Netflix Chooses Not to Renew Contract with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In a significant turn of events, the five-year deal between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and streaming giant Netflix, signed in 2020, is set to expire in September 2025 and will not be renewed, according to multiple sources[1][2][3]. The couple's initial docuseries Harry & Meghan was the platform’s most-watched documentary debut, but subsequent projects have seen significantly lower viewership and less impact[1][2].
The end of this partnership marks a significant blow to the couple, with experts suggesting that their popularity has declined markedly, contributing to Netflix's decision not to renew their contract[1]. Despite this, Meghan’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan will return with new episodes this fall, as it had been renewed separately prior to the announcement of the overall deal ending[2].
As the Sussexes look towards their next ventures, there are no concrete reports that suggest they have secured new deals with other streaming platforms at this time[4]. It is not confirmed whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have entered into a new deal with Paramount+, or if they have received offers from other streaming services, aside from the reported interest from Paramount+[4].
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not commented on the reported lack of viewership for their projects on Netflix, nor have they made any comments regarding the reports of their potential collaboration with Paramount+. It is not clear what kind of project the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might collaborate on with Paramount+, if any collaboration occurs.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back from royal life. Meghan Markle also released a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, on Netflix earlier this year. However, With Love, Meghan famously failed to secure a place in Netflix's biannual report of the top 300 shows[5].
The alleged reason for the contract termination is a lack of viewership, with their latest collaborations failing to generate the expected interest. It was initially thought that both parties would renew the contract, particularly given the upcoming second season of With Love, Meghan. However, recent reports suggest that Netflix will end their contract with the Duke and Duchess from September this year.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are two of the most talked-about people in the world. As they navigate their future in content creation, they will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and spark global interest. For now, the details of their next moves remain uncertain.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/prince-harry-meghan-markle-netflix-deal-not-being-renewed-sources-2023-01-01 [2] https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/01/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-netflix-deal-ending/index.html [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63854183 [4] https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/prince-harry-meghan-markle-netflix-deal-not-being-renewed-1235377616/ [5] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-cancels-meghan-markle-lifestyle-show-with-love-meghan-1235367857/
- The expiring Netflix deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, known for their style and contributions to pop-culture, signals a potential decline in their celebrity status, affecting their future ventures in the realm of entertainment and fashion.
- Despite speculation of a new deal with Paramount+, it remains uncertain what projects the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might pursue, as their next moves in fashion, beauty, and entertainment remain shrouded in mystery.
- Surprisingly, Meghan Markle's lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, failed to make an impact in Netflix's biannual report of the top 300 shows, casting doubt on the couple's ability to captivate audiences and generate interest in their future endeavors within the realm of celebrity, fashion, and entertainment.
