Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ambitious media ventures might be facing another setback. Despite the buzz surrounding Meghan’s forthcoming cooking show and Harry’s polo series, Netflix is reportedly less than optimistic about the potential success of these projects. According to insiders, the streaming giant doesn’t believe these new offerings will resonate with audiences as their earlier blockbuster docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” did.
The couple’s multi-million dollar deal with Netflix, initially seen as a golden opportunity to establish their Archewell production company, is now under scrutiny. Media analysts Matthew Belloni and Lesley Goldberg have labeled the deal as one of the “worst” of Hollywood’s Peak TV era. While “Harry & Meghan” drew significant attention for its candid revelations about the British monarchy, the couple’s subsequent projects, including Meghan’s animated children’s series “Pearl” (which was canceled before production began), have failed to generate similar interest.
The skepticism surrounding the couple’s latest endeavors comes on the heels of another high-profile disappointment. In June 2023, Spotify ended its partnership with Harry and Meghan, citing low output. The streaming service had initially invested $20 million in the couple’s podcast production, but only 12 episodes of Meghan’s “Archetypes” were released.
Industry insiders have raised concerns that Harry and Meghan may be losing their appeal in Hollywood. Reports suggest that the couple’s inexperience and high demands have made them difficult to work with, contributing to their challenges in sustaining momentum in the competitive media landscape.
Despite these setbacks, Harry and Meghan find themselves in the company of other prominent figures who have faced similar struggles. Notable Hollywood names like J.J. Abrams, the creators of “Game of Thrones,” and even Barack and Michelle Obama have experienced underperformance with their own high-profile deals.
As for Meghan’s cooking show, which has reportedly finished filming, its release has been delayed until the spring of 2025. This delay is partly due to issues with the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office, which has flagged irregularities in the trademark applications for her upcoming luxury lifestyle brand, America Riviera Orchard (AOR). The anticipated launch of AOR, which has been promoted by Meghan’s celebrity friends, might also be postponed, further complicating the couple’s efforts to regain their media footing.
While their Netflix deal once symbolized a fresh start, the current outlook raises questions about the future of Harry and Meghan’s media ambitions. With both fans and critics watching closely, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can overcome these challenges and reestablish their presence in the entertainment world.
