Meghan Markle Delays Release of Netflix Show as Fires Race Through LA

Amid the fires in Los Angeles County, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle announced the delay of her upcoming Netflix show “With Love, Meghan.” The news came just three days before the show’s original release date of January 15.

Netflix issued a statement January 12 detailing Markle’s request to postpone the show and a new release date. 

“At the request of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and with the full support of Netflix, the release of the show — a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California — has been moved from its previously announced January premiere date to March 4, due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,” Netflix shared. 

According to recent reports by The Washington Post, the death toll from the fires reached 24 as of January 13, and the fires have burned over 40,000 acres, forcing nearly 150,000 residents to evacuate.

Markle and Prince Harry visited LA on January 10 to assist residents affected.

“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Markle said in the statement from Netflix. 

In a January 13 exclusive by People, an industry insider discussed Markle’s decision to postpone the show’s release. 

“Delaying the release of ‘With Love, Meghan’ was likely an easy decision for her. I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in,” the source told People.  

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Fans Have Mixed Feelings on ‘With Love, Meghan’ Delay

News of the show’s delay has been met with varying feedback from fans. 

“Very thoughtful to keep the focus on fires in her home state of California,” one Threads user shared.

“I was waiting for this but I can wait a bit more, I support her decision,” wrote another Threads user. 

While many supported Markle, others criticized the decision.

“She probably pulled the show because of all the negative comments about the Netflix trailer,” one person commented on X. 

“Please. She hopes for higher ratings in March. So, yes, it was an easy call,” another X user  wrote. 

According to the People exclusive, one industry insider said, “I think it’s sad that critics are saying she’s only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. We’re all human, and we’re dealing with a catastrophe.”

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Meghan Markle’s  Show Highlights ‘How Easy It Can Be to Create Beauty’

The upcoming 8-episode series was filmed in Montecito, California, where Markle and Prince Harry have lived since 2020. It pays homage to the beauty of the West Coast area, according to Netflix. 

“Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create 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,” according to Netflix.

“I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it,” Markle says in the show’s trailer.