Netflix executives are reportedly questioning whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been worth the massive $80 million deal they signed, as it nears its 2025 expiration. That’s an astonishing amount of money—funds that could have supported major charitable initiatives and made a real impact.
Instead, what has the streaming giant received in return? Five underwhelming projects, most of which failed to break into Netflix's top 10. It’s a staggering reality: Netflix bet on two individuals with no prior production experience, solely banking on their royal connections. The irony is striking—these are the same people who claimed the royal family was so toxic that they had to escape, yet they’ve capitalized on their royal status at every turn while simultaneously criticizing the institution. It’s as if someone quit working at McDonald's, then set up a burger stand outside while loudly condemning the fast-food chain.
Analyzing their Netflix output over the past four years highlights the shortcomings. The six-hour "Harry & Meghan" documentary was little more than a rehash of what they had already shared with Oprah, albeit with moodier black-and-white cinematography. "Live to Lead" was so forgettable that even those who watched it might struggle to recall its content—it awkwardly positioned the Sussexes alongside global icons like Nelson Mandela, a comparison that felt audacious at best. "Heart of Invictus" had the potential to be truly inspiring, but instead of focusing on veterans' incredible stories, it became yet another Harry-centric pity party. "Polo" was an odd choice—a show about an elite sport released during a global cost-of-living crisis, completely missing the mark in terms of timing and audience appeal. Then there was "With Love, Meghan," her attempt at a Martha Stewart-style lifestyle brand, which critics mercilessly panned for its forced laughter, staged spontaneity, and out-of-touch content. Who has rose petals on hand for jam-making? The show came across as painfully contrived.
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of this situation is Netflix’s response. A TV insider claimed the company didn’t care about bad reviews as long as people were talking about the shows. In other words, they were paying for controversy rather than quality. But here’s the flaw in that approach: People aren’t recommending these projects because they’re compelling—they’re discussing them because they’re shockingly bad or tone-deaf. That kind of fleeting attention doesn’t build a loyal audience, nor does it justify an $80 million deal. Netflix is reportedly debating whether renewing the contract is a sound financial decision or whether they’ve already extracted all possible value from the Sussex brand. Realistically, what else do Harry and Meghan have left to offer? Their big tell-all documentary is done, their attempts at rebranding as lifestyle influencers and philanthropists have fallen flat, and their Hollywood experiment is losing momentum.
It’s not surprising how this has played out. Hollywood is a business, not a charity. The Sussexes were handed a golden opportunity because Netflix expected royal secrets and behind-the-scenes palace drama. Once those stories were told, what remained? Two inexperienced producers with no real expertise in entertainment. Meanwhile, the actual working royals—Prince William, Princess Catherine, King Charles, and Queen Camilla—continue to carry out their duties with dignity and purpose. Even amid Catherine’s recent health struggles, she has handled everything with grace and privacy, while William balances royal responsibilities with supporting his wife and raising their children. Unlike Harry and Meghan, they don’t rely on Netflix deals or manufactured controversy to prove their worth—their actions speak for themselves.
Netflix isn’t the only company reconsidering its investment in the Sussexes. Their Spotify deal collapsed, with an executive openly calling them “grifters.” Their highly publicized publishing ventures have also been underwhelming—Harry released his memoir, "Spare," but Meghan’s children’s book, "The Bench," failed to generate significant sales. Their Archewell Foundation appears to be more of a PR tool than a truly impactful philanthropic entity, with financial records showing more money spent on public relations than charitable work. The broader pattern is clear: Companies that invested in the Sussexes based on their image are now realizing that image alone doesn’t yield tangible returns.
One of the greatest ironies in all of this is that Meghan left royal life because she felt constrained and wanted the freedom to pursue her ambitions. However, the commercial world comes with its own set of expectations. Netflix isn’t interested in personal narratives about her “truth”—they care about audience numbers. And if those numbers don’t justify the investment, they move on. In many ways, Hollywood has proven to be far more ruthless than the royal family ever was. Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, initially hyped "With Love, Meghan" as a groundbreaking lifestyle series, but now that the show has been critically panned, there has been radio silence on a second season. The lack of an official renewal announcement speaks volumes.
If Netflix decides not to renew their contract, what’s next for Harry and Meghan? Their brand has been tarnished by years of contradictions, unfulfilled promises, and lackluster projects. It’s hard to imagine another major platform willing to invest in them at the same level. They’ve squandered much of the goodwill that initially surrounded their Hollywood transition, and now they risk becoming just another celebrity couple with more baggage than influence. Will they shift toward genuine charity work to rehabilitate their reputation? Will they attempt to mend fences with the royal family? The latter seems unlikely, but financial necessity can be a powerful motivator.
Meanwhile, the working royals continue to lead by example. William and Catherine are making real contributions in areas like early childhood development, mental health, and homelessness. King Charles has championed environmental causes for decades, and Princess Anne remains a steadfast supporter of over 300 charities, all without seeking the spotlight. These individuals understand that royalty is not about personal fame or fortune—it’s about service, duty, and representing something greater than oneself. Harry and Meghan had every opportunity to make a meaningful impact, but instead, they prioritized media deals and reputation management over authentic service. Imagine what they could have accomplished had they worked with the royal family instead of against it. Now, they find themselves in a strange limbo—neither fully private citizens nor respected working royals, caught between a Hollywood dream that never quite materialized and a royal past they can’t seem to escape.
