Netflix should have focused its new deal primarily on Meghan Markle, a broadcaster has claimed in light of The Sussexes striking up a new “first-look” deal with the streaming giant this week. Prince Harry and Meghan previously secured a lucrative five-year contract, thought to be worth more than $100 million (£74 million) with Netflix after quitting royal duties 2020.
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Express columnist Esther Krakue said she thought the streaming giant should have “sunk” its funds into Meghan instead. She said: “Even though she’s not entertaining the way that she thinks she is. Harry just has, there’s just nothing to him in terms of entertainment value.” She added: “And I think this is probably why Netflix are like, yeah, let’s deal with the wife.”
According to a press release issued by Archewell Productions and shared by Netflix, With Love, Meghan “debuted in the Global Top 10 TV list and reached the Top 10 in 24 countries. The show had 5.3M views in the first half of 2025, making it Netflix’s most-watched culinary show since its release”.
Meghan issued a statement, following the announcement:”We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand.
“My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”
Meanwhile, Netflix’s chief content officer said: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself — Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series.
“More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As ever line consistently selling out in record time. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”
It is understood Netflix will only pay for projects they want to screen, rather than pay in a single multi-million pound agreement like the one signed in 2020.
The deal was also described as a “downgrade” by PR expert Mark Borkowski. He told the Mail: “I think Netflix has done a very neat job of pivoting away from two very expensive people who didn’t deliver, and they’ve taken that deal off the table, and they’ve given them a modest one.
“It’s not like they’re gradually uncoupling – it’s a downgrade. Netflix are not going to expose themselves to those budgets again. It’s Netflix saying, ‘Let’s have a look at your content, but we’ll pick and choose, mate’.”
