Meghan & Harry Beat the Odds — Land New Netflix Deal Despite Flops and Criticism

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have pulled off what many thought was impossible — renewing their partnership with Netflix in a move that silences months of speculation about their Hollywood future.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex inked a new multi-year “first look” deal with the streaming giant, which also includes a commitment to Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.

The agreement is smaller than the 2020 blockbuster deal that brought the hit docuseries Harry & Meghan, but in today’s ruthless streaming climate, it’s a win.

“A Downgrade — But Still a Victory”

Industry insiders told The Hollywood Reporter the arrangement is “in practice, a downgrade.” The couple’s previous deal was reportedly worth around $100 million, though exact figures were never confirmed.

Still, the renewal comes after two high-profile flops — Meghan’s With Love, Meghan cooking series, widely panned by critics, and Harry’s polo documentary, which failed to score with viewers.

Critics had predicted Netflix would cut them loose entirely. Instead, the streamer is doubling down on select projects, including a holiday special for With Love, Meghan and a new short documentary, Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within, filmed in Uganda.

Netflix Plays Favorites

The deal mirrors the type of “first look” arrangement the Obamas enjoy, allowing the Sussexes to pitch new projects directly to Netflix before shopping them elsewhere.

“They’re still influential voices with a global reach,” Netflix content chief Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “Their work resonates with audiences everywhere.”

What’s Next for the Sussexes

The couple confirmed they’re developing an adaptation of Meet Me at the Lake, the bestselling romance novel by Carley Fortune — a project that had been circulating in Hollywood rumor mills for months.

Netflix will also continue to collaborate with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, with new products set to launch later this year.

In a statement Monday, Meghan said she was “proud to extend” the partnership, adding, “This work is about storytelling that connects people — and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Past Success Still Counts

The Sussexes’ first major Netflix project, Harry & Meghan, premiered in December 2022 and quickly became the platform’s fifth most-watched documentary series of all time.

Entertainment analyst Rob Shuter told us, “In this business, you’re only as good as your last hit. Harry and Meghan haven’t delivered on every project, but the numbers on their documentary give them clout Netflix can’t ignore.”

Fighting Off the Naysayers

The timing of the renewal is striking. Major names in Hollywood have lost their deals as streamers slash budgets and shift strategies.

“This proves they’re still valuable in the marketplace,” Shuter said. “You don’t get a second shot like this unless you bring something unique to the table.”

For the Sussexes, that “something” is a brand that, despite relentless media criticism, continues to spark global headlines and command an audience.

Whether the new slate of projects will match the hype — or the streaming numbers — remains to be seen. But for now, Meghan and Harry have done what many thought they couldn’t: stayed in the game.