‘This deal is dead’: Here’s why Netflix is scrapping contract with Harry and Meghan

Months after leaving the Royal Family in 2020, Harry and Meghan had already forged their new career paths as Netflix content creators.

However, reports have claimed that the streaming giant has decided not to renew their deal with the couple when it comes to an end later this year, with both parties agreeing to keep quiet about the end of the contract.

Netflix reportedly paid £78 million for the pair to commission programmes for the streaming service under their production company, Archewell Productions, named after their son.

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Whilst the partnership brought initial success as the docuseries Harry & Meghan became the UK’s most viewed Netflix show in 2022, it seems the public was only interested in the infamous family drama.

Following the highly watched documentary, Harry and Meghan began work on their own projects. However, Netflix’s What We Watched report shows how recent shows produced by the couple have underperformed. Harry’s documentary Polo was watched by a mere 500,000 viewers over six months. Similarly, Meghan’s With Love, Meghan lifestyle series failed to reach even Netflix’s Top 300 during the first half of 2025. Meaning she was beaten by multiple old series of Suits, the legal drama she had once starred in.

A Netflix source spoke to the Daily Mail about the ex-royals’ wasted potential, saying: “This deal is dead. She had everything going for her—name, platform, press—and the numbers were dismal.

“They’re just waiting for the credits to roll. They’re letting it expire without drama. There’s no appetite for anything new.”

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However, low viewing ratings aren’t the only reason for Netflix calling it quits with the former royals.

Recently, Meghan released her lifestyle series to coincide with the launch of her brand, As Ever, a range of food products. But according to The Sun, Meghan has been described by viewers as “out of touch”, with the programme and product range feeling disingenuous.

Whilst a second season of With Love, Meghan will air this summer, reports have suggested that seasons were filmed back-to-back so the news shouldn’t be taken as a sign of Netflix rethinking their decision.

Interestingly, Netflix has recently signed a deal with King Charles and actor Idris Elba to create a documentary focusing on the charity The King’s Trust. Perhaps the streaming company has set its eyes on a fresh set of royals.

Nevertheless, a source from Netflix has claimed they are still eager to keep in contact with the couple in case of a split, so they can have first dibs on a documentary.

Featured image via Netflix