Netflix contract 'final verdict' delivered to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
The five-year Netflix contract with Archewell Productions, the company of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, concluded in September 2025. Amidst much public speculation, a new agreement has been forged. The "final verdict" delivered by the streaming giant wasn't a complete severance of ties but rather a reconfiguration of the partnership, leaving many wondering what the future holds for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Was it a Downsizing for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
While reports initially claimed a non-renewal, fueling rumors that Netflix was parting ways with the couple, that has been clarified. The new contract is a "first-look" deal, which is significantly less exclusive and lucrative than their original agreement. This change has been described by some as a downgrade and, for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, perhaps a humbling shift. However, others have argued that this move is a standard business practice for a streaming service that's moving away from large, multi-year, and exclusive deals.
Under the original agreement, Netflix would fund Archewell Productions and receive exclusive rights to all projects. The new first-look contract means that Netflix gets the first option to purchase any project that Archewell develops, but it does not cover all production overhead. This gives Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and their Archewell production team, more flexibility to approach other platforms should Netflix decline a project. While some have interpreted this as a blow to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, others see it as a mutually beneficial pivot, as stated by Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria.
The Mixed Results of the Archewell Production Projects
The Sussexes' collaboration with Netflix produced mixed results. Their six-part docuseries, Harry & Meghan, was a huge success, becoming one of Netflix's most-watched documentaries. However, subsequent projects did not achieve the same level of fanfare. The docuseries Polo and Heart of Invictus failed to capture a wide audience. In fact, reports stated that the viewership for Polo was "dismal".
Even Meghan's lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, which received a season two extension and a holiday special, did not make it into the top 300 globally in the first half of 2025. This was despite the success of her related lifestyle brand, As Ever, which partnered with Netflix's consumer products division and had a strong sales performance. The difference in reception likely contributed to the eventual "final verdict" on the exclusive contract.
The Future for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
With the exclusive contract behind them, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now operating under a more flexible arrangement. The renewed first-look contract indicates that a working relationship with Netflix remains, but the couple is no longer tied down to one streamer. Upcoming projects include the second season of With Love, Meghan, a holiday special, and a documentary short called Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within. Archewell Productions is also developing a feature film adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake.
The ultimate "final verdict" on their move to Hollywood will not be determined by a single Netflix contract. Instead, it will be shaped by how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate this next phase of their content creation, leveraging their brand while proving their creative value in a competitive media landscape. The couple's resilience and appeal, despite the rollercoaster of public opinion, will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny and commentary, whether through Netflix or another partner.
Netflix contract 'final verdict' delivered to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
