The reception to Harry's new Netflix documentary series, centered around the Invictus Games, has been lukewarm, with one expert dubbing it "bland" and suggesting it may not enhance the Sussex brand's revival.
In the series, Prince Harry opens up about his experiences, including feeling unsupported upon returning from his service in Afghanistan and how unresolved trauma dating back to Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997 has been a longstanding issue. Some have interpreted these revelations as veiled critiques of the royal family.
Despite featuring alongside injured veterans, Meghan Markle has only brief appearances in several scenes to support her husband, Prince Harry. Brand and culture expert Nick Reed views this as a positive step, reflecting what Prince Harry's fan base wants to see. According to Reed, the documentary provides a unique opportunity for Netflix audiences to witness Harry's genuine self and understand his motivations, with the main focus on the inspiring competitors. Reed believes it's a way to reintroduce Harry to the public in a more compassionate and caring light, highlighting his journey from a family member to a purpose-driven individual.
However, with stiff competition on Netflix from popular shows like "At Home with the Furys," "Love is Blind," and "Selling Sunset," the series may not become a must-watch show. Reed notes that it lacks insight into Harry and Meghan's relationship, which many viewers were eager to explore when Netflix invested millions for access.
What's also intriguing is Netflix's relatively low promotion of "Heart of Invictus." It's notably absent from the Netflix homepage in the US and Australia, and there's been limited mention in the platform's newsletters. Some speculate that Netflix's reluctance to share streaming numbers might be behind this, as it could expose artificially inflated viewer counts and stock prices.
The criticism is that this deal, part of a $100 million contract, might not make sense when compared to the actual viewership.
In essence, the fate of this significant Netflix deal and the reception of "Heart of Invictus" remain subjects of debate, as the series seeks to find its place among a crowded field of content on the streaming platform.
