Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated Netflix series With Love, Meghan has been postponed due to the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles. The eight-part series, which was originally slated to premiere on January 15, was set to showcase the Duchess of Sussex sharing cooking and gardening tips with celebrity guests. However, the ongoing crisis in California has forced Netflix to reconsider the release schedule.
The wildfires, which have already claimed 16 lives and scorched nearly 14,000 acres, have left many parts of Los Angeles in a state of destruction. President Joe Biden described the situation as “like a war zone,” as authorities continue to battle the blazes and provide aid to those affected.
UK brand and culture expert Nick Ede weighed in on the situation, explaining that the release of a show so deeply tied to California’s lifestyle, including its Los Angeles and Montecito settings, may come across as insensitive given the current climate. “With the show being so centered on California life, Los Angeles and Montecito, I suspect it will be pulled from its current schedule and delayed for at least a few months,” Ede told the Mail.
He further noted that postponing the show would be a “positive move” for both Meghan and Netflix, as airing the series amidst the crisis could be perceived as tone-deaf.
The delay, however, is not the only way Meghan and Prince Harry are showing their support during this challenging time. The couple, who reside in a £23 million mansion in Montecito, have opened their doors to friends and family members who were forced to evacuate due to the wildfires. In addition to providing shelter, Meghan and Harry have been actively assisting victims by serving meals and engaging with those affected by the disaster, including families and elderly individuals.
As the wildfires continue to cause devastation, the delay of With Love, Meghan reflects both the seriousness of the crisis and the couple’s commitment to being sensitive to the ongoing tragedy in their home state. The rescheduled premiere date of the show has not yet been confirmed.