Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Serve Sussex Fans Another Netflix Documentary Dud With 'POLO': 'When Will They Learn?'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new Netflix outing POLO is galloping for viewers, but if critical reactions and social media are anything to go by, the royal rebels are "characteristically in place for another dud."

One viewer on X wrote, "They honestly think people want to see a nonfiction series about polo? Unless you can play it in high school most people don't give a s---."

The latest Duke and Duchess of Sussex endeavor takes viewers into the world of the 2024 U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Fla. The five-part docuseries attempts to reframe polo as a sport of grit and community, distancing it from its longstanding reputation as a pastime for the ultra-rich.

Showrunner Miloš Balać praised Harry and Meghan for their active involvement, calling them "wonderful to work with" and highlighting their commitment to reshaping perceptions of polo. "Harry’s expertise and Meghan’s fresh perspective combined to tell a story that’s both authentic and engaging," he shared.

The series features players like Nacho Figueras and Adolfo Cambiaso, showcasing the dedication and familial bonds within the sport.

While the series captures the beauty and complexity of polo, the criticism seems to be outweighing the praise.

Another X user wrote, "How out of touch can they be? A series about polo during a cost-of-living crisis feels tone-deaf" while another said, "It’s glossy, but who is this for? Most people can’t relate to this world."

Mainstream critics echoed these sentiments, with The Telegraph dismissing the show as a "dull indulgence" and The Guardian labeling it "unintentionally comedic."

Despite its criticisms, POLO has moments of emotional resonance for some fans, but one viewer felt "it is just manufactured garbage from an ex-actress who seems to think people can't tell how fake she is."

The final episode, set at a charity match benefiting Sentebale, captures Meghan passionately cheering for Harry. Their affectionate post-match exchange, including Meghan presenting Harry with a trophy, offers a glimpse into their personal lives that left one fan on X "feeling all warm and tingly."

While some fans found this touching, others accused the couple of staging these moments for the cameras. "Is this a documentary or a vanity project?" one viewer questioned on Instagram.

Royal commentator Phil Dampier weighed in, saying, "It’s hard to see how a documentary about a sport only wealthy people play will resonate with everyday viewers."

Regardless of reception, the series reflects Harry and Meghan’s ongoing effort to carve out a space in media that aligns with their passions. While the response has been divisive, the series underscores their willingness to take creative risks, or in the words of one detractor, "indulge themselves with no care for creating relevant content."

Whether loved or critiqued, the docuseries highlights the Montecito twosome's commitment to blending personal interest with storytelling, even as it navigates a challenging reception.

Daily Express reported on fan reactions to POLO.