Netflix's latest dealings with our favorite former royals have become a hot topic, and if you’re wondering who that refers to, you already know.
The buzz surrounding this has been growing, and now, thanks to Netflix's Chief Content Officer, Bella Bajaria, we’re getting a clearer picture of the situation. Remember when many predicted that the Sussexes' Netflix deal would collapse like so many of their other ventures? Well, here we are, and the drama is even bigger than expected.
Take Prince Harry’s polo documentary, for instance. What an absolute disaster. A five-part series about polo that critics panned as dull and uninspiring. Imagine having access to one of the most fascinating royal stories of our time and choosing to focus on a sport that most people have little interest in. But that’s what happens when there’s nothing substantial to offer.
Then there’s Meghan’s upcoming show, Love, Meghan. Even the title is cringe-worthy. It's supposedly a lifestyle and cooking series, which is ironic given that Meghan’s pre-royal career was built on a blog that largely borrowed ideas from others. This is the same woman who positioned herself as an innocent newcomer to royal life while executing one of the most strategic social ascents in recent history. When Bajaria spoke about the show, the enthusiasm felt forced. "It’s such a great take on a lifestyle show," she said. But when an executive has to stress how great the concept is, it usually signals a lack of genuine substance. It’s like when someone serves an awful dish at dinner, and the only compliment people can muster is how “interesting” it is.
And then there’s the adaptation of Meet Me at the Lake, a project Meghan is supposedly working on. Bajaria’s wording was careful—it’s “in development.” In Hollywood lingo, that can mean anything from active production to a project collecting dust on a shelf. Given the Sussexes’ track record with Netflix, it’s not hard to guess which outcome is more likely.
To put things in perspective, while Meghan is trying to convince Netflix executives that her pasta recipes are groundbreaking, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is out there doing real, meaningful work. The contrast is stark. One is playing at being a lifestyle guru, while the other is addressing significant issues like early childhood development and mental health.
The timing of all this is also intriguing, especially in light of recent reports about trouble in the Sussexes’ marriage. Are they trying to establish separate public identities to brace for an inevitable split? Harry with his polo documentary, Meghan with her cooking show—it looks like two people scrambling to carve out individual brands before things fall apart.
Then there was that pointed joke from comedian John Mulaney at a recent Netflix event. He quipped that Netflix hadn’t handed out more money without a concrete plan since signing Harry and Meghan. It wasn’t just a joke—it was an observation many have been making for a while. The Sussexes secured their lucrative deal based on who they were, not what they could do. Now, Netflix is realizing that lesson the hard way.
When they first signed on, there were grand promises—documentaries about family values, inspirational content, meaningful storytelling. Instead, we got a reality-style series where they aired grievances about the royal family, complete with stock footage that wasn’t even theirs, a dull polo documentary, and now a cooking show that no one asked for.
Perhaps the saddest part of all this is Harry himself. He was once a soldier, the founder of the Invictus Games, a royal who could connect with people from all walks of life. Now, he’s reduced to playing a supporting role in The Meghan Show, making documentaries about polo while his wife tries to sell Netflix on her lifestyle brand.
And then there’s the money—$80 million. Just imagine what working royals could do with that kind of funding. The charities they could support, the initiatives they could lead. Instead, it’s being funneled into vanity projects with little public interest. It’s a disappointing waste.
The contrast between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales couldn’t be clearer. While Harry and Meghan are desperately trying to justify their Netflix deal with increasingly questionable content, William and Catherine are leading by example, making real change without the need for self-promotional documentaries. Their work speaks for itself.
Looking ahead, this doesn’t seem like it will end well for anyone involved. Netflix’s frustration is becoming obvious—you don’t let comedians mock a major deal if you’re happy with its results. Meanwhile, the Sussexes are running out of ideas. Polo and pasta? That’s the best they’ve got? The audience has already spoken with their viewing habits, and the interest just isn’t there.
