Netflix is reportedly preparing to deliver a harsh reality check to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, one that the royal couple likely didn't anticipate.
With their current deal set to expire in 2025, it appears that the streaming giant is leaning towards ending their partnership with the Sussexes—a decision that couldn’t come at a worse time for the beleaguered duo. The tension began escalating after Harry and Meghan's recent trip to Colombia, which insiders described as anything but smooth, likening it to "a porcupine on roller skates."
Despite their efforts to control the narrative, the trip seems to have further diminished Netflix's already waning patience with the couple. The streaming service’s tolerance has seemingly worn thinner than Meghan’s culinary skills. At the heart of the issue is the content, or more accurately, the lack thereof. Netflix’s frustration has been palpable, with reports indicating that the platform is far from satisfied with the output from the Sussexes. TV journalist Dan Wootton, in his August 22, 2024 column for Express UK, dropped a bombshell, suggesting that a decisive blow from Netflix is imminent.
This revelation was supported by Puck’s newsletter, which hinted that Netflix might not renew the lucrative $100 million deal signed back in 2020. Wootton’s scathing commentary left no room for doubt: after years of disappointments and under-deliveries, Netflix has had enough. It’s hardly surprising, given that the Sussexes’ foray into the streaming world has been about as productive as a chocolate teapot. When Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020, they struck a deal with Netflix to produce exclusive content, documentaries, and shows—a plan that now appears to be unraveling.
The first major project, the docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in 2022, was met with mixed reviews, setting the stage for a series of missteps. Royal biographer Angela Levin, in an August 24, 2024 interview with GB News, revealed that Netflix’s interest in the Sussexes’ lifestyle content is dwindling. Meghan’s cooking show and Harry’s polo documentary have both been delayed until at least February 2025. Levin didn’t mince words, stating, “Netflix is fed up, and they have plenty of other projects to focus on. I don’t think they’re going to renew the $100 million deal.” The setbacks didn’t stop with production delays. The Sussexes’ recent Colombian escapade, intended to highlight online safety for children, apparently hit a snag. Meghan and Harry’s insistence on controlling which parts of their appearances were filmed made it difficult for Netflix to capture the necessary footage. It’s as if they were trying to keep the streaming service in the dark while spinning their own narrative—a tactic that backfired.
Social media has been buzzing with speculation. According to a source on X (formerly Twitter), a major announcement from Netflix was imminent, with executives poised for a critical conversation with the Sussexes. Leaks suggest that the existing material hasn’t been a hit, indicating Netflix’s reluctance to continue the partnership. The rumor mill is also churning with whispers of potential drama surrounding the end of the contract. There are murmurs that the Sussexes might demand that Netflix remain silent about the split or concoct a story about receiving better offers. Some believe that Meghan’s relentless phone calls to executives, coupled with her attempts to bolster her brand through a rushed CBS interview and the hasty Colombian tour, were desperate efforts to cushion the impending blow.
Critics suggest that Netflix, in its pursuit of ruthless efficiency, might be ready to cut ties with anything that doesn’t deliver, regardless of how high-profile it may be. The service, which has been quick to cancel even moderately successful shows, may now view the Sussexes as an expendable luxury in tough economic times. In a twist of irony, some are speculating that Netflix could turn the Sussexes’ fall from grace into a content gold mine. Imagine a documentary piecing together the drama, the internal battles, and the ensuing public spectacle—it could be the ultimate meta-commentary on Harry and Meghan’s tumultuous journey, capturing their rise, fall, and everything in between.
As the clock ticks down on their contract, it’s clear that the Sussexes’ Hollywood dream is facing a major rewrite. Whether Netflix will choose to embrace the drama or cut its losses remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the streaming saga of Harry and Meghan is far from over.
