Meghan Markle’s Hollywood Struggles: Netflix Flops and Industry Backlash

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is facing a pivotal moment in her post-royal career as Hollywood’s patience with her appears to be wearing thin. Reports of underwhelming Netflix projects, coupled with whispers of frustration from industry insiders, have painted a picture of a star struggling to maintain her footing in a cutthroat entertainment landscape. The latest blow came in May 2025, when sources claimed Netflix, once a key partner in Meghan and Prince Harry’s media empire, is reevaluating their $100 million deal after a series of flops. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with speculation, with some declaring Meghan “screwed” as her Hollywood dreams falter. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the challenges Meghan faces, the factors behind her declining industry support, and what this means for her future.

From Royalty to Hollywood: A Rocky Transition

When Meghan and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, they set their sights on building a media empire through their production company, Archewell. Their move to Montecito, California, was accompanied by high-profile deals, including a multi-year agreement with Netflix signed in September 2020, valued at an estimated $100 million. The deal promised a slate of documentaries, scripted series, and family programming, positioning the couple as global content creators. Their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, which drew 17 million viewers and detailed their royal exit, cemented their status as cultural lightning rods, while their 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, became a streaming hit, garnering 81.6 million hours viewed in its first week.

However, the initial buzz has faded. Meghan’s transition from actress—best known for her role as Rachel Zane on Suits—to producer and public figure has been fraught with challenges. Critics argue that her projects lack the depth or originality needed to sustain long-term success, while her carefully curated public image has drawn accusations of inauthenticity. The Hollywood Reporter noted in early 2025 that Archewell’s output has been “sparse” compared to its ambitious promises, with only a handful of projects materializing five years into their deals. This perception has fueled a growing narrative that Meghan’s star power is waning, leaving her vulnerable in an industry known for its fickleness.

The Netflix Flops: A Turning Point

The crux of Meghan’s current woes lies with Netflix, which reportedly expected a steadier stream of high-impact content from Archewell. The Harry & Meghan docuseries, while a ratings success, polarized audiences, with some praising its candidness and others dismissing it as self-indulgent. A follow-up documentary, Polo, released in April 2025, focused on Harry’s passion for the sport but failed to resonate, earning lackluster viewership and criticism for its niche subject matter. Sources suggest Netflix invested $20 million in Polo, expecting broader appeal, only to see it rank outside the platform’s top 10 globally.

Other Archewell projects have stalled entirely. A scripted series, Pearl, an animated show about a young girl inspired by historical women, was canceled in 2022 before production began. A rumored lifestyle series tied to Meghan’s now-defunct blog, The Tig, and a cooking show have yet to materialize, raising questions about Archewell’s creative direction. In May 2025, posts on X amplified rumors that Netflix executives are “furious” with the couple, with one viral thread claiming the streamer is considering scaling back or terminating their deal. While unverified, these reports align with industry chatter about Archewell’s underperformance.

Meghan’s latest venture, a podcast tentatively titled Authenticity, launched in April 2025 under Archewell Audio, has also struggled. Intended as a follow-up to her 2022-2023 Spotify podcast Archetypes, the new series promised raw conversations with notable figures like Serena Williams and Michelle Obama. However, its debut episode, a solo monologue about Meghan’s personal journey, was panned as overly scripted and failed to crack Spotify’s top charts. The podcast’s high production costs—estimated at $2 million for the first season—have only heightened scrutiny of Meghan’s ability to deliver commercially viable content.

Hollywood’s Growing Fatigue

Beyond Netflix, Meghan faces a broader backlash from Hollywood insiders who reportedly view her as difficult to work with and overly focused on controlling her narrative. Industry sources claim she and Harry demand extensive creative control, which has frustrated collaborators accustomed to more flexible partnerships. A former Netflix producer, speaking anonymously, described Archewell’s process as “micromanaged,” with Meghan often prioritizing personal branding over audience appeal. This perception has led to a cooling of relationships with key players, including talent agencies and production houses that once courted the couple.

