Netflix deal for the Sussexes faces worsened conditions - Sussexes Prolong Netflix Contract Under Less Favorable Conditions
In a significant move, the extended partnership between Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry's Archewell Productions and Netflix is now a multi-year "First Look" deal. This new agreement, announced in August 2025, grants Netflix the right of first refusal on film and television projects from Archewell, but allows the couple to pitch projects to other companies if Netflix passes on them [1][2][3].
Key details of the new deal include:
- The agreement covers all Archewell film and TV projects, including scripted series, documentaries, and specials [2][3].
- The deal includes the upcoming second season of the lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, a holiday special, and new projects under their "As Ever" brand [2][3].
- Archewell is continuing to develop documentary and short film projects, such as the upcoming short documentary Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, about Ugandan children overcoming hardship through dance [4].
- They are also working on a feature film adaptation of the romance novel Meet Me at the Lake acquired by Archewell in 2023, though details on production remain sparse [3][4].
This transition to a first-look deal mirrors a broader Netflix strategy seen recently with other creators like the Obamas’ Higher Ground production company [3]. This arrangement gives Meghan and Harry more flexibility while maintaining a strong ongoing partnership with Netflix [1][3].
The original 2020 deal, reportedly worth around $100 million, granted Netflix exclusive rights to Archewell’s film and TV content. The new deal shifts to a less exclusive but still multi-year partnership, signifying both the strength of the relationship and strategic changes on Netflix’s part [1][3].
Duchess Meghan's Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, saw its "As ever" products sell out in record time. Meghan stated that they feel inspired by their partners to create content in various genres [5].
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, praises the influence and resonance of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's content. However, some reports suggest that not all Archewell formats have performed as well as "Harry & Meghan" in recent months and years [6].
Contrary to some reports, the extended deal does not mean the couple's exit from Netflix. In fact, the partnership is set to continue in some form [7]. The Archewell "Polo" series, which launched in December 2024, fared even worse, with only about 500,000 views and ranking 3436th [8].
Despite the mixed performance of some Archewell productions, Netflix will likely be the first to show a film or series by the Sussexes. If Netflix isn't interested, Archewell Productions will have to find a film distributor or another streaming service [9].
References: [1] The Hollywood Reporter, "Netflix Extends Deal with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Productions", 2025 [2] Variety, "Netflix and Archewell Productions Extend Multi-Year First-Look Deal", 2025 [3] Deadline, "Netflix Extends Multi-Year First-Look Deal with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Productions", 2025 [4] The Wrap, "Archewell Productions Developing Short Documentary About Ugandan Children Overcoming Hardship", 2025 [5] People, "Meghan Markle Talks About Her Inspiration for Future Projects", 2025 [6] The Sun, "Netflix's Archewell Deal: What's the Catch?", 2025 [7] US Weekly, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Netflix Deal: What's Really Going On?", 2025 [8] The New York Times, "Netflix's Archewell Deal: A Mixed Bag", 2025 [9] The Guardian, "Netflix to Remain First Choice for Harry and Meghan's Content", 2025
In the rapidly evolving world of entertainment, the extended partnership between the Sussexes, Prince Harry and Princess Meghan, and Netflix is a testament to the convergence of celebrities and pop-culture, as they delve deeper into the realm of television and film production with their Archewell Productions. This unique relationship, marked by a first-look deal, underscores the influence and resonance of their content in the broader landscape of pop-culture.
