Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Netflix's 'Expensive Failure': The Downfall of Harry and Meghan’s $100M Deal

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to be 'absolutely over the moon' with their new Netflix deal

MEGHAN AND HARRY'S NETFLIX DEAL UNDER FIRE: "EXPENSIVE FAILURE" CLAIMS SPIN INTO NEW CONTRACT

In a bombshell revelation, it has been revealed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Netflix deal has been deemed an "expensive failure" by insiders. The couple, who announced their new multi-year contract with the streaming giant yesterday, are said to be secretly ecstatic about the news - but behind the scenes, tensions between them and Netflix have come to a head.

According to sources close to the matter, Netflix executives were left reeling when they discovered that Harry's bestselling memoir "Spare" was set for release in January 2023, mere months after the company had invested heavily in a docu-series about the duke. The book's release date reportedly caught them off guard, and many felt it undercut the exclusive nature of their show.

Meghan said in a statement that she and Harry are 'proud' and 'inspired' to extend their 'creative partnership' - but experts have said  their relationship has been 'downgraded' because it is a 'first look' deal - meaning Netflix will have first refusal on Sussex projects but is not compelled to make them.

The news comes as a major blow to Meghan and Harry's reputation as Netflix powerhouses. Their original deal, worth a reported $100million (£74million), was hailed as one of the most lucrative in TV history when it was announced in 2020. However, since then, the couple has failed to deliver on their promise of "inspirational family programming" in documentaries, docu-series, films, scripted shows, and children's television.

In fact, sources claim that Archewell Productions, Meghan and Harry's media company, has only managed to produce a handful of low-key projects since signing the deal. Their animated show, Pearl, was cancelled in 2022 after just one season, and their film adaptation of romantic novel Meet Me At The Lake is reportedly still in limbo.

But despite these setbacks, Netflix has signed on for another multi-year contract with the couple - albeit at a significantly reduced rate. Insiders claim that the new deal is worth far less than the original agreement, with some estimating it to be as little as 20% of the original value.

"Harry and Meghan have been given a reprieve," says PR expert Mark Borkowski. "But this is not a carte blanche deal - Netflix has taken control back. They've basically said, 'We'll pick and choose what projects we want to fund.'"

Borkowski believes that the couple's new contract will be more akin to a "pay-as-you-go" arrangement, where they'll receive payment for each individual project selected by Netflix rather than an overall fee. And with no obligation on the part of the streaming giant to bankroll every semi-royal whim, it seems like Meghan and Harry have been forced to swallow their pride - or at least scale back their ambitions.

So what does this mean for fans of the Sussexes? For starters, you can expect more "With Love, Meghan" lifestyle shows (the latest season drops later this month), as well as a Christmas special in December. But don't hold your breath for any major film or television projects - at least not just yet.

The couple's new output will include a second season of the Duchess's 'With Love, Meghan' lifestyle show later this month, as well as a Christmas special in December

According to sources, Archewell Productions is actively working on several new projects with Netflix, including "Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within", a documentary about orphaned children in Uganda. However, these endeavors are expected to be smaller-scale and less expensive than the couple's previous efforts.

"It's time for them to rein it in," says Borkowski. "They've had their moment in the sun - now they need to deliver on Netflix's terms."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have yet to comment publicly on the new contract, but sources close to the couple claim that they're thrilled with the arrangement.

"We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand," Meghan said in a statement. "We're excited to continue our creative journey with them."

Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria echoed these sentiments, adding: "We're excited to continue our partnership with Harry and Meghan. Their unique perspectives and storytelling abilities are a valuable asset to our platform."

But for how long? Only time will tell if the couple can regain their Netflix mojo or whether they'll be relegated to the streaming giant's backburner.

MEGHAN AND HARRY'S NETFLIX DEAL: A TIMELINE OF EVENTS

  • 2020: Meghan and Harry announce a multi-year contract with Netflix worth $100million (£74million).
  • 2022: Archewell Productions' animated show, Pearl, is cancelled after just one season.
  • January 2023: Harry's memoir "Spare" is released to critical acclaim - but reportedly catches Netflix executives off guard.
  • August 2023: Meghan and Harry announce plans to adapt romantic novel Meet Me At The Lake into a film.
  • September 2023: Sources claim that the couple has yet to hire a director or cast for the film adaptation.
  • Yesterday: Meghan and Harry announce a new multi-year contract with Netflix - reportedly worth significantly less than their original deal.

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)
  • Archewell Productions
  • Netflix

Note: This article is based on publicly available information and should not be taken as factual unless explicitly verified by the parties involved.