Meghan’s public persona has also drawn criticism. Her outspokenness on issues like mental health and gender equity, while admired by supporters, has alienated some industry figures who see her as polarizing. A 2024 X post where she expressed support for a controversial social justice cause sparked a brief boycott campaign, with detractors accusing her of leveraging activism for clout. Meanwhile, her reluctance to engage with critical press—unlike Harry, who has embraced lighter media like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—has fueled perceptions of inaccessibility. One Hollywood agent remarked in a May 2025 industry panel that Meghan’s “royal baggage” makes her a risky investment, as her projects often attract more controversy than profit.

The couple’s lavish lifestyle hasn’t helped. Their $14.6 million Montecito mansion, private jet travel, and high-profile friendships with stars like Oprah and Tyler Perry have drawn accusations of hypocrisy, especially given their advocacy for social causes. A viral X post in April 2025 juxtaposed Meghan’s environmental comments with her carbon-heavy travel, garnering 3 million views and reigniting debates about her authenticity. This public sentiment has trickled into Hollywood, where executives are wary of associating with a figure who divides audiences so sharply.

The Role of Social Media

Social media, particularly X, has amplified Meghan’s struggles, with hashtags like #MeghanMarkle and #NetflixFlop trending in May 2025. Posts range from sympathetic defenses—arguing she’s unfairly targeted as a biracial woman—to gleeful takedowns, with some users declaring Hollywood “officially done” with her. The platform’s unfiltered nature has magnified minor controversies, such as a poorly received Authenticity podcast episode, into major talking points. While Meghan has a loyal fanbase, evidenced by supportive comments on her Instagram, the louder detractors often dominate the conversation, creating a feedback loop that influences industry perceptions.

This dynamic mirrors broader trends in celebrity culture, where social media can make or break a star’s reputation. Meghan’s attempts to control her narrative, such as limiting press access during Archewell projects, have backfired in an era where transparency is valued. Her silence on the Netflix rumors, coupled with Harry’s more conciliatory public appearances, has led some to speculate about tension within Archewell, though no evidence supports this.

Meghan’s Defenders and Resilience

Despite the backlash, Meghan retains a core group of supporters who argue she’s being held to an unfair standard. Fans point to her successful Archetypes podcast, which topped Spotify charts in 2022, and her philanthropy through the Archewell Foundation, which has funded initiatives like mental health resources for youth. Figures like Serena Williams and Ava DuVernay have publicly praised her resilience, with DuVernay calling her “a trailblazer” in a 2025 interview. Supporters also note the systemic challenges faced by women of color in Hollywood, arguing that Meghan’s scrutiny reflects broader biases.

Meghan’s past resilience suggests she’s far from “screwed.” Her Suits role, which ran for seven seasons, showcased her charisma, while her pre-royal blog, The Tig, demonstrated her knack for connecting with audiences. Her 2025 keynote at a Los Angeles women’s leadership summit drew standing ovations, proving she can still command a room. However, rebuilding her Hollywood credibility will require a hit project—whether a compelling Netflix series or a revitalized podcast—that resonates with a broader audience.

What’s Next for Meghan and Archewell?

The future of Meghan’s Netflix deal remains uncertain. Industry analysts suggest the streamer may pivot to smaller, less risky projects with Archewell, such as a documentary on Harry’s Invictus Games, rather than high-budget series. Meghan is reportedly working on new podcast episodes, with plans to feature community leaders to counter criticism of elitism. A potential lifestyle brand, tied to her American Riviera Orchard jam launch in 2024, could also diversify her portfolio, though its slow rollout has raised doubts.

Hollywood’s fatigue with Meghan reflects a broader reassessment of celebrity-driven content. As streaming platforms tighten budgets, stars must deliver measurable results, a challenge Meghan has yet to fully meet. Yet, her global platform and undeniable work ethic make her a formidable contender. The question is whether she can harness her vision into projects that transcend controversy and reconnect with audiences.

The Meghan Markle saga is a case study in the perils of fame in a digital age. Hollywood may be tiring of her, but her story is far from over. As she navigates this turbulent chapter, the world watches—some rooting for her comeback, others for her downfall. Only time will tell which narrative prevails.