According to recent reports, Netflix executives are questioning whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are providing value for money as their massive $80 million deal approaches its 2025 expiration. Can you believe it—$80 million! That kind of money could fund major charitable initiatives and make a real difference. But instead, what have we received? Five mediocre projects, most of which failed to crack Netflix’s Top 10. Think about that for a moment—Netflix essentially handed over a fortune to two individuals with zero production experience, banking solely on their royal connections. The irony? These are the same people who claimed the royal family was so toxic they had to flee for their lives. Yet, they’ve been exploiting their royal ties at every opportunity while simultaneously trashing the monarchy.
It’s like quitting your job at McDonald's, then setting up a burger stand outside while telling everyone how terrible McDonald's is. Make it make sense!
A Look at Their Netflix Flops
Let’s examine the five projects Harry and Meghan have delivered over the past four years:
- "Harry & Meghan" Documentary – A six-hour victim narrative that basically rehashed everything they already told Oprah—just with moodier black-and-white photography.
- "Live to Lead" – So forgettable that even I had to Google it. Oh, right—it was that series where they bizarrely aligned themselves with actual global leaders like Nelson Mandela. The audacity!
- "Heart of Invictus" – This could have been inspiring, but instead of focusing on veterans' incredible stories, it turned into yet another Harry-centric pity party.
- "Polo" – A show about the elite sport of polo during a global cost-of-living crisis? Read the room, Sussexes!
"With Love, Meghan" – Meghan’s attempt at a Martha Stewart-style lifestyle show, which critics absolutely savaged. From forced laughter to staged spontaneity and ridiculously out-of-touch recipes (who has fresh rose petals on hand for jam?), it was painful to watch.
One of the most revealing aspects of this situation is Netflix’s response. A TV insider stated that Netflix doesn’t care if the reviews are scathing—their goal was to have everyone talking about the show. In other words, they’re paying for controversy, not quality. But here’s the flaw in that strategy:
People aren’t saying, “Oh my goodness, you have to watch this amazing show.” Instead, they’re saying, “Can you believe how awful and out of touch this is?” That might generate some initial curiosity, but it doesn’t create a loyal audience or justify an $80 million investment.
An insider revealed that Netflix is now debating whether renewing the deal makes financial sense or if they’ve already squeezed all the royal juice from this lemon. And let’s be honest—what else do Harry and Meghan have to offer? Their big tell-all documentary is done. Their attempts to rebrand as lifestyle influencers and philanthropists are falling flat. The Hollywood experiment is running on fumes.
What’s fascinating is how predictable all of this was. Hollywood is ruthless—it’s a business, not a charity. The Sussexes were given this golden opportunity because Netflix expected royal secrets and behind-the-scenes palace drama. But once those stories were told, what was left? Two inexperienced producers with no real expertise in entertainment.
Meanwhile, the real working royals—Prince William, Princess Catherine, King Charles, and Queen Camilla—continue to serve with dignity and purpose. Even with Catherine’s recent health struggles, she’s handled everything with grace and privacy, while William has balanced his royal duties with supporting his wife and caring for their children.
Unlike the Sussexes, they don’t need Netflix deals or controversy to prove their worth—their actions speak for themselves. That’s the real definition of royal duty.
Netflix isn’t the only company second-guessing their investment in the Sussex brand. Their Spotify deal famously crashed and burned, with an executive publicly calling them “grifters.” Their much-hyped publishing deals? So far, only Harry has released a book (Spare), while Meghan’s The Bench was a commercial flop. Their Archewell Foundation exists mostly for press releases rather than substantial charitable work, with financial reports showing more spent on PR than philanthropy.
Netflix is finally realizing what many of us have known for years—Harry and Meghan’s brand is built on image, not substance. And eventually, companies paying for that image want real returns.
One of the great ironies of this saga is that Meghan left royal life because she felt constrained and wanted the freedom to pursue her ambitions. But guess what? The commercial world has its own rules and expectations. Netflix doesn’t care about “her truth.” They care about ratings. And if you don’t deliver, they cut you loose. In many ways, Hollywood is far harsher than the palace ever was.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, initially hyped With Love, Meghan as a game-changing lifestyle show. But now that the reviews are in, it’s a PR nightmare. And while Bajaria claimed the show has been renewed for a second season, Netflix has made no official announcement. That silence speaks volumes.
If Netflix walks away, what’s next for the Sussexes? Their brand has been damaged by years of contradictory statements, broken promises, and underwhelming projects. It’s hard to imagine another major platform investing in them at the same level. They’ve burned through the goodwill that initially greeted their Hollywood move, and now? They’re just another celebrity couple with baggage.
Will they pivot toward more charity work to salvage their reputation? Will they attempt to reconcile with the royal family? The latter seems unlikely, but never underestimate the power of financial necessity.
Meanwhile, our working royals continue to lead by example. William and Catherine are making tangible differences in early childhood development, mental health, and homelessness. King Charles has dedicated decades to environmental causes. Princess Anne tirelessly supports over 300 charities without seeking the spotlight. These are people who understand that royalty isn’t about fame or fortune—it’s about duty, service, and representing something bigger than yourself.
Harry and Meghan had every opportunity to make a real impact. Instead, they’ve spent years prioritizing media deals and reputation management over genuine service. Imagine if they had worked with the royal family instead of against it. Instead, they’re stuck in a bizarre limbo—neither private citizens nor working royals.
