Netflix’s $100 million partnership with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is facing its most turbulent period yet. With lackluster reception for their latest docuseries, Polo, insiders are voicing concerns over the Sussexes’ ability to deliver compelling content. A Netflix insider didn’t mince words, revealing frustrations about working with Meghan, saying, “It’s so much work with her.”
Struggling to Strike Gold
The highly publicized deal, struck in 2020, promised groundbreaking content from the Sussexes, but the results have been underwhelming. Their recent docuseries Polo, billed as an intimate look at the high-stakes world of elite sport, has been panned by critics as “tedious” and “out of touch.” Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams joined the chorus of discontent, suggesting the series lacks the spark to hold viewers’ attention.
These criticisms come in the wake of similarly lukewarm reactions to previous projects, including the Harry & Meghan docuseries and Heart of Invictus. While these garnered initial intrigue due to their ties to the royal family, their long-term impact fell short of expectations.
Meghan’s Cooking Show in Jeopardy
The stakes are even higher for Meghan’s next project, a cooking show rumored to be tied to her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Early whispers suggest that Netflix may pull the plug if the project doesn’t show promise. A Hollywood executive close to the deal warned that Meghan’s show needs to be “an enormous hit” to justify its continuation.
“If this project doesn’t resonate with audiences, it’s hard to imagine Netflix renewing their contract,” the insider added. The Sussexes’ deal is set to expire in 2025, leaving them little time to cement their position in the competitive streaming space.
The Sussexes at a Crossroads
Netflix’s frustrations highlight a deeper issue: the Sussexes’ struggle to transition from royal intrigue to entertainment moguls. While their initial appeal stemmed from their royal exit and personal revelations, sustaining an audience requires consistently engaging content—a challenge the couple has yet to conquer.
Industry experts suggest that their perceived disconnection from mainstream audiences could be a significant factor. As one insider put it, “Netflix isn’t in the business of charity—they need results.”
What’s Next for Meghan and Harry?
The clock is ticking for the Sussexes. As their Netflix contract nears its conclusion, Meghan and Harry must prove their value to one of the world’s largest streaming platforms. Failure to deliver a breakout hit could not only jeopardize their Netflix partnership but also tarnish their standing as Hollywood power players.
For now, all eyes are on Meghan’s cooking show, which could either mark a turning point or a definitive end to the Sussexes’ streaming ambitions.