Netflix's agreement with the Sussexes is perceived by some as a downgrade, yet the corporation continues to view them as a formidable power duo.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently renewed their deal with streaming giant Netflix, marking a significant shift in their media ventures. This renewed agreement, however, is not a demotion from their original deal signed in 2020, but rather a reduced "first-look" arrangement that provides more flexibility for the couple's media company, Archewell Productions.
The original deal, reportedly worth $100 million, was an ambitious multi-year exclusive commitment. However, Netflix has scaled back its relationship with the Sussexes, choosing not to renew their overall production deal when it expires in September 2025. This move reflects a strategic shift at Netflix and possibly viewership trends, as the lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" ranked relatively low in Netflix's 2025 engagement report.
Under the new deal, Netflix will have the right to review and approve projects first but does not guarantee exclusivity, providing Harry and Meghan more flexibility but likely less guaranteed income compared to their initial exclusive deal. The exact financial details of the new deal have not been disclosed, but it is believed to include significant monetary incentives for each approved project.
It's worth noting that Netflix continues to view Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as a power couple who attract significant attention. The couple's recent deal renewal has attracted attention due to ongoing interest in how they are making money since stepping away from royal life.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are delighted about renewing their deal with Netflix, with sources describing their excitement as "absolutely over the moon." In a recent move, Meghan Markle shared a video of her trip to Disneyland with Prince Harry and their children Archie and Lilibet, as well as a video of her and Harry dancing before she gave birth to Lilibet, to celebrate her daughter's 4th birthday.
While the exact financial details of both deals are not clear, it's important to note that the couple also pursues separate income streams, such as Meghan’s “As Ever” lifestyle brand, podcast projects, and speaking engagements, which are outside the Netflix agreements.
This information comes from official Netflix announcements and reputable media reports as of August 2025. The Obamas' first look deal with Netflix included Netflix agreeing to pay for their production company's operational costs, but it is unclear whether Netflix may be covering the operational costs for Archewell Productions under the new deal. Some have argued that a "first look deal" looks like a demotion from what they previously signed up to, but with project-by-project negotiation, the couple may still secure substantial earnings.
Despite the reduction in their overall agreement with Netflix, the new deal, while providing less guaranteed income, still offers Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the opportunity to work on various projects and maintains their status as a sought-after couple in the entertainment industry. The strategic shift at Netflix, along with the relatively low engagement of their lifestyle series, might indicate a need for celebrities like Harry and Meghan to diversify their income sources and explore other ventures in entertainment, such as podcasts or brand initiatives.
