Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are developing two new shows for Netflix, following the lackluster performance of their "Heart of Invictus" documentary last summer.
According to the couple's statement, the first series, created by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. Analysts suggest that this program may tie into Meghan's new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
The statement also mentioned that the second series will offer an unprecedented look into the world of professional polo, primarily focusing on the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. This series will aim to reveal the intricate details and demands of the sport, often associated with its aesthetic and social scene, showcasing what it takes to compete at the highest level. The project will highlight Harry, who has been involved in polo since his teenage years.
Both shows are currently in the early stages of production, with titles and release dates to be announced in the coming months. A Hollywood insider speculated that Meghan’s series might premiere around Thanksgiving or Christmas to capture the holiday viewership at home. However, a blind item on the gossip site DeuxMoi suggested that Netflix executives are not impressed with either project. Critics argue that Harry and Meghan are too engrossed in their own public relations narrative to produce meaningful content, despite Netflix covering production costs. They also question the couple's executive abilities to create coherent shows, likening their efforts to teenagers living out an Instagram fantasy.
Meghan reportedly attempted to leverage the launch of American Riviera Orchard to pressure Netflix into picking up the show, similar to her previous public relations tactics and partnership rumors that never materialized. These actions mirror the way they handled their departure from the royal family. Rumors have emerged that Netflix may have already quietly dropped the projects in an effort to save face, as the streaming giant now looks to avoid further embarrassment from their association with the couple.
A new report claims that Netflix is losing interest in Harry and Meghan, amid growing speculation that their $100 million content partnership might be terminated. Royal insider Richard Fitzwilliams noted that public interest in the couple's stories has dwindled after the conclusion of their contentious series, which set streaming records and won multiple awards. The Daily Mail reported that the Sussexes' arrangement with Netflix is set to expire next year. With Netflix ending production of "The Crown," experts believe the streaming service might be less inclined to continue their partnership with Harry and Meghan.
While Meghan's upcoming show focuses on cooking and entertaining, tied to her American Riviera Orchard brand, and Harry's series delves into the world of polo, both clearly need more high-profile endorsements to succeed. Netflix recently brought in Dan Lin to oversee film production, aiming to produce fewer, higher-quality films and series at lower costs following backlash over several big-budget but poorly received originals. According to the Hollywood Reporter, this strategic shift could spell trouble for the Sussexes at Netflix, as the days of lavish budgets seem to be over.
