Takeaways:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s $100 million Netflix deal will not be renewed after it expires in September 2025.
- Netflix is shifting to project-based deals, phasing out long-term exclusive partnerships.
- Season 2 of With Love, Meghan remains unaffected and will premiere this fall.
- The couple’s early content performed well, but later projects underperformed.
- Future collaborations between Netflix and the Sussexes are still possible on a per-project basis.
In a major shakeup in the streaming world, Netflix has decided not to renew its five-year, $100 million deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The agreement, signed in 2020 under their Archewell Productions banner, was once seen as a landmark partnership between Hollywood and British royalty. Now, the couple joins a growing list of celebrities adjusting to a more agile, project-based entertainment industry.
Why the Netflix Deal is Ending
1. Changing Content Strategies
Netflix is evolving. Instead of long-term, high-stakes deals, the platform is prioritizing flexibility and performance. The streaming giant has moved away from exclusive mega-deals with high-profile names in favor of project-by-project collaborations. This allows for more dynamic production models that can pivot quickly based on audience demand.
2. Mixed Content Results
The couple’s debut docuseries Harry & Meghan was a record-breaking hit, racking up over 80 million viewing hours in just a few days. However, later offerings like Heart of Invictus, Polo, and With Love, Meghan failed to generate similar impact.
Some of their newer shows received mixed reviews and underwhelming viewership, making it difficult to justify continuing such a large-scale agreement. This performance disparity played a key role in the decision not to renew.
3. Mutual and Amicable Decision
There’s no sign of friction between Netflix and the Sussexes. According to industry insiders, the split is mutual and amicable. Both parties are open to future collaborations, but no longer bound by exclusivity or long-term commitments.
What’s Next for the Sussexes
Season 2 of With Love, Meghan
The second season has already been filmed and is expected to debut this fall. Despite the end of the broader deal, Netflix is honoring its commitment to the project.
Open Doors to New Platforms
With the Netflix deal concluding, Harry and Meghan are free to explore other platforms such as Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video. This could lead to new opportunities in documentaries, scripted content, or branded lifestyle programming.
Archewell Productions Remains Active
The couple’s production company, Archewell Productions, continues to operate independently. This allows them to pitch ideas to a range of buyers, develop original content, and build a diverse portfolio beyond just streaming.
Brand Diversification
Beyond media, Meghan is developing a lifestyle brand with growing ties to digital content and merchandising. This move could open up collaborations beyond traditional film and TV, including branded documentaries, live events, and consumer-facing experiences.
Industry Shift: The Rise of Project-Based Deals
The end of the Sussexes’ Netflix deal highlights a broader shift in the entertainment industry. Long gone are the days of guaranteed multi-year partnerships with fixed budgets. Today, streaming platforms demand proof of performance—and quickly.
This new landscape values flexibility, short-form series, and high-engagement storytelling. For entertainment professionals, it’s a reminder that adaptability is key—and content must consistently deliver value to remain viable.
What This Means for Aspiring Creators
For filmmakers, actors, and producers looking to break into the industry, this development offers key takeaways:
- Performance over prestige: Even royalty needs numbers. Engagement and audience retention matter more than name recognition alone.
- Pitch-ready content wins: With studios more selective, creators should focus on crafting pitch decks and pilot episodes that prove value up front.
- Stay flexible: Project-based deals require adaptability. Be ready to pivot formats or platforms based on feedback and trends.
Final Thoughts
The end of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix contract doesn’t close the curtain on their entertainment career—it simply marks the end of one chapter. As the industry leans toward shorter, performance-driven partnerships, the Sussexes are now positioned to explore more targeted and innovative projects.
Whether they return to Netflix or branch out to new platforms, the entertainment world—and the audience—is watching closely.
