Meghan Markle’s relationship with Netflix appears to be facing renewed scrutiny, with fresh developments suggesting the once high-profile partnership may be nearing its end. The latest shift centers on a subtle but telling move involving Ted Sarandos, which has sparked widespread industry speculation.
Reports indicate that Sarandos has quietly unfollowed Meghan Markle on social media. The decision, while not officially addressed, has been interpreted by insiders as a sign of growing distance between the streaming giant and the Duchess of Sussex. The move has reportedly also been mirrored by Bela Bajaria, adding further weight to the narrative that Netflix leadership may be stepping back from its association with the Sussexes.
Inside the $100 Million Netflix Deal That Started It All
Back in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a reported $100 million, five-year deal with Netflix after stepping away from royal duties. At the time, the agreement was seen as a landmark moment, positioning the couple as major players in Hollywood content production.
Their relationship with Sarandos appeared especially strong in the early days. The couple reportedly stayed with him and his family in Santa Barbara while settling into their Montecito home, underscoring what seemed to be a close personal and professional bond.
Early Success Followed by Declining Momentum
The partnership initially delivered strong results with the 2022 documentary “Harry & Meghan,” which explored their departure from royal life and drew significant global attention. The series was widely viewed and positioned the couple as compelling storytellers in the streaming space.
© Getty ImagesHowever, subsequent projects struggled to replicate that momentum. Titles such as “Live to Lead,” “Heart of Invictus,” and “Polo” failed to generate comparable viewership or cultural impact. Meghan’s lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan” also received mixed reviews across its two-season run, raising questions about long-term audience engagement.
An industry source told Page Six that Meghan’s show “did not continue,” adding that it “did not make sense to progress the partnership.”
Strategic Shifts and a Cooling Partnership
In August, Netflix confirmed it would scale back its arrangement with the Sussexes to a “first look” deal, a notable downgrade from the original agreement. This change signaled a shift in strategy, suggesting the platform was no longer prioritizing the couple’s content in the same way.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesFurther developments followed earlier this month when Netflix confirmed it would no longer continue its partnership with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, “As Ever.” The brand, previously known as “American Riviera Orchard,” had been positioned as a key extension of Meghan’s media and business ambitions.
With Netflix stepping away, Meghan is now expected to operate “As Ever” independently, marking a clear pivot toward a more commercial, product-driven venture outside the streaming ecosystem.
Industry Reactions: “Fed Up” and “Weary”
Behind the scenes, sentiment appears to have shifted significantly. According to insiders who spoke to Variety, Sarandos is now “fed up” with the couple, while Bajaria has reportedly “grown weary of the Sussex pact.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe reported social media unfollowing may seem minor on the surface, but within Hollywood circles, such gestures are often viewed as symbolic. Combined with scaled-back deals, canceled projects, and shifting partnerships, the signs point toward a clear recalibration.
Read the full article here
