Netflix chief hails Meghan and Harry documentary as 'successful on every measure' amid first-look deal

Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos said Meghan Markle has a remarkable influence and that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's documentary Harry & Meghan was 'one of the most watched documentaries we've ever had' and 'successful in every measure,' remarks he made on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast. The comments come as the couple began a multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects with Netflix in August, a move some analysts described as a downgrade from their earlier $100 million contract. Sarandos also praised Meghan for her ability to move consumer products tied to the shows, noting items such as edible flowers and jam sold through her As Ever shop.

Meghan's second season of With Love, Meghan has drawn mixed reviews and failed to top Netflix's global charts, instead peaking at 136 in the Netflix chart within two weeks of its release. Critics varied in tone: some outlets highlighted perceived flaws in the season, while others acknowledged Meghan's earnest approach. The Daily Mail's Liz Jones described the season as 'staged, fake and dull' but praised Meghan for being genuinely earnest. The Guardian called the show 'boring' and 'contrived,' The Telegraph labeled the Duchess a 'Montecito Marie Antoinette,' and The Times described the eight-part series as 'a series in search of a meaning, fronted by a woman in need of some cash.'

Beyond With Love, Meghan, Netflix has a broader slate, including Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, and other projects in development across genres. The service has previously released the first series of With Love, Meghan, as well as Polo, Heart of Invictus, Live to Lead and the couple's bombshell documentary Harry & Meghan, while continuing a collaboration with Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever. In August, the couple's new deal was described by some observers as a downgrade from the earlier arrangement that helped fuel a wave of high-profile content from the pair.

Five years ago, Harry and Meghan secured a lucrative contract thought to be worth about $100 million with Netflix after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. A Sussex source told Newsweek that demand for Meghan's products remained strong and that Netflix would not compromise on quality to increase availability, though the supply chain needed to catch up with demand. The source stressed that the collaboration would continue to emphasize high-quality content rather than quick wins.

The Netflix arrangement also includes a December Christmas special, and a broader development slate that Netflix describes as 'active development' on projects spanning multiple genres. The Mail has reached out to Harry and Meghan's representatives for comment.