When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed their blockbuster Netflix deal in 2020, it was positioned as a bold new Hollywood chapter. Five years later, that partnership is facing serious questions.
According to a new report from Variety, multiple well-placed sources say the relationship between the Sussexes and the streaming giant has been far from smooth. One Netflix insider summed up the internal vibe bluntly: “The mood in the building is ‘We’re done.’”
The Sarandos claim
© GettyThe most eyebrow-raising allegation involves Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Two sources told Variety that Sarandos recently said he would not get on a call with Meghan unless a lawyer was present. The sources were unclear whether he was joking.
Netflix quickly pushed back. A spokesperson called the claim “absolutely inaccurate.” Meghan and Harry’s attorney, Michael J. Kump, was even more direct, telling Variety, “This is blatantly false. In fact, Meghan texts and speaks with Mr. Sarandos regularly, and has been to his home, sans lawyers.”
Sources also noted that Sarandos and his wife, Nicole Avant, socialize with the couple and are neighbors in Montecito, further complicating the narrative of a total breakdown.
What went wrong?
© GettyStill, frustration appears to be building behind the scenes. Sources told Variety that Netflix executives have grown exhausted of what they describe as repeated retellings of the Sussexes’ royal exit story. Their company, Archewell Productions, originally launched to create scripted and unscripted content, but they noted that the past 18 months have largely shifted focus toward Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Last week, Netflix divested from the consumer venture after helping fund its launch. That decision fueled speculation that the overall partnership may be tapering off.
Ratings have not helped matters. The second batch of episodes from With Love, Meghan reportedly underperformed compared to its initial release. While a Netflix insider insisted the numbers were “on par with other lifestyle series,” others say doubts have grown about whether e-commerce-driven content is the right long-term play.
There were also reports that Netflix was left with surplus As Ever inventory valued at over $10 million, with some items allegedly distributed internally for free. An Archewell spokesperson maintained that giveaways from sample closets are standard practice.
What’s next
Despite the tension, Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria publicly defended the partnership, calling Archewell “a thoughtful and collaborative partner” and saying the streamer has “really enjoyed working with Harry and Meghan.”
For now, the deal remains intact. But as insiders describe mounting fatigue and mixed results, the once-fairy tale Hollywood alliance between the Sussexes and Netflix appears to be entering a far more complicated phase.
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