In a surprising development that could reshape the next chapter of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Hollywood journey, reports suggest that their high-profile multi-year contract with Netflix is set to expire this September — and it might not be renewed. Once hailed as a groundbreaking move that would redefine the relationship between royalty and entertainment, the $100 million deal now stands at a critical crossroads.

Signed in 2020, just months after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal duties, the Netflix deal promised a new frontier. Through their Archewell Productions company, the couple pledged to deliver documentaries, scripted series, feature films, and children’s programming. The world waited with bated breath to see how Meghan and Harry would reinvent themselves in the global spotlight — not as royals, but as storytellers, activists, and producers.

Fast forward to 2025, and the reality appears more complicated. While their first documentary series, Harry & Meghan, launched in December 2022 to both acclaim and controversy, the overall output of content from Archewell has been limited. The six-part docuseries provided an intimate, sometimes painful look into the couple’s exit from royal life, complete with revelations that polarized audiences and further distanced them from the British royal family. It was undeniably a cultural moment, but whether it was enough to anchor a long-term creative partnership remains in question.

Netflix, a company known for swift decisions and results-driven evaluations, reportedly has concerns about the return on investment. Despite the initial buzz and headlines, the couple’s production slate hasn’t delivered the consistent stream of content the platform expected. Industry insiders suggest that without more engaging and frequent releases, there’s little incentive to renew a deal of this magnitude.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Netflix hasn’t closed the door entirely. There’s still one significant condition that could sway the decision in Meghan and Harry’s favor: deliver a standout, globally appealing hit project before the deal runs out.

That condition — one final shot at redemption — could be the couple’s last lifeline in Hollywood’s competitive media landscape.

Rumors have swirled about what that game-changing project could be. Some speculate it could be a hard-hitting documentary about mental health, an issue close to Harry’s heart. Others hint at a possible scripted drama series based on themes of fame, media, and privacy — echoing the couple’s real-life struggles. Meghan has also reportedly explored children’s content and lifestyle programming, while Harry has spoken of documentary work connected to his Invictus Games initiative.

But creating a universally compelling production in such a short time frame is a monumental task, even for seasoned veterans. For Meghan and Harry — still relatively new to the entertainment production world — the pressure is immense. Failure to meet Netflix’s expectations may not just mean the end of a lucrative contract; it could signal a turning point in their entire public trajectory.

Still, the Duke and Duchess are no strangers to adversity. Their departure from the British royal family, their relocation to California, and their public redefinition of identity have all been marked by high stakes, relentless scrutiny, and repeated reinvention. Could this be just another hurdle they’re prepared to overcome?

For Netflix, the decision also comes with its own risks. Despite the lack of volume, Meghan and Harry’s name continues to draw attention and controversy — both valuable commodities in the streaming wars. Their presence on the platform keeps global audiences talking. Letting them go might mean sacrificing a unique brand of buzz that no other creators can replicate.

Ultimately, whether this partnership ends or evolves will depend not on past interviews or royal gossip, but on a single project — one final chance to prove that Meghan and Harry can deliver not just drama, but compelling, resonant storytelling that reaches beyond the headlines.

The clock is ticking. September looms large. And the world is once again watching.