Prince Harry's Polo Documentary Struggles to Win Over Viewers and Critics
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix project, a documentary centered on the world of polo, has failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
The five-part series, which the couple executive produced, struggled to gain traction, missing the top ten rankings in Britain, the U.S., and other key Netflix markets.
Following professional polo players, the documentary received a lukewarm response, with many reviewers branding it “unrelatable” and “tedious.” Eric Schiffer, chair of Reputation Management Consultants, told Newsweek, “It’s a pompous portrayal of privilege posing as a documentary. It feels fake.”
The Guardian’s Stuart Heritage gave the series a two-star review, calling it Prince Harry’s “unintentionally hilarious profile of the world’s most ridiculous sport.” He added, “Fixtures are chosen by popping confetti-filled balloons, obnoxiously privileged players weep in darkened rooms when they lose … this documentary about the royal’s hobby is like a spoof.”
The poor reception adds to a growing list of underwhelming streaming projects from Harry and Meghan that have struggled to maintain audience interest.
According to The Sun, Netflix currently has no plans for additional content featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as their multi-million-dollar deal with the platform nears its expiration.
The couple’s reported $100 million deal with Netflix has produced mixed results. While their first documentary, Harry & Meghan, was a massive hit, garnering 81.6 million hours of viewing in just four days, their subsequent projects have failed to generate the same enthusiasm.
A source told Closer that Harry and Meghan had limited creative control over Polo. “Truth is, it was pretty much out of their hands. Netflix executives wanted the series to appeal to a broad audience and pushed for a reality TV angle, so it’s not entirely their fault.”
Despite the backlash, Prince Harry remains passionate about the sport, having played polo throughout his life. In a statement on Netflix’s website, he said, “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour.”
