Pamela Anderson Dismisses Meghan Markle Cooking Show Rip-Off Claims: “I Didn’t Invent Cooking Shows”

The aroma of simmering sauces and celebrity camaraderie took a spicy turn earlier this year when culinary critics noted striking similarities between two high-profile cooking series. Pamela Anderson’s intimate Pamela’s Cooking With Love debuted mere days before Meghan Markle’s Netflix venture With Love, Meghan, igniting social media debates about originality. Both shows featured A-list stars preparing meals for loved ones against cozy backdrops, prompting accusations that the Duchess of Sussex had plagiarized Anderson’s format.

How Did Pamela Anderson Respond to Meghan Markle Cooking Show Comparisons?

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live! (August 2025), host Andy Cohen directly questioned Anderson about the alleged mimicry: “On a scale of one to ten, how much of a rip-off did you feel With Love, Meghan was of your show?” The Baywatch icon swiftly defused tensions with a mic-drop response: “One. I didn’t really look, but I mean, I didn’t invent cooking shows.” Her reply drew applause, emphasizing the universality of culinary programming.

Anderson further championed Markle’s creative autonomy, telling Cohen, “She’s just doing her thing.” This echoed earlier remarks from Anderson’s team, who called the parallels “a compliment” in a statement to Entertainment Weekly (February 2025). The graceful handling resonated widely, with fans on X praising Anderson’s refusal to engage in manufactured rivalry. One user noted: “Cooking shows naturally overlap – women supporting women matters more than petty drama.”

Why Did Fan Reactions Side With Anderson’s Perspective?

Social media sentiment overwhelmingly applauded Anderson’s stance against pitting women against each other. Comments like “Stop trying to create beef between queens” and “Andy’s messy bait failed” trended globally, reflecting public fatigue with contrived celebrity conflicts. Culinary historian Dr. Sarah Lohman (Feast and Famine, 2023) contextualizes the discourse: “The ‘cooking-with-loved-ones’ format predates both stars – think Julia Child or Martha Stewart. Authenticity matters more than novelty.”

Despite Anderson’s diplomacy, With Love, Meghan faced external challenges. Critics labeled it “underwhelming” (Variety, March 2025), and Netflix’s non-renewal of the Sussexes’ $100 million deal casts doubt on Season 2’s viability. While Markle’s show outperformed Harry’s Heart of Invictus in viewership, neither met the streamer’s engagement targets according to Nielsen data (June 2025).

Ultimately, Anderson’s refusal to fuel the copycat narrative highlights a powerful truth: collaboration trumps competition. As culinary shows evolve beyond recipes into cultural dialogues, her grace under fire sets a benchmark for celebrity discourse. Support authentic storytelling – follow our entertainment section for measured analysis beyond the headlines.

Must Know

Q: What are the similarities between Pamela and Meghan’s cooking shows?
Both series feature celebrities cooking meals for friends/family in casual settings, emphasizing personal stories over technical skills. Their nearly identical release dates (January 2025) and titles (Cooking With Love vs. With Love) fueled comparisons.

Q: Did Meghan Markle’s cooking show get canceled?
Netflix hasn’t formally canceled With Love, Meghan, but the non-renewal of the Sussexes’ overall deal suggests Season 2 is unlikely. The show underperformed relative to platform expectations.

Q: How did the public react to Pamela Anderson’s comments?
X users widely praised Anderson’s response, calling it “classy” and “refreshing.” Many criticized Cohen for instigating conflict, with tweets like “Let women thrive without manufactured drama” going viral.

Q: Are cooking shows still popular on streaming platforms?
Yes. Netflix’s Is It Cake? and Hulu’s The Bear prove demand remains strong, though oversaturation demands fresh angles according to Parrot Analytics’ 2025 industry report.

Q: What’s next for Pamela Anderson’s culinary career?
Anderson continues advocating for vegan cuisine through her foundation, with a plant-based cookbook slated for 2026 according to Publishers Weekly.