Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, has recently addressed the future of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, after it received mixed reviews. Since its launch earlier this month, the show has faced harsh criticism and has struggled to attract viewers, drawing only 526,000 households in its first days compared to 2.1 million for Markle’s earlier documentary series.
Despite these setbacks, Netflix remains committed to the project. Sarandos believes that many undervalue Markle’s impact on culture. He noted that her influence extends beyond television; for example, products featured in her previous work have sold out internationally. With this in mind, Netflix is also a passive partner in her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which sells various products like jams and teas.
Markle’s show may not have taken off as expected, but Sarandos emphasizes her potential. He pointed out that the buzz around her soon translates into high demand for the merchandise she promotes. This connection between her public persona and commercial success is a strategy that Netflix is keen to explore.
Experts in media and consumer behavior have observed similar trends. According to a recent report, 60% of viewers say they often try products endorsed by celebrities, indicating that public figures can significantly influence purchasing decisions (source: Nielsen). This phenomenon explains Netflix’s investment in Markle’s brand.
Interestingly, the demographic that tuned into With Love, Meghan was primarily aged 45 to 54. This insight may guide future content creation to better connect with viewers in that age group.
Despite the rocky start, the show has been renewed for a second season, with Markle announcing the news on her Instagram. However, some insiders remain skeptical about her overall deal with Netflix, noting that it appears the second season was always planned alongside the first. There are concerns within Netflix about how to move forward, especially given the mixed reviews and significant investment in Markle’s brand.
While With Love, Meghan navigates its way into a second season, it will be interesting to see if the response improves. The intertwining of Markle’s lifestyle business and her content is a notable case study in celebrity influence and its impact on brand partnerships in the evolving media landscape.
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