Streaming platform Netflix has decided not to renew the production contract signed with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2020, which officially expires in September 2025. The agreement, valued at around $100 million, was celebrated with great expectations after the couple stepped down from their duties as working members of the British royal family.
The decision not to renew was made by consensus between both parties, and no official statement was issued. During these five years of partnership, the Sussexes launched several projects. Among them, the docuseries "Harry & Meghan" stood out, which was a global success after its premiere in 2022, reaching more than 28 million views in its first few days.
However, other content produced under the agreement, such as the lifestyle program "With Love, Meghan" and the sports documentary "Polo," starring Harry, did not achieve the same impact. The former performed modestly with just 5.3 million views, and the latter barely reached half a million, falling far short of the platform's internal expectations. Spokespeople close to Netflix assured that the company believes it obtained reasonable value from the initial deal, but that its current strategy is no longer based on long-term multimillion-dollar contracts, but rather on flexible agreements and specific projects.
This move is part of a general trend in the streaming world, also reflected in Netflix's relationship with other figures such as Barack and Michelle Obama. Although the contract is coming to an end, a second season of "With Love, Meghan" is expected to be released in the fall of 2025, and some links will be maintained through Meghan's personal brand, As Ever, which continues to be associated with consumer products within the platform's ecosystem.
For Harry and Meghan, the end of the deal represents a significant loss, especially financially. Netflix has been one of their main sources of income since their departure from the monarchy, and they must now explore new avenues for financing and public exposure.
As Meghan considers other media and commercial projects, including a possible autobiography, there is speculation that the couple could seek new partnerships with rival platforms or resume independent publishing projects. The end of this agreement marks a significant shift in the couple's strategy and leaves the door open to future creative endeavors outside the Netflix umbrella.
