When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first signed their massive $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, it was seen as their big break. The world watched as the couple, fresh from their royal exit, promised to create inspiring and powerful content that reflected their values and voices. But just five years later, that ambitious deal has quietly come to an end—and it’s left many wondering whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter or the start of a slow unraveling for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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The couple’s production company, Archewell Productions, had a golden ticket. With global attention, Hollywood buzz, and the Netflix logo behind them, it seemed like the perfect setup. Their first release, Harry & Meghan, broke records. The six-part docuseries became the most-watched documentary debut in Netflix history, attracting more than 81 million hours of watch time in just the first four days.
But the numbers told a different story as time went on. In the UK, where the royal family’s influence is most powerful, viewership dropped drastically. The first episode had 2.4 million viewers. By the third, that number fell to 800,000. And in the U.S., the show ranked only 95th in terms of enjoyment. Audiences were curious—but they weren’t impressed.
After the initial buzz faded, the rest of the couple’s Netflix content failed to make the same splash. Harry’s Heart of Invictus, Meghan’s Live to Lead, and their animated show Pearl either went unnoticed or were scrapped before release. In 2025, Meghan’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan was released, but it flopped—ranking 383rd globally and disappearing from trending lists almost instantly. Another documentary, focused on polo, barely scratched half a million views.
As one insider put it, “Things have just run their course.” Netflix didn’t renew the deal. And according to reports, both sides agreed it was time to move on.
But this wasn’t just another entertainment contract ending. For Meghan and Harry, this deal was a key part of their financial independence from the royal family. With the Netflix agreement now closed and their Spotify deal having ended previously after just one podcast season, the question many are asking is—what now?
Their critics are already circling. Some say the couple overpromised and underdelivered. Others suggest the world has simply grown tired of their royal drama and wants something new. Online reactions to their content have been mixed at best. Some viewers praised the authenticity of their story; others called it “tone-deaf” and “boring.” On Reddit and social media, fans of the royal family often mocked the couple’s attempt at Hollywood stardom, saying their shows felt more like outdated lifestyle blogs than gripping entertainment.
Still, not everything is lost. Netflix will still release Season 2 of With Love, Meghan this fall, as it was already filmed under the original deal. And Meghan’s upcoming brand, reportedly called “As Ever,” may still involve some promotional tie-ins with the streaming giant. There’s also talk of new opportunities with other platforms like Amazon Prime or Paramount+. But none of these have been confirmed.
Financially, however, the stakes are rising. Their luxurious Montecito home, security staff, and team of employees all come at a cost. Without another big media contract, the Sussexes will need to get creative. Reports suggest they’re exploring real estate investments, brand partnerships, and other entrepreneurial ventures. Some insiders claim they’re even considering a move to Portugal for a quieter, more affordable life.
And while Harry remains focused on his mental health advocacy and the Invictus Games, Meghan is trying to carve out a space in the lifestyle and fashion world, separate from her royal identity.
The end of their Netflix deal doesn’t mean the end of their journey—but it does mark a dramatic turning point. They entered the entertainment industry with global headlines and high expectations. What followed was a mixed bag—one major success and a string of underwhelming efforts.
Now, stripped of the safety net of a massive streaming contract, they’ll have to prove themselves all over again.
Will they reinvent their image? Will the world give them another chance?
Or was the Netflix dream just a short-lived fairy tale in their post-royal life?
The next chapter hasn’t been written yet—but for the first time in a long time, it won’t be funded by $100 million.