The controversial partnership between Netflix and the Sussexes has reached a boiling point, particularly with the upcoming Polo documentary series featuring Prince Harry.
Initially billed as an in-depth exploration of Harry's passion for polo, the five-part series has reportedly fallen short of Netflix's expectations, leaving the streaming giant dissatisfied and frustrated. Insiders suggest that the series is now on the chopping block, with Netflix seriously considering whether to cancel it altogether.
At the center of this brewing debacle is Harry's close friend and polo partner, Nacho Figueras. The series was intended to highlight Harry's connection to the sport and its significance in his life. However, it seems to have devolved into what some sources are derisively referring to as "the Nacho show." Viewers who anticipated seeing Prince Harry as the focal point of the documentary may be surprised to find that Figueras dominates much of the screen time. Netflix had hoped to leverage Harry's star power to attract audiences, expecting a personal documentary that would delve into Harry's struggles and triumphs—similar to his previous projects. Instead, Harry's decision to step back and allow his friend to take center stage has proven to be a miscalculation.
Insiders reveal that this shift in focus was a reaction to the backlash Harry received after the release of his earlier Netflix series, Heart of Invictus. Critics had lambasted Harry for being too prominent in that project, accusing him of leveraging the series to maintain his visibility in the public eye. In what appears to be an overreaction to that criticism, Harry has almost entirely removed himself from this latest endeavor, resulting in a documentary that feels disconnected from his narrative. One insider remarked that Harry has become almost ghost-like in this series, with the storyline revolving around Figueras instead. Netflix finds itself in a difficult position, as it struggles to market a documentary that features a figure most audiences outside the polo community may not recognize. The viewers want to see Harry, not just his polo partner.
Netflix executives are reportedly perplexed by Harry's decisions, especially given the criticisms that Heart of Invictus faced. Rather than learning from the feedback and finding a middle ground, Harry’s apparent retreat into the background has raised eyebrows within the company. Those familiar with the production assert that Netflix executives were not only dissatisfied but also blindsided by the final product. The completed series was delivered with minimal involvement from Harry, sparking tense internal discussions about its potential future. Although the series is likely to be released due to contractual obligations, sources indicate that Netflix is contemplating drastic measures, including minimal promotion or even removing it from the platform entirely.
The implications of this situation extend beyond creative disappointment for Netflix; the streaming giant has made a substantial investment in the Sussexes, signing a multi-million dollar deal expected to yield blockbuster content. With the polo documentary now facing a potentially disastrous reception, Netflix feels the pressure mounting. Should the series fail to perform, it could jeopardize their broader partnership, risking future collaborations with Harry and Meghan.
As the prospect of the show being canceled or severely underpromoted looms, the Sussexes' future with Netflix appears uncertain. The relationship between Harry and Meghan and the streaming service has hit a rocky patch, and the fallout from this polo documentary disaster could have long-lasting repercussions. Whether Prince Harry can recover from this latest misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Netflix is unhappy, and they are not shy about expressing their dissatisfaction.
