Sandra Lee has defended Meghan Markle‘s Netflix show “With Love, Meghan,” praising its production amid criticism.

The series launched on March 4 as part of the Sussexes’ $100 million Netflix deal, showcasing the Duchess’s cooking and gardening skills.

Despite mixed reviews and lower viewership than their 2022 docuseries, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos backed Meghan Markle’s influence, with the new show being renewed for a second season.

Lee, the ex-partner of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, recently expressed her support for Meghan’s Netflix cooking and lifestyle show, “With Love, Meghan,” expressing surprise at its criticism.

Speaking with US Weekly at the 2025 MUSE Awards hosted by New York Women in Film and Television, the renowned chef defended the series.

“I was actually surprised about the backlash to the show. It didn’t seem fair,” Lee said. “[I’ve been] in the lifestyle space for years. We have mixed relatable and unrepeatable elements [too].”

The “Sandra’s Restaurant Remakes” host praised Meghan’s series for its high-quality production, calling it “beautifully filmed” and “very well done.”

Lee also pointed out a baking tip the Duchess used in the show, repurposing a plastic bag as a piping bag, something she herself has done in the past.

“I’m happy for her. Her crew is doing a great job,” Lee noted. Offering words of encouragement, she wished Meghan luck with the show’s second season, saying, “Keep on going, and inspire people to make beautiful things.”

Meghan debuted “With Love, Meghan” on March 4 as part of her and Prince Harry’s $100 million partnership with Netflix.

The eight-episode series showcases the Duchess’ passion for cooking and gardening, featuring celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling and “Suits” alum Abigail Spencer.

However, despite its star-studded lineup, the show received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it “pointless” and” “boring.”

According to data from Samba TV, With Love, Meghan” attracted 526,000 U.S. households in its first five days, far below the 2.1 million who tuned in for Part 1 of the Sussexes’ 2022 Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan.”

Beyond her show, Meghan is expanding her brand with As Ever, a new lifestyle venture. Her first product, a signature raspberry jam, is already part of Netflix’s investment in her business.

In an interview with Variety, Ted Sarandos discussed the company’s evolving strategy and partnership with Harry and Meghan, emphasizing their continued value to the streaming giant.

He also acknowledged the couple’s broader influence, suggesting their impact extends beyond viewership metrics.

“Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture,” Sarandos said. “When we dropped the trailer for the ‘Harry & Meghan’ doc series [in 2022], everything on-screen was dissected in the press for days. The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermès blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world.”

Reflecting on the intense public interest surrounding Meghan, Sarandos noted that “people are fascinated with Meghan Markle.” He added, “She and Harry are overly dismissed.”

Beyond their content collaborations, Netflix is also stepping into the e-commerce space through its involvement in Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Launching in the U.S. this spring, the brand will offer teas, jams, and other curated products. Sarandos described Netflix’s role as a “passive partner,” calling it a strategic “discovery model” for the company.

On March 27, Meghan took to Instagram to share a previously unseen clip from “With Love, Meghan” season one.

“Daydreaming about the rosé cupcakes and other never before seen moments from Season 1 of ‘With Love, Meghan’ on @netflix. We couldn’t fit it all in, but my goodness, did we have fun trying!” she captioned. “Thanks again to the crew, miss you guys!”

The clip featured Meghan carefully slicing a piping bag, swirling pink frosting onto yellow cupcakes, all set to calming music, highlighting her love for ASMR.

The mom of two previously shared a similar video on social media, writing, “Oh, how I love ASMR!” alongside shots of her pouring, mixing, frying bacon, and chopping ingredients.

Teasing what’s next, she added, “If you’re loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2! Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life!”

During a chat with People Magazine, Meghan shared her excitement about reconnecting with her passions on a larger scale.

“When your children get to a certain age — when you’re not just playing in the sandbox with them but almost playing in your own sandbox again — it’s super joyful,” she said. “As a woman, a mom, and a wife, to be able to find yourself again — in a way that was always present but that you maybe couldn’t put as much attention on as you now can when your kids are a little bit older — is a wonderful feeling.”

Meghan also recalled her children Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, making special visits to set. “Archie did the [filming clapboard]! Sweet moments,” the proud mom said.

She added: “They would also come with my husband and visit me on-set, and I loved that my children were able to watch me working and see the balance of that and understand what Mama does and is working to create and share. It was really special because up until then, they hadn’t seen me at work.”