Netflix's partnership with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appears to be on the verge of collapse. What was initially hailed as a blockbuster deal has become a source of disappointment and frustration for both the streaming giant and the former royals. When Meghan and Harry signed their $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, expectations were sky-high.
The streaming platform anticipated a treasure trove of inside royal gossip and behind-the-scenes revelations about the couple's dramatic exit from royal life. Netflix executives envisioned a series of explosive content that would captivate audiences and shed light on the causes of their discontent, their raw negotiations, and the struggles they faced within the British monarchy.
However, the reality has fallen short of these lofty expectations. While the docu-series initially generated buzz, it quickly became apparent that it was more of a grievance fest than a revelatory expose. Despite attracting a significant number of viewers curious about the royal couple, the series soon faded from public attention. The anticipated juicy details were sparse, and the show struggled to sustain interest, leaving viewers and critics alike underwhelmed.
Since the release of the docu-series, Meghan and Harry have faced considerable difficulties in delivering content that resonates with audiences. Their once-fascinating lives have proven less captivating than expected, and their content pipeline has been notably dry. Announced projects such as Meghan's cooking show and Harry's polo series have failed to ignite public excitement. Industry insiders suggest that these projects are unlikely to perform any better than their previous ventures, highlighting a lack of fresh ideas and charisma.
Adding to the couple's woes, Netflix, renowned for its diverse and experimental content, has struggled to find compelling projects for the Sussexes to produce. Meghan Markle has reportedly been denied a coveted role in an upcoming Netflix film. The former actress, who has been striving to revive her acting career since stepping back from royal duties, faced a significant setback after a face-to-face meeting with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. Sources reveal that Sarandos bluntly informed Markle that she wasn’t the right fit for the role she was pursuing.
This rejection marks a considerable blow to Markle’s ambitions, having previously found success on the TV series *Suits*. She believed that this Netflix opportunity could be a pivotal moment in her post-royal career, but the denial has left her feeling frustrated and humiliated, highlighting the challenges of breaking into Hollywood despite her royal connections.
Recent reports from industry insiders, including P co-founder Matthew Baloney and entertainment reporter Leslie Goldberg, suggest that Netflix is unlikely to renew its deal with the Sussexes when it expires in 2025. According to Baloney and Goldberg, the couple’s deal with Netflix and the Archewell production company is now viewed as one of the worst investments of Hollywood’s Peak TV era. The failure to deliver meaningful content has made it clear that the streaming giant may be growing weary of investing in a partnership that has yielded little return.
If Netflix decides not to renew their contract, it will represent a significant blow to Meghan and Harry's media aspirations. The loss of such a high-profile platform would not only strip away a substantial source of income but also damage their public image. Once poised to be major players in the media world, the couple now faces the prospect of fading into obscurity.
