Meghan Markle vs. Anderson: Copycat claims sparks debate

27 Views

In the world of celebrity lifestyle shows, a heated debate has erupted between fans of Meghan Markle and Pamela Anderson.

The Duchess of Sussex is set to launch her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, on 4 March, while Anderson’s Pamela’s Cooking With Love premiered on 24 February.

MEGHAN MARKLE AND PAMELA ANDERSON’S SHOW

The controversy centres around striking similarities between the two shows. This left many wondering if Markle has borrowed too heavily from Anderson’s concept.

Both shows feature the hosts exploring their gardens, cooking with guests, and sharing heartfelt moments, according to Newsweek.

The trailers are almost identical in style, with both women expressing a desire to “elevate” their culinary creations.

Pamela Anderson says, “I just always have wanted to take things to another level.” Markle, on the other hand, declares, “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.”

FANS WEIGH IN ON THE SIMILARITIES

The titles themselves, With Love, Meghan and Pamela’s Cooking With Love, have also raised eyebrows.

Fans are not holding back. “If you watch the trailer for Pamela’s new show, it’s a more authentic version of what Meghan Markle was trying to achieve. It looks as though Meghan has copied everything!”

Another fan noted, “The entire concept is strikingly similar.” However, others argue that lifestyle cooking shows are common and naturally share similarities.

Despite the similarities, the shows have distinct focuses, according to Marca.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO SHOWS

Markle’s series is more about lifestyle and hosting, featuring guests like Mindy Kaling and Prince Harry.

In contrast, Anderson’s show focuses on plant-based living and cooking, with eight celebrity chefs joining her in Vancouver, according to Page Six.

Pamela Anderson explained, “Creating elegant and inviting spaces that inspire a compassionate, calm and healthy environment has always been important to me.”

MEGHAN MARKLE FANS RESPOND

Markle faced immediate backlash on social media, with some accusing her of copying Anderson’s concept.

The controversy led to Markle deleting a behind-the-scenes clip from Instagram, which was later reposted on X (formerly Twitter).

The clip featured Prince Harry and their late beagle, Guy, but it only added fuel to the fire.

Some fans defend Meghan Markle, pointing out that the production schedules likely overlapped, making the similarities coincidental rather than intentional.

COOKING SHOWS

Netflix originally set Meghan Markle’s show for a January release but postponed it due to the California wildfires. Anderson released her trailer in October 2024, nearly three months before Markle’s.

For South African audiences, the debate highlights the competitive nature of lifestyle programming.

With numerous cooking shows available, the market is saturated, and originality is key. As one fan noted, “They are cooking shows – what do you want?”

However, the similarity in titles and concepts has raised questions about creativity and inspiration in the industry.

WITH LOVE, MEGHAN

As With Love, Meghan prepares to hit Netflix, the controversy surrounding its similarities to Pamela’s Cooking With Love continues to simmer.

While some see it as a case of copying, others view it as a coincidence born from overlapping production timelines.

Regardless, the debate has certainly generated buzz around both shows, ensuring they remain in the spotlight.

THE DEBATE RAGES ON

As Markle says in her trailer, “Love is in the details,” but for fans, originality is also a crucial detail.

For now, fans will have to decide for themselves whether With Love, Meghan offers something unique or if it’s too similar to Pamela’s Cooking With Love.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the world of celebrity lifestyle shows just got a lot more interesting.