Meghan Markle has been compared to a ‘new Martha Stewart’ as fans on social media reacted to the trailer for her new Netflix cooking show.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, launched her ‘domestic goddess’ series, With Love, Meghan, on Instagram today and the promo has since caused a stir online.
It shows the Duchess cooking in a Montecito kitchen, picking produce from her garden and chatting with very famous friends, including Mindy Kaling.
However, many have now drawn similarities between Meghan and Ms Stewart, 83, with some claiming the Duchess ‘scammed’ the homemaking expert.
Ms Stewart, who was jailed for five months for fraud, is seen as the “original influencer”, known for her impeccable taste in cooking, gardening and home decor.
She rose to fame after launching her books on cooking, entertaining and decorating before getting her own TV show.
One person posted on X: “Life for Meghan Markle is fully entering her Martha Stewart era.”
Another added: ‘This looks like Meghan is living her best Pinterest life. Made to feel like Martha Stewart or a Goop commercial, but entry-level, do it yourself.”
The Duchess of Sussex has officially teased her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, on her new Instagram account
Meghan Markle is being compared to a ‘new Martha Stewart’ (pictured) as fans on social media reacted to the trailer for her new Netflix cooking show
Meghan emphasizes that the series is not about achieving ‘perfection’, but about finding ‘joy’ in the little things in life
Referring to the decision to use The Lovin’ Spoonful’s song Do You Believe in Magic in the trailer, a third person wrote: “Perfect song choice to set up Meghan as millennial Martha Stewart, I must say.”
A fourth said: ‘I have no problem with Meghan Markle but this is very Martha Stewart-esque.
“I respect both their preferences, but this content has never been my performance.”
However, some were more critical in making the comparison.
One person wrote: ‘Meghan Markle thinks she’s Martha Stewart. Far from matching the icon Martha Stewart.
A second added: “Meghan is copying again – Martha Stewart did all this 30 years ago!”
A third joked: “Did Meghan completely rip off Martha Stewart??”
The comparisons between Meghan and Ms Stewart come after the homemaking expert recently gave people a glimpse into her personal life with her own Netflix documentary.
She reflected on her time behind bars in 2004, after she was found guilty of conspiring to obstruct federal investigators and making false statements in connection with an insider trading case.
Ms Stewart also revealed in the documentary released in October that she cheated on ex-husband Andrew Stewart.
The couple were married from 1961 to 1990 and shared daughter Alexis Stewart, whom they welcomed in 1965.
Meanwhile, Meghan’s highly anticipated show, which was first teased last March, will kick off on January 15.
Meghan posted the trailer to her Instagram account and wrote, “I’m so excited to share this with you guys! I hope you love the show as much as I love making it.”
Meghan says in the trailer: “I’ve always loved taking something very ordinary and taking it to the next level, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking about them.
“I’m going to share some little tips and tricks and how to apply these practices every day.
“This is about connecting with friends… We don’t strive for perfection, we strive for joy.”
Martha Stewart pictured in her show Holiday Entertaining in 1986
The Duchess, 43, calls the series ‘amazing in every moment’ as she shares her tips and tricks on living well
Matt Lauer and Martha Stewart appear on NBC News’ “Today” show
In one scene, Meghan walks through her garden picking fresh fruit while wearing jeans
The Duchess is known to have many star-studded friends; one of them is The Office writer Mindy Kaling.
Kaling, who is presented with a piece of Victoria Sponge cake, appears in a clip in the trailer: “What! This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life.”
Elsewhere, Meghan talks 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, where they share candid conversations and top tips.
In addition to Mindy – who previously appeared on the Duchess’s Archetypes podcast – Prince Harry and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters also appear.
Meghan also welcomed some of her closest friends, from Suits co-star Abigail Spencer to her “sister” and “fellow polo woman,” Delfina Blaquier, wife of the Duke of Sussex’s friend Nacho Figueras.
Professional polo player Nacho was the first of the Figueras family to star in a Netflix series from the Sussexes, after starring in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan and the Duke’s Polo show.
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’s new programme.
The Duchess invites guests into her kitchen, where she teaches and shares tips on how to take simple dishes ‘to the next level’
A sweet video shows Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sharing a sweet moment as they both enjoy a drink
Meghan, 43, is pictured in her Montecito kitchen cooking during the trailer for the series, which drops on Netflix on January 15
Daniel is said to have known Meghan for more than a decade, having met her while the former actress was working on Suits.
The pair then kept in touch and while working on her former blog The Tig, Meghan asked Daniel to lend her a helping hand.
He has stayed in touch with the Duchess throughout her life in the royal family and was by Meghan’s side on her wedding day as he perfected her make-up.
The series also features famed literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Harry and Meghan’s multimillionaire neighbor Vicky Tsai, who sold her beauty brand Tatcha to Unilever in 2019 for a reported $500 million.
They are joined on the show by Tracy Robbins. Ms 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 on the guest list for the series.