Is Netflix CRAZY? The Truth About Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s New Deal After a Series of Flops

In a move that has left both industry insiders and royal watchers stunned, Netflix has reportedly entered discussions with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for a fresh production deal — despite a series of high-profile projects from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that failed to deliver the streaming giant’s expected return on investment.

According to multiple sources close to the talks, the proposal is not yet finalized, but early negotiations suggest that Netflix is willing to back the Sussexes with a more modest budget compared to their original 2020 mega-contract, which was estimated at $100 million. The question now dominating entertainment headlines: is Netflix out of its mind, or do they know something the public doesn’t?

A Rocky History with the Streamer

Harry and Meghan’s initial partnership with Netflix began in the heady days following their sensational exit from senior royal duties. The 2020 announcement promised documentaries, docu-series, scripted shows, and children’s programming under their Archewell Productions banner.

The debut of Harry & Meghan, a six-part docu-series chronicling their courtship, royal struggles, and decision to step away, initially generated massive global buzz and drew record viewership in its first week. But the momentum faded quickly, with critics calling the show “over-scripted,” “one-sided,” and “lacking fresh revelations.”

Subsequent projects, such as the 2022 docu-series Live to Lead and Meghan’s 2025 lifestyle program With Love, Meghan, struggled to capture audiences. The latter, featuring cooking segments and garden tours from the couple’s Montecito home, was widely panned as “pleasant but bland,” failing to trend in the platform’s top ten.

Industry analysts claim Netflix did not come close to recouping the enormous advance paid to the Sussexes, leading many to believe the relationship had run its course. The July 2025 announcement that the original deal would not be renewed seemed to confirm that assumption.

So Why the Change of Heart?

Netflix insiders say the potential new deal is “performance-based” — a model where the Sussexes’ pay will depend heavily on viewership numbers and audience engagement. This drastically reduces the financial risk for Netflix while giving Harry and Meghan the chance to rehabilitate their entertainment credibility.

One source familiar with the talks says, “This isn’t about nostalgia or charity. Netflix believes the Sussexes still have untapped potential if they focus on stories beyond their own personal narrative.” Reportedly, the streamer is encouraging them to pitch projects with broader appeal — think investigative documentaries, scripted dramas inspired by historical events, and feature-length specials tied to Harry’s Invictus Games.

Another factor may be the competitive streaming market. With rivals like Amazon Prime and Apple TV+ aggressively courting high-profile talent, Netflix might be making a pre-emptive move to keep the Sussexes from defecting to another platform where they could find their footing.

A Divisive Public Image

The couple’s polarizing public image remains both an asset and a liability. While their critics accuse them of hypocrisy and overexposure, their global name recognition is undeniable. Social media engagement around their brand — whether positive or negative — is still among the highest in the celebrity sphere.

Entertainment marketing consultant Rachel Vance explains, “Netflix doesn’t care if the conversation is love or hate — they just want people talking. The Sussexes are lightning rods for attention. If you can channel that into a binge-worthy show, you have gold.”

Still, others warn that the fatigue factor is real. “There’s only so many times you can tell the same story,” says British cultural commentator Thomas Grey. “If Harry and Meghan want to win back the public, they need to stop centering themselves and start telling other people’s stories — compelling ones.”

Possible Projects on the Table

Rumors swirl about the kinds of productions the Sussexes might deliver under a new deal. Ideas reportedly floated include:

• A high-stakes investigative documentary on global cyberbullying and online misinformation.

• A scripted limited series about a mixed-race royal in 18th-century Europe, blending historical fiction and modern social themes.

• A follow-up Invictus Games documentary highlighting personal stories of competitors from war-torn nations.

If confirmed, such projects would mark a noticeable pivot away from the “tell-all” format that defined their earlier Netflix work.

The Stakes for Both Sides

For Netflix, this is an opportunity to salvage a brand partnership that still carries potential — but only if the Sussexes can reinvent themselves. For Harry and Meghan, it’s a chance to prove they are more than just the sum of their royal exit drama.

The risk is obvious: another flop could cement their reputation in Hollywood as overpaid and under-delivering. But a hit — especially one with global resonance — could silence critics and redefine their place in the entertainment industry.

As one Hollywood producer bluntly put it, “If they blow it this time, it’s over. No streamer, no network is going to hand them a blank check again. But if they succeed, Netflix gets bragging rights for believing in them when everyone else gave up.”

The Verdict?

So, is Netflix crazy? Perhaps. Or perhaps the streaming giant knows that in the unpredictable game of celebrity entertainment, redemption arcs can be as lucrative as downfalls.

If Harry and Meghan can step out of their own royal shadows and deliver stories that speak to a broader audience, this new chapter could be their most surprising yet. But in a world where public patience is thin and competition for eyeballs is fierce, they’ll need to deliver something that’s not just talked about — but truly worth watching.

Until the deal is officially signed and the first project hits screens, the jury remains out. What’s certain is that, for better or worse, the world will be watching.