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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s headline-making £100 million deal with Netflix is reportedly coming to an end this September, with no plans to renew the lucrative partnership.
According to insiders, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the streaming giant have mutually decided not to announce the split formally, but senior Netflix executives have already agreed behind the scenes that their contract will not be extended.
The end of the deal marks the close of one of Hollywood’s most high-profile, and controversial, collaborations, which began in 2020 following the couple’s dramatic departure from royal duties and their relocation to California.
A Netflix source was quoted as saying: “The deal is done; no more shows will be made. Netflix feel they’ve got all they can from the couple.”
Meghan’s lifestyle show failed to crack Netflix’s top 300 programmes - Credit: TNI Press
The Sussexes signed with Netflix as part of their plan to become financially independent and build a media brand under their Archewell banner. In the early days of the partnership, the couple promised to deliver inspiring, impactful programming, and they did achieve some success.
Their 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, which explored their love story and their break from the Royal Family, was a smash hit for Netflix, generating millions of views and dominating headlines worldwide. However, subsequent projects have not enjoyed the same level of success.
Harry’s latest series, Polo, focused on the world of his favourite sport, but reportedly attracted just 500,000 viewers, a disappointing result for such a high-profile name. Meanwhile, Meghan’s focus appears to have shifted to her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and her podcasting ambitions, which Netflix executives are said to have found frustrating.
One streaming insider told reporters that the company was “mildly infuriated” by the Duchess making her business ventures a priority over new content ideas.
While the couple’s partnership with Netflix sparked debate from the very beginning, many in the industry see the split as inevitable, particularly in an increasingly competitive streaming market where big-name deals are scrutinised for value.
“It was a bold bet that paid off initially,” one media analyst commented. “But you can’t keep signing nine-figure cheques if the content isn’t delivering long-term numbers.”
The decision comes at a time of transition for both parties. Netflix continues to double down on proven franchises and reality hits, while the Sussexes appear to be pivoting toward other opportunities, including Harry’s ongoing charitable work and Meghan’s lifestyle ventures.
Neither Archewell nor Netflix has issued a formal statement yet, but observers say that this quiet, amicable exit is in keeping with how the couple has chosen to handle some of their other business moves.
As the September expiration date approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see what Harry and Meghan do next, and whether they can reinvent their brand yet again.
