Remarkably, despite being one of the most talked-about and polarizing shows of the year, "Harry and Meghan" didn't make the cut. Critics have been particularly harsh in their assessment, characterizing the series as lacking the documentary standards it claims to uphold. Some critics have gone so far as to label it a self-serving propaganda piece devoid of journalistic integrity or artistic merit. Others have criticized it as a vanity project that exploits both the Royal brand and the Netflix platform for personal gain. The series has been lambasted for its poor execution, disjointed narrative, and its failure to deliver a compelling story.
Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the series includes interviews with Harry and Meghan, offering a supposedly firsthand account of their journey. However, it has faced extensive criticism for perceived bias, inaccuracies, and sensationalism. The use of Paparazzi footage and reenactments added to the controversy, drawing accusations of exploiting the monarchy.
Harry and Meghan, who signed a £100 million contract with Netflix in 2020, faced backlash from both Royal enthusiasts and experts for their involvement in the documentary series. Many believed it betrayed their privacy and tarnished the reputation of the Royal Family. Questions were raised about the series' timing, coinciding with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan's legal battle with a British tabloid.
While the Sussexes defended their decision to create and star in the documentary series, stating their intention to share their unique journey, the critical response has been far from enthusiastic. The series achieved a Netflix Global Top 10 ranking, peaking at number two in its first week but falling off the chart after just four weeks. Reviews from critics and audiences were mixed, with a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 58 out of 100 on IMDb.
However, "Harry and Meghan's" documentary series is just one of their ventures with Netflix. They also produced "Heart of Invictus," a documentary series centered on Harry and Prince Philip's Invictus Games. Additionally, they were working on an animated children's program. Nevertheless, it appears that their collaborative efforts with Netflix have hit a stumbling block following the Critics Choice Awards' decision and the subsequent demand for a contract refund.
