It appears that Netflix is preparing to deliver a harsh dose of reality to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and it’s not the plot twist they were hoping for. With their current deal set to expire in 2025, the streaming giant seems poised to part ways with the Sussexes, and the timing couldn’t be worse for the embattled couple.
The drama began brewing after Harry and Meghan’s recent trip to Colombia, which, according to insiders, was as smooth as a porcupine on roller skates. Despite their efforts to manage the narrative, the trip seemed to further sour Netflix’s opinion of the Sussexes. It seems the streaming service’s patience has worn thin, much like Meghan’s attempts at culinary pursuits.
The crux of the issue lies in the content—or rather, the lack thereof. Netflix’s frustration has been palpable, with reports suggesting that the platform is far from thrilled with the Sussexes' output. TV journalist Dan Wootton, in his August 22, 2024, column for *Express UK*, hinted that a Netflix hammer blow is imminent. This revelation was backed by Puck’s newsletter, which suggested that Netflix might not renew the lucrative $100 million deal signed in 2020. Wootton’s scathing commentary makes it clear: after years of flops and non-deliveries, Netflix is fed up. Given that the Sussexes’ foray into the streaming world has been as productive as a chocolate teapot, it’s no surprise.
When Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020, they signed a deal with Netflix to produce exclusive content, documentaries, shows, and possibly even a recipe for disaster. The first major project, the docuseries *Harry & Meghan*, released in 2022, was met with mixed reviews, setting the tone for a series of missteps. Royal biographer Angela Levin, in an August 24, 2024, interview with *GB News*, revealed that Netflix’s interest in the Sussexes’ lifestyle content is waning. Meghan’s cooking show and Harry’s polo documentary have both been delayed until at least February 2025. Levin didn’t hold back, stating that Netflix has had enough and, with many other opportunities available, they’re unlikely to renew the $100 million deal.
The hiccups didn’t end with production delays. The Sussexes’ recent Colombian escapade, intended to spotlight online safety for children, apparently hit a snag. Meghan and Harry’s insistence on controlling which parts of their appearances were recorded made it challenging for Netflix to obtain the necessary footage. It’s almost as if they were trying to keep the streaming service in the dark while spinning their own narrative—a tactic that didn’t win them any favors.
Social media is abuzz with speculation. According to a source on X, a hammer blow is imminent, with Netflix executives poised for a critical call with the Sussexes. Leaks suggest that existing material hasn’t been a hit, signaling Netflix’s reluctance to continue the partnership. The gossip mill also hints at potential drama surrounding the contract conclusion, with murmurs that the Sussexes might demand Netflix stay silent about the split or concoct a story about receiving better offers. Some believe Meghan’s relentless phone calls to executives and her attempts to bolster her brand through a hasty CBS interview and rushed Colombian tour were mere attempts to cushion the blow. Critics suggest that Netflix, in its quest for flawless efficiency, might be ready to cut ties with anything that doesn’t deliver, no matter how high-profile.
In a twist of irony, some are suggesting that Netflix could turn the Sussexes’ fall from grace into a content goldmine. Imagine a documentary piecing together the drama, the battles, and the ensuing public spectacle—a meta commentary on the tumultuous journey of Harry and Meghan, capturing their rise, fall, and everything in between.
As the clock ticks down on their contract, it’s clear that the Sussexes’ Hollywood dream is facing a major rewrite. Whether Netflix will embrace the drama or cut their losses remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the streaming saga of Harry and Meghan is far from over.
