Netflix significantly reduces deal with Harry and Meghan following the Duke's alleged dissatisfaction of executives due to an undercutting maneuver, with the couple perceived as an expensive failure
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have renewed their partnership with Netflix, extending their deal to produce a variety of content for the streaming giant. The new agreement, announced on August 11, 2025, focuses on documentaries, feature films, scripted series, and children’s programming, under their own production company, Archewell Productions.
However, sources close to the situation have suggested that the new deal is not as lucrative as initially hoped. The agreement, reportedly worth around $100 million, is described as a "first look deal" or "first refusal deal," meaning any ideas they have must be presented to Netflix first. This renewed partnership follows their initial deal, signed in 2020, which was also worth $100 million.
Despite the perceived downgrade in the deal, both Archewell and Netflix spokeswomen have denied any tension between the two companies. Meghan Markle made a statement about the deal, expressing inspiration from their partners and the Archewell Productions team.
The couple has already released five projects through Archewell Productions: Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus, Polo, Live to Lead, and With Love, Meghan. However, the animated series created by the production company Pearl was canceled in 2022, and an adaptation of Meet Meghan at the Lake by Carley Fortune, announced in 2023, has yet to secure a writer or director.
The move of releasing Harry's memoir Spare on Jan. 10, two weeks after the last episode of their documentary series Harry & Meghan, reportedly upset some Netflix executives. The alleged disagreements between Netflix and Prince Harry led to speculation about the reduced value of the new deal.
Despite these challenges, the couple remains committed to using their platform to create meaningful and impactful content. The new deal, while not as lucrative as initially hoped, is still a significant opportunity for Archewell Productions to continue their work in entertainment and storytelling.
- The new deal between Archewell Productions and Netflix, though not as lucrative as initially anticipated, presents a substantial opportunity for both parties to continue their involvement in pop-culture and celebrity lifestyle, particularly in the realms of entertainment and style.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's commitment to their production company, Archewell Productions, is evident in their efforts to produce a diverse array of content, encompassing documentaries, feature films, scripted series, children’s programming, and even a memoir from Harry himself.
- As pop-culture icons, Harry and Meghan's lifestyle and choices have been scrutinized, with controversies such as the delayed release of the animation series Pearl and the alleged disagreements with Netflix executives adding to the ongoing dynamic of their celebrity status within the entertainment industry.
