If you're eager to catch Prince Harry's upcoming Netflix spectacle, the polo series aimed at reigniting his and Meghan Markle's star power, it might be time to temper your excitement. According to royal expert Neil Sean, Netflix and its production partner, Boardwalk Pictures, have gone unusually quiet about the project—almost to the point of silence. This is surprising for a company typically known for its extensive marketing of any promising venture, especially considering the royal connection involved.
For some time, Netflix had high hopes for the Sussexes after their docuseries, "Harry and Meghan," drew significant attention with its revealing royal drama. The platform anticipated another hit with Harry's polo series, but it appears the formula of dissecting royal family feuds may not translate well to the sport of polo. Initially categorized under sports and science, the project is now receiving a lukewarm response and a muted rollout. Given all the fanfare surrounding the Sussexes, you'd think this would be prime marketing material; however, the warning signs have been evident for a while.
Netflix hasn't released a substantial trailer or teaser, which is unusual for a platform that promotes everything from international rom-coms to true crime documentaries with equal enthusiasm. This level of silence could signal a potential write-off. Adding to the irony, Boardwalk Pictures, Netflix's partner on this grand polo endeavor, isn't showing much enthusiasm either. Their website is notably devoid of any mention of Harry's show. Boardwalk, known for producing hits like Gwyneth Paltrow’s "Goop" series, typically excels in crafting niche content that attracts viewers. If they’re not even giving it a modest shout-out, it raises the question of whether this polo project will ever see the light of day.
Behind the scenes, sources indicate that Netflix and Boardwalk are adopting a cautious approach, putting the project on the back burner. Despite Harry and Meghan's public appeal, it seems audiences are not particularly eager to watch a series about the wealthy playing polo. While polo is indeed a royal pastime, it doesn’t resonate as relatable content for the average Netflix viewer, who might prefer a thrilling drama or reality TV over an in-depth exploration of polo tournaments.
Harry's journey in the entertainment industry has been tumultuous, one Meghan described as a "passionate hustle." However, judging by his more subdued demeanor in recent appearances, he may not fully agree. If the current trend continues, Harry's latest outing could join the growing list of Netflix's canceled projects. While he and Meghan may still receive compensation as per their contract, there’s no assurance that Netflix will continue to invest in Sussex-centered content if viewership remains tepid. After all, "Harry & Meghan" didn’t manage to secure a spot on the streaming service's top lists despite its good intentions.
It seems the Sussex brand is experiencing a rough patch. Without compelling royal family gossip to attract viewers, Netflix may be reconsidering the long-term viability of its partnership with them. The slow rollout, lack of promotional buzz, and a seemingly "if it works, it works" strategy suggest that Netflix isn’t anticipating a significant audience for Harry's polo ambitions. This marks a notable shift for a couple aiming to be the darlings of the streaming giant's lineup.
Is this a sign that Netflix is catching on to waning interest in the Sussexes, or is it merely a case of a mismanaged series rollout? Regardless, it appears Netflix may have reached its saturation point with the couple. As we wait to see if Harry's polo series gallops into streaming oblivion, the pressing question is whether the Sussex brand can survive another setback. If not, we may see less of the former royal couple on our screens and more behind-the-scenes meetings at Archewell, brainstorming their next big move.
