Netflix Ends 'Unpopular' Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Deal; Content Criticized as 'Basic' and 'Tone-Deaf'

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Netflix deal is set to end in September 2025 and won't be renewed, reportedly due to low viewership and criticism of their content as "basic," "tone-deaf," and "unlovable." The couple's initial documentary series was a hit, but subsequent projects failed to resonate. Despite the deal's end, there's a chance for future collaborations via a project-based or "first-look" agreement. The end of the deal reflects the decline in the couple's US popularity and may equate to a financial blow.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's five-year Netflix deal, signed in 2020 when they stepped back from royal duties, is set to conclude in September 2025 and will not be renewed, according to reports [1]. The streaming giant has reportedly decided against renewing the contract, which was initially valued at $100 million.

The couple's partnership delivered a significant hit in 2022 with the documentary series "Harry & Meghan," which drew blockbuster numbers. However, their subsequent projects, such as "With Love, Meghan" and "Harry’s polo docuseries," failed to resonate with audiences. "With Love, Meghan" earned just 5.3 million global views and ranked 383rd among Netflix shows, while Harry’s polo docuseries drew a mere half-million viewers [1]. Critics and audiences have called the couple’s content "basic," "tone-deaf," and "unlovable" [1].

Despite the deal’s end, there’s a chance the Sussexes could continue with Netflix via a project-based or "first-look" agreement, a model increasingly favored by the platform over large exclusive partnerships. The second season of "With Love, Meghan" is still scheduled for fall 2025 [1].

Industry insiders suggest the end of this deal reflects the decline in the couple’s U.S. popularity. After the Oprah interview and the documentary, support for Harry and Meghan has waned among American audiences. The couple's continued push for relevance may now feel calculated rather than authentic [1].

Royal commentators warn the end of the Netflix contract could equate to a substantial financial blow, especially since Spotify dropped their podcast deal in 2023. Meghan’s brand remains a potential revenue source, but the durability of their media influence remains in question [1].

Netflix is stepping back from long-term exclusive deals, opting for flexible partnerships instead. While Harry and Meghan’s initial documentary did well, but later offerings didn’t keep up the momentum with viewers or critics. Future projects may still come via Netflix, but likely under different, more modest arrangements [1].

Their brand leverage in the U.S. is softening, with experts pointing to waning public sentiment and marketing fatigue. The couple may face challenges in securing future deals and maintaining their financial stability [1].

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/unpopular-meghan-markle-prince-harrys-netflix-deal-ends-content-tone-deaf-and-unlovable-what-it-means-for-british-royalty/articleshow/122906057.cms