He has remained in contact with the Duchess throughout her life in the royal family and was by Meghan's side on her wedding day, perfecting her make-up.
The series also features celebrated literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Harry and Meghan's multi-millionaire neighbour Vicky Tsai, who sold her beauty brand Tatcha to Unilever in 2019 for a reported $500million.
They're joined on the show by Tracy Robbins. Mrs Robbins and her husband Paramount boss Brian Robbins are friends with the Sussexes and invited them to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica in January.
Meghan's best friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms, is also included on the guestlist for the series.
Kelly and Meghan first met through the Duchess' ex-husband, Trevor Engelson, who is friends with the former model's entertainment lawyer husband.
The Duchess invites guests into her kitchen where she shares tips on how to 'elevate' simple dishes
Meghan promises to share 'tips and tricks' on how to bring a little sparkle to every day life with the series
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have formed a vital part of Kelly and her husband Julian's support network following Kelly's son George's death aged just nine in July 2022 after being found unresponsive in their family home.
Kelly, who co-founded Alliance of Moms, a non-profit that supports pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system, praised Harry and Meghan for being a 'guiding light' following the tragic death of her son.
Meghan's announcement came after the Duchess returned to Instagram with a video of her laughing on the beach near Montecito.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, shared her first clip on the Instagram account, simply under the handle '@meghan'.
Prince Harry was behind the camera of the new video, which sparked a frenzy online, as tens of thousands of people followed it in a matter of minutes.
It has long been rumoured the profile belonged to her after the account was set up back in June, 2022, but remained empty. She then teased fans again in 2023 when she declared she was 'getting back on Instagram'.
Now the mother-of-two has confirmed the profile is hers, by posting a clip walking towards the shoreline at the beach in California, where she lives with Prince Harry, and children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
The move is a huge u-turn for the Duchess, and is understood to be part of a new chapter for the couple and their lives in America, with her and Harry having previously ditched social media after quitting their royal duties.
Meghan's long-time friend and Suits co-star Abigail Spencer (pictured) makes an appearance in the series
Among Meghan's dishes is a multi-layered Victoria sponge cake, garnished with fresh raspberries and cream
Another of Meghan's glamorous pals to make an appearance in the trailer is fellow polo WAG Delfina Blaquier (pictured), who is married to Nacho Figueras
The return to Instagram comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex vowed never to return to social media after claiming to have dealt with an 'almost unsurvivable' amount of abuse.
Meghan originally shut down all of her social media accounts in January 2018, just after getting engaged to Prince Harry.
'Ms Markle is grateful to everyone who has followed her social media accounts over the years, however as she has not used them for some time she has taken the decision to close them,' a Kensington Palace source said at the time.
In 2020, Meghan and Harry stopped posting to their Sussex Royal Instagram and Twitter accounts.
The royal couple have frequently spoken out about the abuse they received online, despite continuing to use online media to promote their 'progressive' new roles in the US - including most-recently via a podcast on Spotify.
But in 2023 it was revealed that Meghan had set up an Instagram account - although it was this month that she first time posted anything on it.