Netflix’s Royal Dilemma: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Deal at Risk After Expensive Flop
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ventured into the world of entertainment with a lucrative deal with Netflix shortly after their move to the United States and their decision to step down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020.
However, the future of this partnership is now in question, and according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, it could face an early termination, potentially coinciding with the release of season six of the popular Netflix series, “The Crown.”
According to a report by GB News on Thursday, 21 September 2023, “The Crown,” which first premiered in 2016 with Claire Foy and Matt Smith portraying Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, is set to conclude with its sixth season.
This final installment will delve into the events surrounding the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the early romance between Prince William and Princess Kate during their university years.
The success of “The Crown” has been closely linked to a growing interest in the younger generation of royals over the past few years. However, concerns arise that once the series concludes, this curiosity may wane.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s collaboration with Netflix has seen both hits and misses.
Their first project, the documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” achieved considerable streaming success. In contrast, “Harry’s Heart of Invictus” struggled to garner the same viewership and is poised to be considered an expensive disappointment for Netflix.
Additionally, Meghan’s animated series, “Pearl,” faced cancellation due to budget constraints.
Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly have two more years to fulfill their content production obligations under the Netflix contract, Richard Fitzwilliams believes an early termination is plausible.
Fitzwilliams stated, “There is no doubt that the termination of their contract with Spotify was a blow for the Sussexes. Their Netflix contract, worth $100 million (£80.7 million), does not expire until 2025, but once the last series of ‘The Crown’ has aired, the streaming giant may have less use for them.”
The fate of their Netflix deal may also hinge on their adaptation of the romantic novel, “Meet Me at the Lake.” Fitzwilliams highlighted that Harry’s recent docuseries for Netflix, “Heart of Invictus,” fell short of expectations, potentially due to its lengthy five-hour duration.
If Netflix were to sever ties with Meghan and Harry, it would not be the first streaming platform to end its contract with the royal couple prematurely. Spotify terminated the Sussexes’ contracts after just one season of Meghan’s podcast series, “Archetypes,” which led to criticism and labeling them as “grifters” by one of the platform’s executives.
The uncertainty surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s future in the entertainment industry underscores the challenges faced by high-profile figures transitioning into new roles and expectations.
It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment world, where success is not guaranteed, even for renowned personalities. As their journey with Netflix unfolds, it remains to be seen whether their collaboration will continue to thrive or face early closure in an ever-evolving industry.