Fears grow for Meghan Markle amid 'steady popularity decline' despite Netflix renewal

Meghan Markle is believed to have secured a new Netflix deal, but one PR expert has warned she might struggle for viewers.

The Duchess of Sussex released her latest offering on the streaming giant earlier this year. With Love, Meghan premiered in March but received mixed reviews.

The show barely made it into Netflix's global top 10 and some critics branded the program "inauthentic." Despite this, it's been renewed for a second season but PR expert Ryan McCormick told The Express US it could be a flop.

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"The majority of public sentiment towards Markle's new series has not been positive," he explained.

McCormick continued, "If this was an election, the Duchess would likely be voted out of a renewal."

However, the expert pointed out that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is reportedly "a big fan of Meghan," adding, "He's the only person she has to win over.

"As long as Sarandos thinks that Markle's persona and show provide value to Netflix, the relationship will continue."

McCormick did have a warning for the Duchess of Sussex as he said, "From a wider PR perspective, I think the Duchess peaked in her popularity and influence years ago and has been on a steady decline.

"A core audience for Meghan does exist but, I do not personally foresee her capturing the hearts and minds of new individuals or substantially growing her fan base."

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McCormick's comments come after a source claimed to MailOnline, "What people do not understand about the situation is that [Netflix CEO] Ted Sarandos is a massive, massive fan of Meghan personally. He calls her "the rock star". There is no way that her deal does not get renewed. Ted is in the Meghan business and that is not about to change. He is all in."

Sources suggest that the upcoming contract offer for Meghan will be significantly less lucrative than their existing deal, focusing solely on her and without a hefty initial payment. The Express US has approached Meghan's representative for comment.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, usually avoids discussing Meghan in interviews. However, in March he told Variety, "I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture. When we dropped the trailer for the Harry and Meghan doc series, everything on-screen was dissected in the Press for days.

"The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermes blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world. People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed."