The story about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s $100 million Netflix deal was bound to have the U.K. tabloids salivating — they’ve been waiting for this day. But beneath the negativity is a reality that many in Hollywood are facing, and it’s not a Sussex issue.
On July 23, The Sun kicked off the news that the royal duo’s deal would end permanently in September. “The deal is done; no more shows will be made,” an insider told the publication. “Netflix feels they’ve got all they can from the couple.” The source noted that while the Harry & Meghan docuseries was a big success, “the content got weaker from there.”
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The streamer’s July 17 Engagement Report showed that Prince Harry’s Polo docuseries was a bomb while his wife’s lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, found middle ground with viewers. Still, Netflix is in business with the Duchess of Sussex for her As Ever brand products, which still makes her valuable to the network.
Meghan Markle.
Jake Rosenberg/Netflix ©2025.
While the British media wants to make the deal termination all about Meghan and Harry, the truth is more about the finances of Hollywood in 2025. Netflix is no longer entering into massive, big-budget production deals with stars. As People pointed out, Barack and Michelle Obama found their massive contract morph into a standard first-look agreement.
The Sun insider also noted the duo’s current relationship with the streamer, “There’s no animosity from either side. Things have just run their course.” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has been a big cheerleader for the Sussexes, and it is likely that their relationship will continue on a smaller basis. Still, the second season of With Love, Meghan will likely need to show some ratings improvements in order to nab a third season pickup.
Sarandos explained what Netflix is looking for from all of their series at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City in September 2024 — he’s a big fan of transparency. “Put the number out there so that talent can see it, so that agents can see it, so that the press can see it, and know what’s a hit and what’s a miss,” he said, per Deadline.
So, don’t be misled by Prince Harry and Meghan headlines; their deal is the result of the economic downsizing of Hollywood. It makes more sense for Netflix to do a one-off deal with them instead of an oversized Hollywood contract.
Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.
