In a twist that has left Hollywood reeling, Netflix appears to have pulled the plug on its high-profile partnership with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, with their $100 million contract reportedly nearing its end in 2025. The announcement of a second season for Meghan’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, was initially met with fanfare, but recent developments suggest the renewal may be a last-ditch effort to salvage a faltering deal. Sources close to the situation claim the show’s underwhelming performance, coupled with internal tensions and public backlash, has led Netflix to reconsider its investment in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. As the streaming giant navigates a critical juncture, what went wrong with Meghan’s Netflix venture, and what does this mean for her Hollywood ambitions?
The Rise and Fall of a Mega-Deal
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed a multi-year, $100 million contract with Netflix in September 2020, it was hailed as a game-changer. Fresh off their departure from royal duties, the couple’s Archewell Productions promised to deliver “powerful storytelling” through documentaries, scripted series, and more. Their first major project, the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, was a global sensation, racking up 97.7 million hours watched in its first week and becoming one of Netflix’s most-viewed documentaries. The series offered an intimate look at their royal exit, resonating with audiences curious about their post-Megxit life.
However, subsequent projects failed to replicate this success. Heart of Invictus (2023), a documentary about Harry’s Invictus Games, and Polo (2024), a Harry-led series about professional polo players, were criticized for being niche and unrelatable, with Polo drawing particular scorn for its “pompous” tone. Meghan’s solo venture, With Love, Meghan, launched on March 4, 2025, aimed to showcase her lifestyle expertise through cooking, gardening, and hosting tips. Featuring celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling and Chrissy Teigen, the eight-episode series landed at No. 7 in the UK and US Netflix Top 10 but garnered only 12.6 million hours watched in its first six days—a fraction of Harry & Meghan’s viewership. Critics panned it as “toe-curling” and “narcissistic,” while some fans praised its warmth and authenticity.
The announcement of a second season, already filmed and set to air later in 2025, initially suggested Netflix’s confidence in Meghan. However, industry insiders paint a different picture, claiming the renewal is merely Netflix fulfilling contractual obligations rather than a vote of faith. Posts on X, such as one from @MurkyMegPodcast, assert that Netflix has not renewed the Sussexes’ contract despite the Season 2 announcement, with bosses “worried” about the show’s “dire reviews.” This sentiment aligns with reports that Netflix is weighing whether the couple can deliver “value for money” as their five-year deal nears its end.
Behind the Scenes: Tensions and “Drama”
The collapse of Meghan’s Netflix partnership isn’t just about viewership numbers. Reports of internal strife have surfaced, with Netflix staff reportedly frustrated by the “drama” of working with the Duchess. An April 2025 article noted that employees involved in With Love, Meghan were “already over it,” citing Meghan’s demanding approach and the show’s polarizing reception. One insider, quoted in a March 2025 report, claimed Netflix executives are “completely ignoring” Meghan, with “patience wearing thin” as her projects fail to generate the expected buzz. These tensions echo the fallout from her Spotify deal, which ended in 2023 after allegations of bullying and underperformance on her Archetypes podcast.
Meghan’s public response has been defiant. In an April 2025 interview with The New York Times, she defended her work ethic, stating, “I need to work, and I love to work,” and framed With Love, Meghan as a natural extension of her pre-royal lifestyle blog, The Tig. She also addressed criticism by sending handwritten notes to supporters, such as influencer Amanda Hirsch, in a bid to counter negative narratives. Yet, her efforts have been overshadowed by high-profile critiques, including from comedians like Whitney Cummings, who called the show a “f*** you” to the Royal Family, and even her estranged father, Thomas Markle, who branded her “inauthentic.”
The Season 2 Mirage: A Contractual Obligation?
The announcement of With Love, Meghan Season 2, made via Meghan’s new Instagram account, was met with skepticism. Industry voices, including journalist Marina Hyde on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, suggested Netflix is unlikely to renew the Sussexes’ contract but may “keep a vague hand in” for future opportunities, such as a potential “divorce interview” should the couple split. This theory, while speculative, gained traction after Harry publicly refuted divorce rumors in December 2024. Posts on X, like one from @StephanieSidley, claimed Season 2 is merely “cutting room floor footage” from the first season, with Netflix aiming for a “fast exit” after fulfilling its obligations.
The show’s performance metrics bolster this narrative. While With Love, Meghan generated $10 million in media exposure for Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, its viewership—526,000 households in the first five days—paled compared to Netflix’s top performers. The decision to delay the premiere from January to March 2025, citing Los Angeles wildfires, was seen by some as a strategic move to buy time amid backlash to the trailer, which faced criticism for its polished, unrelatable tone. X users like @storiesbyjemay speculated that Netflix’s board was “pissed off” by Meghan’s handling of the trailer’s poor reception, casting doubt on her long-term viability.
The As Ever Connection: A Brand in Crisis
Meghan’s Netflix show was closely tied to her lifestyle brand, initially launched as American Riviera Orchard in 2024 but rebranded as As Ever in 2025 due to trademark issues. The brand, offering products like jams, pancake mixes, and peppermint tea, debuted alongside the Netflix series, leveraging Meghan’s on-screen presence to drive sales. Netflix even allocated space for As Ever products in its new stores at the King of Prussia Mall and Dallas Galleria. However, the brand faced challenges, including confusion with a small clothing company also named As Ever and mockery from outlets like Have I Got News For You, which ridiculed Meghan’s “middleman for jars of jam” persona.
