Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Netflix Dealings and ‘With Love, Meghan’ Future

Recent reports detail the current state of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship with Netflix, with both the couple and the streaming service issuing denials to some of the allegations. But, updates regarding Markle’s lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” have emerged.

‘With Love, Meghan’ to Continue as Seasonal Specials

A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to Variety that “’With Love, Meghan’ will continue as seasonal specials.” [1] The series, which aired two seasons and a holiday special in 2022, has not yet been renewed for a third season.

In October 2023, Meghan Markle discussed the potential for future iterations of the show at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, exploring different content formats and lengths to cater to audience preferences. [1]

As Ever Brand Independence

Earlier in March 2024, Netflix and As Ever, Markle’s lifestyle brand, announced a parting of ways. [1] As Ever expressed gratitude for Netflix’s initial partnership and stated its readiness to operate independently, with plans for future growth. Netflix affirmed its support for Markle’s vision and looked forward to her continued success.

Reported Tensions with Netflix Executives

According to a Variety report, sources indicated potential tensions between the Sussexes and Netflix leadership. Three insiders claimed Netflix chief Ted Sarandos was “fed up” with the couple and chief content officer Bela Bajaria was reportedly “weary of the Sussex pact.” [3] However, Netflix refuted these claims, stating that Sarandos and Bajaria maintained faith in the couple and enjoyed their collaborative partnership.

Bajaria stated, “Archewell has been a thoughtful and collaborative partner, and we’ve really enjoyed working with Harry and Meghan. They’re deeply engaged in the storytelling process and bring a unique, global perspective that aligns with the kinds of impactful projects our members respond to.”[3]

Allegations of Disagreements During Meetings

The Variety report also alleged that during meetings, Meghan Markle would “talk over or recast Prince Harry’s thoughts, sometimes while he is mid-sentence,” accompanied by physical gestures. [3] Prince Harry and the couple’s lawyer, Michael J. Kump, strongly denied these claims, characterizing them as “categorically false” and misogynistic. [3]

The report further suggested that Netflix felt blindsided by the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, and the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, desiring to reserve exclusive details for their docuseries, Harry & Meghan. [3] The Sussexes’ spokesperson countered that Netflix was fully aware of both events and engaged in open communication regarding timing.

‘Harry & Meghan’ Docuseries Performance

The Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022, covered the couple’s relationship and decision to step back as working members of the British royal family. [1] The series consisted of six episodes and included interviews with family, friends, historians, and journalists. [1] It achieved the biggest debut for a Netflix documentary, garnering 81.6 million hours watched in its first four days and reaching 28.7 million households. [1] It was also the most-watched premiere for a Netflix show in the United Kingdom in 2022. [1]