What once seemed like a promising partnership between Netflix and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is now reportedly heading toward a quiet expiration.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s $100 million deal with the streaming giant appears to be running out of steam, especially after their latest content releases failed to make a splash with viewers.
Disappointing Numbers and Low Interest in Recent Projects
Despite Meghan’s high-profile status and strong publicity, her recent lifestyle show With Love, Meghan didn’t even make it into Netflix’s top 300 programs for the first half of 2025.
Even reruns of Suits—the series that helped launch her career—performed far better.
Meanwhile, Harry’s polo-focused documentary was ranked a shocking 3,436 out of 7,000 titles and reportedly drew just half a million viewers in six months.
Although Meghan had excitedly announced a second season of With Love, Meghan, insiders claim the writing is on the wall.
One Netflix source said bluntly, “This deal is dead,” citing poor performance despite all the media attention and built-in audience they started with.
Experts Say the Couple’s Star Power Is No Longer Enough
Entertainment insiders believe Netflix is unlikely to renew its contract with the Sussexes once it ends.
A former magazine editor described the couple’s journey from “buzz-worthy to background noise,” emphasizing how public interest in their content has dropped significantly.
There’s speculation that Netflix might keep the door open slightly—perhaps for a future docuseries if Meghan and Harry ever separate.
But for now, beyond their hit documentary Harry & Meghan, most of their efforts have been labeled commercial misfires.
Harsh Branding Criticism From Marketing Pros
Brand experts haven’t held back either.
Canadian lawyer Phillip Millar and California-based marketer Camille Moore—hosts of The Art of the Brand podcast—labeled Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, a strategic mess.
Millar accused her of pretending to be something she’s not, calling the brand a “fraud” and the team behind it a “confederacy of dunces.”
He argued that her attempt to present herself as a domestic guru didn’t resonate because it lacked authenticity.
“She should embrace being a disruptor,” he suggested, saying her real strength lies in stirring up conversations and being bold—not baking or promoting jam.
The Struggle to Monetize Social Media
When Meghan first started promoting products via the ShopMy platform—an influencer-friendly e-commerce site—it looked like she might cash in effortlessly.
She shared links to her favorite clothes, makeup, and even items from her Netflix show.
But after an early burst of activity, she went silent.
Her ShopMy ranking reportedly dropped from “icon” to “enthusiast,” a sign that her influence on the platform had diminished.
According to a source close to her, Meghan isn’t focused on quick influencer earnings and is prioritizing the development of As Ever.
However, critics argue that she’s missing easy opportunities to generate income.
Living Large Comes with a Hefty Price Tag
Maintaining a luxurious lifestyle in Montecito isn’t cheap.
After leaving the Royal Family, Meghan and Harry purchased their $14.65 million home in California and began building their own commercial empire.
But that dream requires a lot of upkeep.
With mortgage payments estimated at $480,000 annually, plus taxes, staff, and millions in security costs, their yearly expenses reportedly exceed $4 million.
Their production company, Archewell, also requires significant funding—said to be around $3 million per year.
Though they’ve earned millions from Netflix and Spotify, insiders claim much of it went toward production rather than their personal bank accounts.
One source estimates they’ve retained only $10 million to $15 million for themselves over the course of the five-year Netflix deal.
Netflix Got One Big Win, but Not Much Else
The only real hit of the Sussex-Netflix partnership was the Harry & Meghan docuseries, which gave viewers an insider’s look into their dramatic royal exit.
Netflix paid a premium for that success, and although the rest of the deal hasn’t delivered similar results, the streaming service doesn’t seem too disappointed.
A source familiar with the financials said Netflix likely spent around $40 million more than it earned from the overall deal, but it got the media buzz it craved from the documentary.
Everything else—including With Love, Meghan—was essentially a bonus that didn’t pan out.
Is a Royal Reconciliation Part of a Bigger Plan?
As Meghan and Harry’s U.S. media ventures stumble, some reports suggest they’re looking to rebuild ties with the Royal Family.
Two of their team members were recently spotted meeting with King Charles’ aide, raising eyebrows about what might be brewing behind the scenes.
While sources insist the couple is happy raising their family in Montecito, there’s growing speculation that reconnecting with the royals could be more than just personal—it might also be financial.
After all, King Charles once covered their expenses, including Meghan’s wardrobe.
What’s Next for Meghan and Harry?
Despite setbacks, Meghan and Harry aren’t giving up on their brand.
As Ever, originally launched as American Riviera Orchard, remains a central part of Meghan’s business focus.
Her team continues to push the brand on social media, although results so far have been mixed.
As their lucrative Netflix deal draws to a close, fans and critics alike are left wondering: will the couple pivot, double down, or forge a new path entirely?
One thing’s certain—the road to independence hasn’t been smooth, and the next chapter could be make-or-break.