Despite generating significant media exposure, As Ever’s launch was marred by criticism of its high price points and limited product range. The brand’s website, stating only “Spring 2025” for its full collection, left consumers frustrated, and Meghan’s pivot to a new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, in April 2025 was seen as an attempt to diversify her portfolio amid Netflix uncertainty. The podcast, following the collapse of her Spotify deal, underscores her determination to maintain a media presence, but its success remains uncertain given the lukewarm response to her recent ventures.
Why Netflix May Be Done
Several factors have contributed to Netflix’s apparent retreat from the Sussexes. First, their projects have struggled to sustain audience interest. While Harry & Meghan capitalized on royal intrigue, subsequent efforts like Polo and With Love, Meghan failed to resonate, with critics arguing they lack the universal appeal of Netflix’s top shows. A March 2025 report noted that insiders question whether the couple can justify their $100 million price tag, especially as Netflix faces pressure to streamline its content budget.
Second, public perception has played a role. Meghan’s image as a polarizing figure—bolstered by high-profile critiques from comedians, royal commentators, and even her father—has made her a risky investment. The backlash to With Love, Meghan, including accusations of narcissism and inauthenticity, mirrors the challenges faced by her Spotify podcast, where a Vanity Fair report alleged bullying. Social media sentiment, reflected in X posts like @foster__braxton’s claim that Meghan’s “career in Hollywood is finished,” suggests a declining fanbase, with some arguing her appeal is driven by “morbid curiosity” rather than genuine support.
Third, Netflix’s strategic priorities have shifted. The streaming giant, under co-CEO Ted Sarandos, is focusing on high-impact content and cost efficiency. While Sarandos praised Meghan’s cultural influence in a March 2025 interview, calling her “underestimated,” his comments were tempered by reports that Netflix is unlikely to offer a full contract renewal. A rumored documentary about Princess Diana’s death, pitched to mark its 30th anniversary in 2027, could extend the Sussexes’ partnership, but sources suggest it would be a Harry-led project, sidelining Meghan.
What’s Next for Meghan and Netflix?
The collapse of Meghan’s Netflix deal, if confirmed, would mark a significant setback for her Hollywood ambitions. Without the streaming giant’s backing, Archewell Productions faces financial uncertainty, especially after the Spotify fallout. Meghan’s pivot to As Ever and her new podcast suggests a shift toward self-sustaining ventures, but both projects have yet to prove their viability. A March 2025 report indicated that Meghan and Harry are in “crisis talks” over their Netflix deal, with fears that Season 2’s performance could determine their future.
For Netflix, the decision to distance itself from Meghan reflects a broader reassessment of celebrity-driven content. The streaming giant has faced criticism for over-investing in high-profile deals with mixed results, and the Sussexes’ inconsistent track record may have tipped the scales. However, the door isn’t entirely closed. The Diana documentary, if greenlit, could offer a lifeline, capitalizing on Harry’s personal connection to his mother’s legacy. Alternatively, Netflix’s interest in maintaining ties for a potential “divorce interview,” as speculated by Marina Hyde, suggests a pragmatic approach to keeping the Sussexes in reserve for future opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity and Streaming
The With Love, Meghan saga underscores the challenges of celebrity-driven content in the streaming era. While Meghan’s star power drove initial interest, her inability to sustain audience engagement highlights the risks of banking on fame without consistent quality. The backlash, amplified by social media, reflects broader tensions in celebrity culture, where public scrutiny can overshadow creative output. For Meghan, the Netflix fallout is a test of resilience, forcing her to redefine her brand in a competitive market.
Fans of the Duchess remain optimistic, pointing to her work ethic and loyal following. Longtime supporters, cited in a March 2025 USA Today article, view With Love, Meghan as an extension of her authentic self, and her Instagram relaunch has garnered positive engagement. Yet, the scale of negativity, as noted by an insider in a March 2025 Geo.tv report, has been “shocking” to Meghan and Harry, underscoring the uphill battle they face.
Conclusion: A Hollywood Dream Deferred
Netflix’s apparent decision to end its contract with Meghan Markle marks a pivotal moment for the Duchess of Sussex. The collapse of With Love, Meghan Season 2’s promise, driven by lackluster viewership, internal drama, and public backlash, has cast doubt on her ability to carry a major streaming deal. While the second season may air, it feels more like a contractual formality than a vote of confidence. As Meghan navigates this setback, her next moves—with As Ever, her podcast, and potential new partnerships—will determine whether she can reclaim her Hollywood foothold.
For Netflix, the saga is a cautionary tale about the limits of celebrity allure. The Sussexes’ journey, from royal rebels to embattled producers, reflects the volatile nature of fame in the streaming age. Whether Meghan can rise above this controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: her Netflix dream, once a beacon of possibility, is now a stark reminder of the industry’s unforgiving spotlight.
