Harry and Meghan's Downgrade Deal: From Netflix Gold to Prosecco-Level Partnerships

Meghan and Harry's Netflix Deal: A Downgrade from Royalty to Relic?

In a shocking move, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have traded their luxurious royal status for a more modest multi-year deal with Netflix. The couple has signed a "first-look" agreement, which means Netflix gets exclusive dibs on new film and TV projects before anyone else, but there's no guarantee of funding or greenlighting.

Sources close to the deal reveal that Harry and Meghan's previous contract, rumored to be worth $100 million (£74 million), was a thing of the past. The new agreement is significantly less lucrative, reflecting Netflix's desire to cut costs and trim fat in an industry experiencing significant changes.

The Sussexes' new output will include a second season of Meghan's lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan," which debuted last month to underwhelming reviews. According to Netflix's rankings, the show landed at a disappointing 383rd place, with only 5.3 million viewers worldwide since its release in March. Compare this to their previous documentary series, "Harry & Meghan," which garnered a staggering 23.4 million views in just four days and topped the English Top 10 TV list in 85 countries.

Despite these lackluster numbers, Netflix seems eager to keep the couple on board, possibly due to their continued popularity among fans. As Ever, Meghan's lifestyle brand, has seen record sales for its products, including cookie mix, herb tea, flower sprinkles, and jams – and even launched a new Napa Valley rosé wine last Friday.

In a statement, Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: "Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere... We're excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and entertain our members together."

However, some insiders believe that Netflix is merely trying to keep the couple on a tight leash. Mark Borkowski, a leading publicist, quipped: "They've shot the golden goose of 2020 – more of a 'we'll call you' than 'here's the chequebook.' It's a first-look deal, which means Netflix gets first dibs but no obligation to bankroll every semi-royal whim."

Brand and culture expert Nick Ede added: "Netflix knows that with Meghan and Harry there will always be interest, so they won't want to lose them to a rival streamer. This is a good way of keeping them as part of the Netflix family but not spending as much as they did previously."

The Sussexes' new deal also includes an adaptation of romantic novel "Meet Me At The Lake," which has been in active development with Netflix since 2022. Meanwhile, their documentary project "Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within" will shed light on the challenges faced by orphaned children in Uganda.

Meghan's Archetypes series about female stereotypes was part of their previous multi-million-pound deal with Spotify, which ended after just one season. Her new podcast series "Confessions Of A Female Founder," launched last month with Lemonada Media, has been well-received – but will it be enough to salvage the couple's dwindling reputation?

The Netflix insider who claimed Harry and Meghan's hopes of a new deal were "dead" last month seems to have underestimated the streaming giant's determination to keep the couple on board. As the curtains close on their previous contract, it remains to be seen whether this new partnership will prove more fruitful for both parties.

In a statement, the Duchess expressed her enthusiasm for the extension: "We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand. My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision."

As for Harry and Meghan's future in the entertainment industry, only time will tell if this new partnership will revitalize their flagging reputation or mark a further decline from royalty to relic.