After five and a half years at Netflix, questions are mounting over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s future with the streaming giant. The couple’s production company, Archewell Productions, has had difficulty delivering the kind of content that audiences binge, despite initial high expectations.
Launched in 2020, Archewell was intended to produce scripted and unscripted films and series for all audiences. In recent months, however, it has largely become a vehicle for Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Netflix’s recent decision to divest from the venture, which it initially funded, has intensified speculation about the state of the Sussexes’ relationship with the streamer.
Sources familiar with Netflix say the company has grown frustrated with the couple’s repeated retelling of their departure from royal life. Ratings for shows such as ‘With Love, Meghan’ have been modest, prompting concerns over the profitability of e-commerce tie-ins. Some insiders also criticised Archewell for what they describe as inconsistent communication.
Despite reports of tension, Netflix officials have defended the partnership. Chief content officer Bela Bajaria said Archewell has been a “thoughtful and collaborative partner” and praised Meghan and Harry’s global perspective. Netflix also notes that the couple are close neighbours of executives Ted Sarandos and Nicole Avant in Montecito, California.
The Sussexes’ move to Hollywood coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic. They negotiated deals with multiple studios, ultimately signing a five-year exclusive arrangement with Netflix reportedly worth around $60 million. The contract initially centred on a docuseries documenting their transition from royal life.
Challenges arose when the couple participated in the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, revealing intimate details about their lives. Sources say Netflix executives were frustrated by the late notice, though the interview drew 17.1 million viewers in the US.
Shortly afterwards, the release of Prince Harry’s memoir ‘Spare’ further complicated timing for Netflix’s docuseries.
Scripted projects have been particularly slow to develop. A planned animated series, ‘Pearl’, and other feature projects stalled, and the couple have not released a single scripted production in nearly six years.
Meanwhile, Meghan has focused on building her lifestyle brand ‘As Ever’, sometimes incorporating it into Netflix content.
At the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Archewell premiered the documentary ‘Cookie Queens’, but securing distribution proved difficult. Netflix and the Sussexes have since shifted to a first-look deal, reducing exclusivity while allowing both parties to explore alternative projects.
Insiders note that the couple’s approach to creative collaboration has occasionally caused friction. Meghan has been described as highly hands-on, sometimes overshadowing Prince Harry in meetings.
Representatives for the Sussexes deny these claims and stress that Meghan balances professional commitments with parenting responsibilities.
Consumer response to With Love, Meghan and As Ever products has been mixed. While the initial launch sold out quickly, subsequent batches underperformed, leading Netflix to scale back its involvement. Archewell has recently brought in brand consultant Devin Pedzwater to revamp the strategy.
The Sussexes currently have two scripted projects in development at Netflix: a film adaptation of ‘The Wedding Date’ and a movie based on Carley Fortune’s ‘Meet Me at the Lake’. Meghan has also suggested exploring shorter, bite-size content such as recipe clips.
After years of ups and downs, it remains unclear whether the couple can achieve the Hollywood success they envisioned. Sources suggest Netflix is taking a cautious approach, while Archewell continues to experiment with content and brand initiatives.
