In a dramatic turn of events, Netflix has officially severed its $100 million partnership with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, marking the end of a highly publicized venture that began with lofty promises in 2020. The decision, announced in July 2025, comes after months of reported behind-the-scenes turmoil, disappointing viewership figures, and what industry insiders describe as “executive-level chaos.” Despite the completion of a second season of Meghan’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, Netflix executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters have opted not to renew the couple’s contract, citing challenges ranging from alleged difficult behavior to a lack of audience engagement. As Hollywood whispers of Meghan’s diminishing star power, this fallout raises questions about her future in the entertainment industry and the viability of her media empire.

The Rise and Fall of a $100 Million Deal

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed their multi-year deal with Netflix in September 2020, it was heralded as a bold new chapter for the former royals. Fresh from their departure from the British monarchy, the couple promised to deliver compelling documentaries, scripted shows, and children’s programming through their production company, Archewell Productions. The $100 million agreement was seen as a golden opportunity for Meghan, a former actress known for her role in Suits, to establish herself as a media mogul. Their debut project, the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, became Netflix’s most-watched documentary, amassing millions of views and sparking global conversation.

However, subsequent projects failed to replicate this success. Heart of Invictus, a documentary focused on Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, and Polo, another Harry-led project, ranked dismally, with Polo garnering only 500,000 views and placing 3,436th out of 7,000 shows in Netflix’s internal charts. Meghan’s flagship series, With Love, Meghan, premiered in March 2025 to significant fanfare but quickly faltered. Despite briefly ranking in Netflix’s global Top 10, the show amassed only 5.3 million views in the first half of 2025, landing at No. 383 on the streamer’s engagement report. Critics panned it as “inauthentic” and “self-absorbed,” with a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a mere 3.2 on IMDb. The series’ lackluster performance, coupled with internal strife, set the stage for the partnership’s collapse.

Behind-the-Scenes Chaos: A “Toxic Asset”

Insiders paint a grim picture of the production process for With Love, Meghan. Sources describe a chaotic environment marked by reshoots, creative disagreements, and escalating tensions with Netflix executives. Meghan, who served as both host and executive producer, reportedly clashed with producers over minor aesthetic details, leading to delays and ballooning budgets. Crew members allegedly quit quietly, and marketing teams struggled to promote a show that lacked “usable footage” for compelling trailers. One insider labeled the series a “toxic asset,” with Netflix minimizing promotional efforts to cut losses.

The tipping point came during a test screening of the second season, set to air in fall 2025. Audience feedback was brutal, with viewers calling the show “manipulative” and “disconnected.” Meghan’s emotional reaction to the criticism—described as a tearful meltdown—reportedly intensified tensions. Sources claim she stormed into Netflix headquarters, demanding emergency meetings and accusing executives of betrayal, only to be escorted out through a private entrance to avoid media attention. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, once a vocal supporter of Meghan, reportedly cut off direct communication, routing all correspondence through her management.

Allegations of Difficult Behavior

Meghan’s conduct has drawn significant scrutiny, with insiders alleging behavior that ranged from emotional outbursts to unprofessional demands. Reports suggest she refused to leave her trailer unless “begged” and appeared unprepared or disengaged during shoots. One particularly controversial incident involved Meghan allegedly taking crates of wine from a California winery set for personal use, further straining relations with the crew. Her reported attempt to pitch a second season with a “more relatable” direction was met with a firm rejection from Netflix, with executives allegedly stating, “We are tired of you.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Meghan’s unauthorized social media campaign—a music video parody mocking Hollywood executives, filmed partly on Netflix property without clearance—triggered a legal response from the streamer. The video, featuring Meghan dressed as a caricature of male executives, was intended as a feminist statement but was deemed confrontational and unprofessional, further damaging her reputation. Industry sources describe this as a “desperate attempt to reclaim relevance” that instead “burned her last bridge” with Netflix.

Dwindling Viewership and Public Backlash

The public’s response to With Love, Meghan has been equally damning. Despite featuring high-profile guests like Mindy Kaling and Chrissy Teigen, the show struggled to maintain viewership after its initial buzz. Critics argued that Meghan’s focus on herself—evidenced by moments like correcting Kaling for using her maiden name—undermined the show’s potential to connect with audiences. Social media reactions echoed this sentiment, with comments labeling Meghan as “phony” and “unrelatable.” The show’s failure to crack Netflix’s top 300 programs underscored its inability to resonate in a competitive streaming market.

Meghan’s broader media ventures have faced similar challenges. Her Spotify podcast Archetypes ended abruptly after 12 episodes, with a senior executive calling the couple “grifters.” Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, launched alongside With Love, Meghan but has been criticized as a poorly executed attempt to capitalize on her fame. Industry experts have labeled it one of the “worst brand executions” to date, further eroding her credibility.

Hollywood’s Cold Shoulder

The fallout from the Netflix split has reverberated across Hollywood. Studio executives are reportedly wary of working with Meghan, citing her “brand baggage” and reputation for being “difficult to work with.” Multiple A-list celebrities allegedly declined cameos in a proposed Netflix sitcom co-developed with Sarandos, and other studios, including Paramount+, are hesitant to offer even minor deals. Insiders suggest that Meghan’s reliance on her royal status and victim narrative no longer captivates audiences or executives, who prioritize authenticity and measurable results.

Prince Harry’s projects, while less controversial, have also underperformed, with Heart of Invictus and Polo failing to gain traction. However, sources indicate that Harry has taken a step back from the spotlight, focusing on mental health and environmental documentaries that may align with a new, smaller-scale Netflix deal. Meghan, meanwhile, appears determined to salvage her Hollywood career, with reports of her exploring opportunities with platforms like Hulu or Disney and even considering a role on The View.

Financial and Personal Stakes

The end of the Netflix deal poses significant financial challenges for the Sussexes. Their $14.65 million Montecito home carries a $9.5 million mortgage and $288,000 in annual property taxes, with Archewell Productions costing an estimated $3 million annually to operate. The couple has reportedly parted ways with 25 staff members since 2020, raising questions about their ability to sustain their lifestyle without major media contracts. Meghan’s insistence on staying in the spotlight—“I am here to stay,” she declared—has been met with skepticism, with some viewing it as desperation rather than resilience.

A Curtain Call or a New Beginning?

As With Love, Meghan’s second season prepares to air, it is widely seen as a “curtain call” rather than a comeback. Netflix’s decision to move forward with the release is attributed to sunk costs rather than confidence in its success. While the streamer remains an equity partner in Meghan’s As Ever brand, its reluctance to invest in new projects signals a broader shift in Hollywood’s perception of the Sussexes. The couple’s initial success with Harry & Meghan proved their ability to generate buzz, but sustaining that momentum has proven elusive.

Meghan’s Hollywood journey reflects the challenges of transitioning from royal fame to industry relevance. Her story, once framed as a fairytale, now serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of celebrity privilege in a results-driven industry. As doors close and opportunities dwindle, Meghan faces a pivotal moment: adapt and deliver authentic, impactful content, or risk fading into obscurity. For now, Hollywood appears to have moved on, leaving Meghan to navigate an uncertain future in an industry that demands more than a title to succeed.