Polo Day on Netflix: A Mixed Bag or Missed Opportunity?
Netflix's latest release, a docuseries about the world of polo, debuted recently, but not everyone is rolling out the red carpet.
Signor admitted upfront that he didn’t watch much of the show, finding it “incredibly boring” after just three minutes. He skimmed through some episodes and noted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, serving as executive producers, are prominently credited in each episode. According to Signor, the series tries to present polo as an accessible sport for everyone but falls flat, portraying it as a privileged pastime for the elite.
The docuseries aims to showcase the lives of elite polo players, interweaving personal narratives and professional competition. However, according to Signor, moments like a pregnant woman balancing her dedication to polo with impending motherhood feel forced and uninspiring.
A scene featuring Meghan Markle joking in Spanish alongside Prince Harry has also made rounds online. While some praised her appearance, Signor dismissed it as another example of Meghan’s need to be in the spotlight. He criticized the series for being overly polished and lacking authenticity, describing it as "the epitome of privilege."
The series is produced by Milos Balok, known for his Emmy-winning work on Welcome to Wrexham, the sports documentary series by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Balok reportedly said that Harry and Meghan were very hands-on during production, with Harry contributing his deep knowledge of polo to ensure accuracy in the storytelling.
Despite the couple’s involvement, Netflix appears to be downplaying their association in its marketing. Harry and Meghan's names are largely absent from the promotional materials, with a subtle nod in the series finale that highlights a charity match featuring Prince Harry.
Signor speculates that Netflix’s confidence in the series may be low, given the lack of aggressive promotion tied to Harry and Meghan. He argues that the couple's reputation as producers hasn’t endeared them to audiences, calling their attempts at relatability ineffective.
Even the production’s focus on polo as a "down-to-earth" sport, featuring casual tailgating scenes, failed to impress. According to Signor, the depiction doesn’t resonate with a broader audience, as polo remains firmly associated with wealth and exclusivity.
Signor is skeptical about the show's potential success, viewing it as a poor investment for Netflix. He urged viewers to skip it, noting that even hate-watching wasn’t worth the effort. “Save your life, your energy, your time,” he advised.
The series has divided opinions online, with some intrigued by the behind-the-scenes look at the polo world and others echoing Signor’s disinterest. Did you watch it? If so, how far did you make it?
