AceShowbiz - Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has doubled down on the streaming giant's partnership with Meghan Markle, despite mixed reviews and underwhelming viewer numbers for her latest series, "With Love, Meghan".

Speaking to Variety, Sarandos shared his confidence in Markle's influence on culture, emphasizing her underestimated impact and hinting at a deeper investment strategy.

Released earlier this month, "With Love, Meghan" offered a lifestyle and cooking perspective from the Duchess of Sussex but faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and audience alike.

The show pulled in 526,000 U.S. households within its first five days of release - a stark contrast to the 2.1 million households garnered by the 2022 docuseries "Harry & Meghan" over the same period.

Despite this lukewarm reception, Netflix has renewed "With Love, Meghan" for a second season. Sarandos explained, "I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture."

Echoing these sentiments, a source close to the production confirmed that Netflix "clearly has their back," reflecting the company's confidence in the couple's brand.

Beyond the show, Netflix is also taking a strategic approach by investing in Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. As a passive partner, the company is using this collaboration as a "big discovery model," noted Sarandos.

As Ever is set to sell curated home essentials, developed over the past year with Markle's personal touch, in two of Netflix's new physical stores located at Philadelphia's King of Prussia Mall and the Dallas Galleria.

While the audience reception to "With Love, Meghan" has been polarizing, Netflix's commitment to the partnership shows their belief in the long-term potential of Meghan's influence.

Sarandos highlighted the Duchess's role in driving trends, mentioning, "When we dropped the trailer for the 'Harry & Meghan' doc series, everything on-screen was dissected in the press for days."

The streaming mogul suggested the online noise, dominated by backlash against the Duchess, was stark different from what happened in real life.

"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. People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed," he said.

As Netflix navigates the mixed feedback and continues its investment in Markle's ventures, it will be intriguing to see how the strategy evolves and whether the partnership will ultimately flourish or face further challenges.