After nearly four years of mixed success and unmet expectations, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s \$100 million Netflix deal is set to expire this September without renewal—marking a sobering end to their once-promising media venture and raising fresh doubts about the future of their post-royal brand.
In a move that’s stirring fresh questions about the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s post-royal media empire, their headline-making \$100 million deal with Netflix is reportedly coming to a quiet end this September—and it won’t be renewed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed the multi-year contract with the streaming giant in September 2020, just months after officially stepping back from their royal duties and relocating to California.
At the time, the partnership was hailed as a groundbreaking venture, promising documentaries, docuseries, scripted shows, and children’s programming under their Archewell Productions banner.
Yet nearly four years later, only a handful of projects have seen the light of day, and insiders say Netflix has decided not to extend the agreement.
The contract was one of the most high-profile and lucrative deals secured by the couple after their royal exit, signaling their ambition to craft a new identity outside the monarchy.
However, while their debut documentary, *Harry & Meghan,* smashed viewership records for Netflix’s nonfiction programming in December 2022—racking up over 81 million viewing hours in its first week—it was followed by a noticeable lull.
Since then, output from the Archewell-Netflix partnership has been sparse. One of the most notable projects was *Heart of Invictus*, a documentary chronicling the Invictus Games, a cause close to Prince Harry’s heart as its founder.
While it was praised by fans, it failed to generate the same buzz or viewership as their earlier series. Rumors of creative differences and misalignment of expectations between the Sussexes and Netflix executives have simmered for over a year.
Behind the scenes, industry observers have noted that Meghan and Harry’s brand has faced challenges in maintaining momentum. In 2023, Spotify parted ways with the couple after just one season of Meghan’s *Archetypes* podcast.
That partnership, also estimated in the tens of millions, ended quietly—amid reported dissatisfaction on both sides over the pace and scope of content delivery.
“The initial excitement was huge, but over time, it became clear there was a mismatch between what was promised and what was delivered,” said one insider familiar with the media negotiations.
“Netflix invested a lot in this deal. They were hoping for more consistency—and more hits.”
In public, the couple has remained relatively silent on the matter. Their Archewell Foundation continues to operate with various philanthropic projects, and both have appeared at high-profile events, including Harry’s book release for *Spare* in early 2023.
and Meghan’s recent venture into lifestyle branding with the launch of American Riviera Orchard, a wellness and home goods company based out of Montecito.
Some observers suggest that the end of the Netflix deal could be an intentional pivot. “They may be looking to regain more creative control and avoid being tied down by large corporate contracts,” one royal commentator speculated.
“Meghan, in particular, seems to be eyeing a rebrand focused more on business, lifestyle, and her own voice—rather than shared projects or royal retrospectives.”
Despite the mixed results of their media endeavors, the couple’s influence and name recognition remain powerful.
The *Harry & Meghan* docuseries was one of Netflix’s most-watched documentaries in 2022, and Prince Harry’s memoir *Spare* became the fastest-selling nonfiction book in UK history upon its release.
Still, the couple faces the constant balancing act of maintaining relevance without relying too heavily on royal nostalgia—something critics have accused them of doing repeatedly.
For Netflix, the decision may also reflect broader changes in its strategy. The platform has been tightening budgets and reducing content spending in certain areas, especially as it shifts focus toward more cost-effective, high-performing formats.
Celebrity-driven content, unless it guarantees blockbuster numbers, may no longer justify the premium price tags.
As the September expiration date approaches, there’s been no official statement from either Netflix or Archewell Productions regarding the future of their collaboration.
But the writing seems to be on the wall: one of Hollywood’s most talked-about media marriages is coming to a close.
Whether the Duke and Duchess will strike another splashy deal elsewhere or chart a new, quieter course remains to be seen. For now, the world will be watching—curious to see whether the Sussexes can redefine their brand once again, this time without the streaming spotlight.
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