Not One But Two Netflix Sussex Shows: Early Reactions to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Streaming Projects Are Not Promising
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have not one, but two new shows in development at Netflix following the "flop" of the Duke of Sussex's Heart of Invictus documentary last summer.
This led one person on X to proclaim: "Oh no, not again," upon reading the streamer's press release.
According to Netflix's statement: "The first series is curated by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and celebrates the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship." Some analysts are reporting this program will tie into the ex-actress' new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
The statement added: "The second series offers unprecedented access to the world of professional polo, shot primarily at the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. The series will pull back the curtain on the sport, known primarily for its aesthetic and social scene, capturing the full story of what it takes to compete at its highest level." This project is reported to be all about Harry, who has played the sport ever since he was a teenager.
Both shows are stated to be in the early stages of production, with titles and release dates to be revealed "in the coming months." One Hollywood insider claimed that Meghan's series will likely premiere on the streamer "around Thanksgiving or Christmas to take full advantage of bored viewers at home for the holidays."
Another user on X observed: "Why is it that there is always a similarity in the people that shout the loudest for Markle? It’s as though that 50 percent is the only thing that matters… I'm bored with it." Another critic shared: "Let them do what they want but not by dragging the U.K. with them. They should both be cut out Of the monarchy like a cancerous tumor... ALL TITLES removed, regardless [of] him being a prince of the blood."
There were not many supportive messages to be found, but one user did state: "I am so excited! I can't wait to watch Meghan show off her culinary skills!"
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a megawatt, reported $100 million dollar deal with Netflix in the autumn of 2020. The contract initially called for documentaries, movies, children's programming and specials highlighting "diversity and inclusion."
The duo struck first with the hit six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan in December 2022, which saw the ex-working royals criticize the British monarchy and certain members. That same month, the pair released Live to Lead, about "global justice activists," which went nowhere.
In August 2023, the Duke's Heart of Invictus docuseries sought to "capitalize on the hype and success of Harry & Meghan," but failed to even crack the streamer's daily top ten for show ratings.
The royal rebels' deal with the streaming giant is set to expire in the fall of 2025.
Sky News Australia reported on Harry and Meghan's Netflix announcement.